In the last few days I've closed off my working year for 2024 and along the way had may conversations about what I, and others, are doing for Christmas as usually happens at this time of year. The difference this year is that people's plans mostly seem a little smaller than in previous years; a sign of the economic environment I think.
A few have talked about lavish Christmas days and piles of gifts beneath the Christmas tree but mostly people have reigned in their usual spending and I don't blame them; a trip to the supermarket leaves my purse feeling lighter and lighter each week.
I took this image
Personally, this time of year is all about two people, my lovely man and myself, and I'm blessed to have one of those guys who puts more importance on togetherness and the time to create meaningful moments, which means less emphasis on purchasing things. I like it that way because he does it a lot, randomly and spontaneously and I love that about him.
A few weeks ago he came back from a trip and brought me back some lovely perfume, Angel by designer Thierry Mugler, and the way in which he gave it to me was so cute, but what means the most to me is that he does things for me such as the cooking, dishes, the laundry, housework, holds doors for me, makes me tea without being asked, makes my lunch for work and leaves notes for me to find; little thoughtful things like that have a large impact upon me and make me want to do the same in return, and I do.
I'm making a special lunch for Christmas day and have warned him not to lift a finger all day; he promised not to but I know he will. My thought is that I want to provide for him, to give him a single day of relaxation, because he has had a very challenging and complex year.
I'll be making the usual Christmas foods and have put a lot of thought into the presentation. It's not that he'll mind either way, but I want to make it special, for lunch anyway, and even now I can hear him telling me how lovely it all is; he'd say that anyway of course. So, lunch for two and then the battle to make him sit down instead of helping with the cleaning up. I have his favorite beverage to serve him though so I'll make sure he sits and enjoys that.
We'll probably watch a movie later and play some games, my vote will be Jenga because he's really bad at it and I'll win, and then maybe an afternoon nap. Dinner will be left-overs from lunch, I'm making a lot so I know there'll be plenty left over. He's a demon when it comes to Christmas pudding so we'll have some after dinner too, coffees and cuddles on the lounge.
It'll be very simple although I've made some effort to make it feel and look special...hopefully my cooking is up to the task but even if it is not we will enjoy the time together.
Becca 💗