Christmas this year has been a little different for me. I decided to go on a spending freeze after coming back from London, which basically means that I’m not buying anything I don’t need. This includes specialty items at the grocery store, coffee shop drinks, and most of all: clothes.
I’M A SHOPAHOLIC, NOT GOING TO LIE.
When I quit my stable, full-time job a few months ago, I cut back on a lot of spending. I stopped going to the mall for stress relief, I stopped eating out for lunches and snacks, and I canceled a few subscriptions. But I would still buy plenty of things I didn’t need and then get mad at myself for spending money that I didn’t really have. Amazon Prime is the devil sometimes!
Back to my spending freeze: It’s been great! I haven’t bought any clothes since early November (which is an accomplishment). I even went through my closet and found an old dress that fits me again for a Christmas party! I haven’t eaten out by myself, even when I really wanted Taco Bell the other day. Today was actually the first day in weeks that I’ve bought myself a coffee- and that was more a ‘need’ because I had an hour-long drive and I was sleepy.
BUT AMANDA, WHO GOES ON A SPENDING FREEZE AT CHRISTMAS?!
It actually somewhat stresses relieving! I’m not stressing about what to by who and if it’s going to be the same amount of awesomeness. I’m also not trying to guess what people want and like. And best of all, I’m not stressing about paying for it all at once.
Christmas isn’t about who gives the best gifts or the most expensive gifts. As I talked about in my “How to Stay Healthy, Wealthy, and Sane” post before Thanksgiving, the reason for the season isn’t to spend all your money. What I’m looking forward to this Christmas is meeting the rest of my new extended family and spending time surrounded by loved ones (and probably eating a ton of delicious food).
SO, WE SHOULDN’T BE EXPECTING ANY PRESENTS FROM YOU?
I have a few presents that I’ve picked up in the last month for my siblings that are unique and special for them. They aren’t fancy, but I know they are meaningful. For the rest of you on my Christmas list, you will get unique and meaningful gifts too- when I find them. I’m not out shopping for them, but I will know they are perfect for you when I come across them. I love gift-giving and I never want it to be limited to just one day a year.
That said, I never want anyone to feel obligated to get me anything for Christmas either! Send me a card, leave me a voicemail, comment below, or send me something you find in February- I will love it just as much as I would on Christmas morning.
Now you know my story! But you really just came here for the Christmas Gift Guide…well here it is! Full of plenty of options for everyone on your list, all different budgets. and nothing limited to exclusively Christmas!
SWEET BASIL & THYME’S CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE FOR EVERYONE ON YOUR LIST
Disclaimer: each of the Amazon links is brought to you by the Amazon Affiliate program. Basically, if you purchase one of the kitchen gadgets on this list, I get a small cut of the proceeds. No pressure, but feel free to support Sweet Basil Thyme by purchasing through these links!