Holiday GIFTS from the HEART
Autumn is my favourite time of year. The leaves are changing and falling, the weather is crisp, and at the end of the day, cozy blankets and sweaters make everything feel just right. Best of all, it ends with the Holiday Season!
Most everyone celebrates some tradition during this time of year. For me, it’s Christmas. We’re a family of introverts, so our holiday is relaxed and low-key. While we may host a gathering with lots of loved ones for dinner, our gift exchange is minimal—allowing us to enjoy a calm, peaceful Christmas morning.
Our tradition of low-key gift-giving started as a way to save money back when we were young, juggling school, and starting our families. Over time, it’s become more than just a budget-friendly approach; it’s a way to focus on what truly matters during the holidays—family, connection, and meaningful moments—without the consumer-driven pressure.
Rethinking Gift-Giving
Gift-giving is so much more enjoyable when the pressure to impress is lifted.
Each year, there’s always something under the tree and a stocking for everyone (my family LOVES stockings!). Some of our favourite gifts over the years have been homemade and locally sourced, which keeps things thoughtful and unique.
If you have more time than money, crafting gifts can be a wonderful alternative to buying.
Homemade skincare
One year, when I had neither time nor money to spare, I whipped up a batch of homemade body butter using just coconut oil, lavender, and a few drops of Vitamin E. I packed it into small mason jars with festive tops, and voilà—a perfect little gift.
Cookie and Soup Jars
Another year, I made layered cookie mixes in mason jars, layering flour, sugar, cranberries, nuts, and chocolate chips. Each jar came with a tag explaining the baking instructions. It’s a quick way to make several thoughtful gifts in one go.
Homemade Cards
Homemade cards are also a lovely way to acknowledge the people in your life who you might not typically buy gifts for. A friend of mine once hosted a card-making party in November, where we gathered to make personalized cards for everyone on our lists.
Cookie Exchange
We've done the same with cookies—each person brings a batch of their favourite recipe, and we create cookie boxes for friends and family. (Pro tip: you get to eat all the broken ones!)
Knitting and Crafts
My family also gathers throughout the year to knit or craft together. These gatherings make for beautiful holiday gifts like socks, mittens, blankets, and sweaters while creating lasting memories. Knitted dishcloths, for instance, are always a hit!
Photo Albums
And if you’re into memory-keeping, scrapbooks are a fantastic idea. A dear friend got us all into scrapbooking, and we’d make albums to capture memories. I remember one scrapbook I made in honour of my mother the year her husband passed away—it turned out to be such a meaningful gift.
These days, memory books can even be created online. Plus, crafting with loved ones adds another layer of connection to the holiday season, turning gift-making into a collaborative experience.
Local Favorites
Even though my kids are grown now, they still receive stockings—and I’ve come to realize they’ll never let me stop! Both my boys are vegan and eco-conscious, so they especially appreciate gifts that are biodegradable or come with minimal packaging.
I’m able to get most of my stocking stuffers in just two trips. I start at a local Christmas fair, picking up things like handmade soaps, deodorant in eco-friendly packaging, lip balm, and hot sauces. My second stop is a local market, where I find vegan chocolates, specialty teas and coffees, and homemade jams.
I tend to shop within walking distance since I live in the city, but wherever you are, there are probably local businesses in your neighbourhood worth exploring. Take a walk on a beautiful fall day, and you might be surprised by the hidden gems nearby.
While we still occasionally order from Amazon or visit the mall for bigger gifts, I love supporting local artisans.
My office is located in the Hydrostone Market, so I often shop there for meaningful presents like:
Spa Gift Certificates from Spirit Spa and Uptown Salon & Spa
Art from 14 Bells Gallery
Handcrafted Goods from Made in the Maritimes
Plants and Flowers from Props Floral Design
There are plenty of other great shops nearby, like Lucy’s for coffee, Lady Luck for clothing and jewelry, and LK Yarns for knitters.
And if you love to eat, you’re in luck! Salvatore’s Pizza, Hamachi Kita, and The Ostrich Club are all within walking distance.
Gifts for Kids
When my kids were younger and expecting a bit more from Santa, I followed a 5-gift guideline that goes like this:
Something you want
Something you need
Something to wear
Something to read
And the fifth gift? A family tradition. Our family has a long-standing tradition of Christmas Eve pajamas, which my mom started when she was a child.
When my first son was born, I adapted it to “Pajamas & a Movie” on Christmas Eve. Now, it’s evolved to pajama pants and Netflix, but the cozy sentiment remains.
The most memorable gifts aren’t about what’s wrapped under the tree; they’re about the stories attached to them.
Last year, I found a rare copy of my son’s favourite philosopher’s work at a used bookstore in Boston. I spent a little more than I’d planned, but the joy on his face was priceless. It wasn’t the book itself but the excitement of sharing that memory that I cherish.
What Are Your Traditions?
What are your holiday traditions? Do you create homemade gifts or bake with loved ones? The wonderful thing about consumable gifts is that they can become a tradition in themselves, eliminating guesswork and letting you focus on making meaningful memories.
As a narrative therapist, I’m all about the story. What will your holiday story be this year?