It’s the most wonderful time of the year!! Yet it can often be filled with frustration and stress, which could take the joy out of the season. So I’m here to share some stress-free gifting ideas, and some relaxing rhythms that help me navigate the Christmas season!
Advent Study
First, and most importantly I take the time to remember the REASON for Christmas in celebrating the greatest GIFT ever given, the gift of a baby who is the Savior of the world! I love to grab a favorite Advent study and I’ve been loving ones from She Reads Truth the last couple of years. It has the best mix of devotions, personal reflection, recipes, songs, and crafts. What’s not to love about that?! This year it is called ”Joy of Every Longing Heart”, the theme is based on the song “Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus”, which is a beautiful carol that is rarely sung. I’m excited to dig in and be encouraged by God’s Word and this wonderful carol! The physical book is sold out, but there is a digital version available. They also have an app to follow along with the study. You can find it here: https://www.shopshereadstruth.com/products/advent-2022-digital-study-book-she-reads-truth
Small Business Gifting Ideas
I try to also buy from as many local, or small, family businesses instead of big box stores, and grab meaningful gifts instead of more ’stuff’. I take a minimal approach to my life in all areas. I don’t buy a lot of miscellaneous things, instead I buy fewer items that are well made, will last longer, and have a greater value to me or the person I’m gifting. It can take more work, but it is so special to find that item that you know someone will just love, or they need, or will simply enjoy. Get to know people’s likes, their décor style, their personal style, their favorite drinks, snacks, activities, etc., and find something that will compliment those. It will bless them to know you put thought into the gift! Plus I just love supporting small businesses, I know how much it means to them! Here are a few of my favorite places to shop online, or find stores that carries them.
#1 Primally Pure
I love this small business that specializes in clean, small batch products, with minimal ingredients that really work. I fell in love with their natural deodorant, and since tried their seasonal hand soaps, bath soak salts, everything spray, and body butter. They also offer skincare for all skin types and I’ve just ordered their dry shampoo that has quite the reviews! They have something for everyone, and a lot of helpful information on their blog. At the moment I have a code for Black Friday to receive 20% off, plus free shipping and lipbalm! Use code: BFCM-THEBEAUTYWELL20 at checkout! Shop here: https://bit.ly/2OSvviG
#2 Lisa Leonard Jewelry
I just love Lisa Leonard Jewelry, she designs such unique pieces, many which can be personalized. She is famous for her stacking rings, her birthstone necklaces, and hand stamped items! I have the family tree necklace with all our names on, and I just bought both my girls birth-flower necklaces, they are so lovely! Shhh don’t tell! 😉 She has a beautiful nativity set and Advent set too, and Christmas ornaments for the holidays. She has 25% off plus a free star necklace with purchase at the moment! Check her out here: https://www.lisaleonard.com/
#3 Prim and Pure
This company was started by a mama who wanted safe, little-girl cosmetic for her daughter. The toxin-filled junk that is advertised to young girls in the stores is often filled with atrocious ingredients that are not the best for young, delicate skin. So the owner of Prim and Pure started her own clean beauty for kids. Since the beginning, she has branched out into creating clean cosmetics for teens and adults that is a little more pigmented and high quality. There is quite a variety of fun options for girls to adults! My girls love the baked eyeshadow trios and new baked swirled blush, plus the lip-glosses are perfect! She has a Christmas Stocking filler bag with nail polish offered at the moment. You can shop here: https://primandpure.co/?ref=THEBEAUTYWELL
#4 Pacas Socks
This is a new find for me, a sock company that uses alpaca wool to make super soft, yet warm socks. They also donate socks to children’s’ hospitals for every purchase. Started by two brothers who heard hospitalized kids say their socks itched, they decided to investigate alternative to itchy wool, and found alpaca wool much better. They have some cute designs for Christmas and just regular ones for the rest of the year. They have 30% off for Black Friday. Check them out here: https://www.pacas.com/
#5 Harp Design Co
If, like me, you used to he an avid watcher of Chip and Joanna Gaines Fixer Upper, you will have seen Clint Harp in many of the episodes. He has his own business and I LOVE his wood work and decor, I have quite a few lasting pieces I use. Now I have my eye on his charcuterie boards, they look beautiful! He also designs dining room tables to your specs and needs! He has 20% off furniture at the moment, and lovely Christmas décor. Check out his website here: https://harpdesignco.com/
#6 Antique Candle Company
Who doesn’t love a beautiful smelling candle, especially at Christmas?! I know I do!! But what I don’t love, are the ones fuming out paraffin toxins and phthalates into my indoor air, adding to poor air quality, headaches, and sneezing. I recently discovered The Antique Candle Company, who use soy based wax and clean scents (a mixture of non-toxic fine fragrance oils and essential oils), with cotton wicks. I loved their Pumpkin Pie for fall, and picked up, Good Tidings, Christmas Day, and Gingerbread for Christmas! They are offering 30% off at the moment too. Also, I love that they are a Christian company that align with my values! Check them out here: https://antiquecandleco.com/
Clean Beauty Christmas Gifting
Of course there are Crunchi gifting options available too! Black Friday may be over but there will be Cyber Monday (which will be epic! Eek!), Giving Tuesday, and a few extras in December coming up. There are some Limited edition gift sets still available. My favorite sets are the Lip Dream Duo Set, Holiday Kisses, Get Glowing, Sharp Brows, and Charcoal Cheer!
Plan in Important Events plus Relaxation
I find if I sit down with my husband at the beginning of the holidays and plan out December, it goes much more smoothly. We put important events on our calendar like our kids’ Christmas Choir Concert, church events, and work and school parties, along with extended family events as they are planned. We decide on specific fun activities that have become traditions and put those in, along with any baking and/or making of gifts. Then I can plan to purchase items needed for those events or activities in advance and be prepared.
We also shop early (usually before December, mostly Black Friday!) to beat the rush and have more time for activities. Also, learn to say NO if something doesn’t make sense to your family, will cause you to be stressed, or add WAY too much to the ‘busy-ness’ of the season. Do not feel guilty, you cannot possibly do everything or make everyone happy. Decide together what is best for your family!
And if there is sickness, as is common this time of year, prep with Vitamins, Elderberry, and healthy habits, but if sickness hits, it’s ok that something was missed. There are 365 days a year, and you can always gather with others another time! Give yourself grace, and just do what you can.
Finally, don’t forget to pencil in times to relax and recharge in between responsibilities and activities. A cup of coffee, tea, or hot cocoa by the fire (or air conditioner! LOL), a good book, devotional, or just read the Bible. Take a break from all social media for a whole day, or better yet, the whole month if you can! (I got off of it entirely…best decision ever!) Take a walk, the cold air will actually awaken your vagus nerve which is super helpful to your health, along with the the exercise. I reflect daily on God’s blessings to me, the blessing of salvation alone is enough, but He has given me so much more! He loves us with an everlasting love, and wants us to spend time with Him. Making that investment has eternal value, and will bring a balm of rest to your soul!
I pray you all have a lovely Christmas season, full of joy, laughter, giving, and thinking of others more than yourself (that last one I’m still working on myself!). And thank you to everyone who follows me here! I love you all!
Blessings,
