Most memorable Christmas gifts; keep it simple

The holiday countdown is on.

We are attending parties and concerts, checking the gift list one more time and placing the last of the decorations, all to the beat of the seasonal music. Many wonder, “where is the peace?”

Fortunately for society, simplicity is trending. We have gone full circle, from huge elaborate gatherings with unlimited funding to the realization that this way was not effective, heartwarming or efficient. Holidays should touch our hearts with happiness rather than be weighted down with gifts and debt.

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After reflecting on some of the past TEAM holiday collections, it has become evident that most readers reported that their most memorable gifts were the ones that did not cost the most money, but rather the ones that showed a well thought out token of personal kindness.

Overwhelmingly, favourites included the gift of time, a framed nostalgic photograph, a hand-written note, a painted picture or drawing, a homemade recipe, a gift certificate that allowed the recipient to go out and pick something special for themselves, and the most touching, a surprise visit.

My children taught me about my own over-indulgence of gifts on an exciting Christmas morning a few years back.

They had torn into a few gifts and were busy playing when I asked them to finish opening. They all looked up and asked, “do we have to open any more?”

At that moment I knew that I had fallen into the spending trap. They did not want anymore things and quite truthfully, they loved the empty boxes and the paper tubes just as much as some of their gifts.

Thanks to them, I learned that less can be more.

Our holiday goals should be spending time with people who make us laugh, making time to sit down and enjoy good conversation, simple and delicious food offerings, and a no-fuss inexpensive attitude toward gifting and decorating.

There may be times of stress as groups come together to celebrate, but one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself is to understand and accept that everyone may not see things your way, and learn to respect others personal views without judgment. Basically, we agree to disagree.

Create a peaceful setting in your home by first de-cluttering and then bringing in only things that you love. It is best to concentrate on a few larger statement areas rather than having stuff everywhere. Examples include around the tree, on the mantel and on the coffee table top.

As we put things out on display, we should remember that those items will soon have to be put away again, which is a job that seems to be troublesome for many.

Bringing nature in from the outdoors can save money that’s normally spent on large commercial floral arrangements and also create a calming effect.

Collect branches from cedar, pine and red dogwood shrubs and place them in a large tip-free vase or container to create your own holiday masterpiece. You can also gather pine cones from your yard and place them in crystal bowls or incorporate into an arrangement.

For a punch of colour, buy a bundle of fresh cut flowers or a few artificial stems and display them in treasured milk glass or glassware. The pieces alone will spark memories.

Add a few lights for accents. Re-member, simplicity is directly related to serenity and elegance.

Have fun with wrapping and skip the expensive paper. Buy plain bags, plain tissue, ribbon and tape in bulk at dollar or craft stores. Buying larger quantities is most often cheaper.

Brown or white paper options are fun because you can leave them plain, jazz them up with tissue and ribbon.

Change up the tissue colors and you are set. It always make for an interesting finished piece.

Last year, we attached a small decoration to our packages that could be added to the recipient’s tree. Little crystals bought in bulk added reflection to our simple wrap. Use cartoon strips, old road maps or pick up a plain white paper roll if you want to wrap traditionally without bags.

I also enjoy gift boxes that can be reused. They are also more protective than bags.

Use two inexpensive household products to make your home sparkle.

Add equal parts of Blue Dawn dishwashing soap and heated vinegar to a spray bottle and shake gently to mix. Spray on glass shower doors and sinks and inside toilets and let sit for 10 minutes to up to a few hours, depending on the amount of buildup. Gently scrub over the area and rinse. A simple job will just need to be sprayed off with no elbow grease. Use on chrome and on carpet stains as well.

You can also mix equal parts vinegar and water and use a good cloth for wiping mirrors and windows clean.

As well, refresh your tall glassware and vases by filling them with water and dropping in either Alka Seltzer or denture tablets. Let sit for two hours and rinse clean.

Take steps to keep healthy and make the holidays bright.

Less stress can mean less illness. A positive outlook can reap great rewards and boost your quality of life.
Commit to a simple winter stroll or park on the far corner of the lot or taking the stairs rather than the elevator. Physical activity contributes to better physical and mental health.
Wash your hands regularly with just soap and water for 20 seconds, especially if you have been out in public or around someone who is ill.
Try probiotics, which are live bacteria that are added to yogurt or taken in capsule form. Probiotics help digestive health, which greatly effects the entire body to avoid illness. Snack on creamy, protein-rich Greek yogurt when you are feeling hungry.
Eat vitamin C and fibre rich food such as fruits and vegetables. Berries, citrus fruit, peppers and kiwi are all great choices.
Satisfy your sweet tooth with healthy chocolate boost your antioxidants. The more chocolate is processed, the fewer flavonoids it will have.

Enjoy a glass or two (no more) of red wine. Anti-aging benefits come from resveratrol, an antioxidant in grape skin. White wine is made with a different process and does not have the benefits. Drink grape juice if prepared wine is not to your liking.
Load up on zinc, which helps synthesize protein and aids in cell production. Oysters contain more zinc than any other food. Other sources are beans, legumes, nuts, almonds, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, poultry, whole grains and fortified breakfast cereals.
Enjoy a hot drink. Studies show that drinking green tea can support the immune system. Try a tonic of hot water, lemon juice and a spoonful of honey to soothe a sore throat or congestion.
Hydrate regularly. Our organs do not function smoothly when our bodies are dehydrated, and we often get headaches and become susceptible to many illnesses.
Unwind with a mineral bath with a mix of equal parts epsom salts and baking soda. Relax for at least 10 minutes at the end of the day.