The Real Christmas Gift Guide

​As the hordes of frenzied Christmas shoppers descend onto high streets this December it is becoming harder and harder to identify the festive cheer that we are promised this time of year is sure to bring. With the passing of each year, happiness seems to come packaged in increasingly expensive boxes that leave many of us feeling emotionally and financially stressed in the attempt at making sure it can be found under our tree come Christmas morning.
 
But in this hunt for consumerism driven joy many of us are actually losing out on the simple pleasures and fulfillment that can be found in the traditional values of Christmas such as love, kindness and charity.
 
In the words of Dr Seuss,

‘what if Christmas he thought, doesn’t come from a store
What if Christmas perhaps means a little bit more’
 
That is why at Therapy in the City we have put together a list of our top meaningful Christmas gifts that can help to bring true happiness this December to you and all those you choose to share it with.
 
 
TIME
When we think back on the best Christmas of our lives it will be on a rare occasion that memory relates to a material gift. The truly great memories all lead back to a moment shared with family and friends, a time well spent with those we love. This December take time out from work, from social media, from the holiday to do list and give someone the most precious gift of all, your time.
 
HOPE
This year take the time to acknowledge the people within our communities that are struggling this December. Homelessness, isolation and illness effects thousands of people across the country and for many they are forced to endure these hardships alone. This Christmas help to remind the most vulnerable in our society that they are not alone by working and volunteering with one of the many registered charities and organizations that attempt to offer hope and support to those that need it most.
 
CHARITY
Just because you are attempting a more meaningful Christmas does not mean that gift giving is completely off the list. What is does mean is that what you give has more intention. For every Christmas treat you purchase why not donate an item to your local foodbank or for each new gift a child receives why not donate something to a Christmas toy drive in your area. In this way, we can all remember to be mindful of what we truly need and not just want we think we want.
 
KINDNESS
Random acts of Kindness is a phrase that most people will have probably heard. Wikipedia describes it as ‘… a selfless act performed by a person or persons wishing to assist or cheer up an individual… there will generally be no reason other than to make people smile, or be happier.’ We don’t think there could be any better reason than this to give the gift of kindness. From something as simple as a smile and pleasant word to assisting someone with a difficult task, this act is limitless.
 
The best thing about these gifts is that you can give them year after year, month after month. Far from having a sell by date these gifts will last long after the Christmas decorations are packed away. In fact if you choose to, these gifts can last a lifetime.
 
‘I will honour Christmas in my heart and try to keep it all the year’
                                                                                                              Charles Dickens.

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