You may have to skip in-person parties this holiday season, but that doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the mental health benefits of sharing time (and gifts) with loved ones. Virtual get-togethers can be a chance to reap the health benefits of face-to-face time, expressing gratitude for your relationships, and even exchanging gifts. What they shouldn’t be is stressful.
Here’s are some things to consider for gifting during the pandemic:
- Decide early whether you and your troop (whether colleagues, family or friends) will exchange gifts, and remember that true gifting isn’t transactional. 2020 has created exceptional stress for people, and adding to their to-do lists may not help. Don’t be offended if someone doesn’t opt in.
- Keep accessibility in mind: Set low price limits to ease the financial hardships some are facing. (Factor in shipping, where appropriate.)
- Consider alternatives to store-bought items. A talent swap, in which you gift your time teaching a talent, is a nifty way to show off a unique skill and get some 1:1 time with the person receiving it. (Ideas: how to properly cut veggies; how to sketch an illustration; how to use TikTok like a pro.) Or plan a DIY holiday.
- Plan to ship any items sooner rather than later. Delays are likely to happen given heavy holiday volume and COVID-related issues. You can find holiday shipping deadlines here.
- Eliminate shipping concerns by making a donation in the receiver’s name. Researching and selecting a nonprofit that furthers someone’s beliefs and activities can demonstrate a deep knowledge of the receiver’s interests.
- Exchanging cookie recipes, rather than the real thing, could be a sweet alternative to the traditional cookie-decorating party. (Here is advice on shipping food, if you choose to do so.)
- Consider an at-home theme for gifts, to underscore the shared pandemic experience: games, puzzles, or subscriptions can keep the holiday spirit going.
Tags: Self-care