The rand is weak, belts are tightened to the point of almost passing out and prices of practically everything just seem to be going up.
It’s a depressing state of affairs, so what better way to ease our financial pain and strain this festive season than finding ways to make our loved one know we care without spending money?
Luckily, there are simple gestures that can help you show you appreciate the people you love without breaking the bank. Here are a few ideas to take your mind off the tough times and focus on what’s really important – family and friends.
- THOUGHTFUL GIFTS
Exchanging Christmas gifts this year may not be an option because of financial constraints. But it really is the thought that counts. Why not put some photos together in a special album or frame them, or simply place a chocolate on their pillow? The important thing is that they know you’re thinking of them.
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- A WORD OF THANKS
All too often we fail to thank the ones who support us for everything they do, and this is an easy but meaningful way to show them how important they are in your life. You can show your appreciation with a letter, a poem or even personal little Post-it notes scattered around the house.
Or write a message and put it in their pocket or purse so they’ll find it later in the day. Nobody expects handwritten items any more, so it will show you made more of an effort.
- PAINT A PICTURE
If words are not your thing, draw or paint something specially for them. It could be of their favourite place or flower, or a portrait of you and the family or even a pet. It doesn’t have to be a work offine art – the fact you’ve tried to create something especially for them will touch their hearts.
- MOVIE NIGHT
Everyone loves a good movie. Grab the popcorn and snuggle up together on the couch to watch those cheesy holiday movies together
- DIY SPA SERVICE
What better way to pamper someone you love than by mixing your own oils and massaging their tired feet and stiff shoulders? And if you want to go all out, try mixing up one of the many home-made masks you’ll find online and give them a full facial treatment. Or soak and scrub their hands and feet, and transform them with a beautifying manicure and pedicure.
- DEVOTION DAY
Remove the dull chores from their lives and create a day devoted to the things they like to do. Be conscious of what you do and say – no nagging– and put their needs before yours. Not an easy one, but it’ll make you all the more aware of just how much they do for you.
- SPRUCE IT UP
Take an item they love and try to give it a bit of a make-over to give it new life. Your mother may appreciate a bit of embroidery or embellishment on that jacket she refuses to retire or your partner may love you covering a book they’ve read and re-read many times over.
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Changing the fabric on a pillow, framing a picture, painting an old cupboard or changing plant pots are more ways to give new life to much loved items.
- GO ON AN OUTING
Get out of the house and take a trip somewhere – choose a lovely location like a beautiful park, the beach or a museum. Make it a surprise – they’ll appreciate the effort you’ve made to plan and organise everything secretly. Go for a romantic stroll together, and maybe take a picnic and make a day of it.
- MAKE MUSIC
It’s pretty easy to create a playlist for the one you love with the modern technology that’s at our fingertips. Your intended will love it – who can resist something so personal that’s been compiled with just them in mind?
- TIME OUT ALONE
And just as we need to spend time with others, we also need to have some time on our own to chill. Give your loved one some space by freeing them of household and family duties – drop them off somewhere they love being, or take yourself and the kids out so they can have the house to themselves for the morning.
