Christmas isn’t about expensive gifts, but love, joy and kindness
Sincere notes of appreciation and homemade gifts are more meaningful
Looking back on 2020, it has been an exceptionally tough year for people everywhere. Here, we have been busy adapting our advice service to meet social distancing challenges and continue helping Portsmouth residents find a way through their issues.
Now, it is beginning to look a lot like Christmas but for many people it is going to feel very different this year. We all feel similarly restricted and affected by changing circumstances, but we can try to make the very best of the season and the things we can still enjoy.
Here are some heartwarming inspirations and practical tips to avoid the season’s pitfalls and to share some goodwill:
It is people we have missed the most this year.
Focus on appreciating those we love and spend quality time with those we can be with and find unique ways to still celebrate with those we cannot.
The thought counts.
There are many ways to show we care without spending lots of money. Give thoughtful presents, your time and effort. Handmade vouchers or IOUs can be given. Bake a cake or a festive chutney to give as gifts. Make a CD of favourite songs or frame photographs. Create a photo book of times shared (online) or make your own handwritten scrapbook with keepsakes. Recycle unused gifts or donate them, or even pass down an heirloom.
Do what you can, with what you have. There are often temptations and unspoken pressures forcing us to overspend. If you are concerned about money, scale things right down, set an affordable budget and come January you will be glad you did.
One gift is enough. Resist the temptation to buy more than is necessary. If you feel you must give something extra, limit second gifts to something homemade for a personal touch.
Gratitude. Avoid unnecessary gifting where a sincere ‘thank you’ is enough. A heartfelt note: to teachers, colleagues, or hairdressers, is more meaningful.
Home alone. If there is a chance you could be isolated over Christmas, ensure you have support arranged ahead of time. Make use of good friends, close neighbours, and volunteer support services. If you know someone who is going to be isolated, remember to check on them regularly and offer help if you can.
Sharing is caring. Help a charity with food and warm clothing donations. Support a local business by buying from them and get involved with community initiatives, such as a Shoe Box gift appeal or a Beach Clean. And be kind, always.
Don’t forget, we are still here for everyone, whatever the problem.
With our warmest Christmas wishes, Citizens Advice Portsmouth