An Inexpensive Holiday Season ❄️⛄🧣🎁

With Christmas just around the corner, the hustle and bustle of the Holidays is on. Everyone is out doing their last-minute shopping, returning items, and some people can just be flat out rude. For me personally, I avoid going shopping at the malls and outlets because it tends to affect my recovery in a negative way. I tend to get resentful, angry, impatient, and overstimulated. It is hard for me to maintain my peace of mind and patience. So instead of putting myself in a situation that I know won't benefit me, I try to do all my Christmas shopping online. This can also be hard though if everything is going out of stock and I can't find exactly what I'm looking for.

One of the hardest parts about the Holidays is budgeting the money. The average American spends about $900 during the Christmas season (National Retail Federation, 2023) which can be a big dent in our pockets as well as way more than we can afford.

Here is a list of ideas for presents that are under $25 that will still put a smile on people's faces and not create such a big dent in your wallet:

Cozy Comforts
- Thick, fuzzy socks, a warm beanie, or a plush robe
- These gifts are universally appreciated and bring a touch of luxury to everyday life.
Treats and Sweets
- Surprise them with a selection of gourmet coffee, chocolates, flavored popcorn, or a festive tea set.
- Cater to their love for food and enhance their senses with a delicious experience!
Home Decor Accents
- Add a touch of charm and personality to their living space with a scented candle, a decorative vase, a set of coasters, or a framed print.
Practical Essentials
- Help them stay organized and on top of their tasks with a stylish pen set, a portable phone charger, a travel coffee mug, or a set of fun and colorful sticky notes.
Stationery and Journaling
- Encourage their creativity and writing with a beautiful notebook, a set of colorful pens, a bullet journal starter kit, or a sticky note dispenser.

We don't have to spend loads and loads of money this holiday season. Relax and know that any gift coming from you to someone else will mean a lot. Even a homemade card will put a smile on someone's face. Buy what you can afford and if you can't afford anything, then just your presence at a family gathering or an outing will be enough. Your daily commitments to sobriety and recovery are the best gift you could give a family member, a friend, your children, or your significant other.

Happy Holiday Shopping!

🌲🌲🌲