December 3, 2021

Presents vs Presence

Presents vs Presence


It’s been a tough couple of years (for most of us) so my husband and I have agreed on a smaller budget for Christmas than usual and as spending time with each other has been so precious recently, we will buy only an experience that we can enjoy together. Before having children, we often bought weekend getaways for each other for special occasions and cherish the time we spent together. Of course there are times a new pair of shoes, candle or pot plant have been welcomely received but what we really want is to spend time with those who mean most to us and make memories that last forever.

Here are some suggested sites for buying experience gifts but do take a look in your local area and support small businesses where you can.

How about taking a loved one to the theatre, gig of attraction? See Tickets offer tickets to a large variety of events and attractions including lots of festive options.
See Tickets Website


Why not buy a ticket to the Clean & Tidy Home Show with the added benefit that proceeds from ticket sales in December go to The Hygiene Bank.
Buy ticket to Clean & Tidy Home Show

If you are not close enough to enjoy time together, you could buy an experience for a loved one to enjoy with others or independently. Take a look at the options available on Red Letter Days

The holiday season often involves a lot more house work so why not gift a clean? Try Housekeep for London or Molly Maid who cover the whole of the UK.

Help a friend or family member clear their clutter and get their home in order buy booking a professional home organiser - choose one from the APDO Directory

What is more important than the gift itself is being present. I don’t know about you but as I get older, I feel like time accelerates and I have to remind myself to savour special moments. Here are some of the things I try to do when spending time with my family:

Take it all in – consciously take time to take a look around you, take in where you are and who you are with

Forgive yourself – for leaving it a little longer to wash the dishes, mop the floor, tidy away the toys

Listen – actively listen to those you are in conversation with, look at them and take your time over conversation

Put the phone down – that email, post or message can wait a little longer

Traditions – make some! Don’t follow the crowd or break the bank, consider what is most important to you, your family and friends.

Since having children and lockdowns started, I found my husband and I talking only about things like nappies, weaning and government announcements so for our anniversary last year, I bought my The Hygge Game, described as Cozy Conversation in Pleasant Company. Hygge is Danish for enjoying the good things in life; a feeling of togetherness, well-being and coziness. The game includes entertaining, interesting and thoughtful questions designed to spark cozy conversation.
You can purchase The Hygge Game at Cocobanana but if your budget doesn’t allow, why not write down your own questions. Here’s a couple to get you started:

“Describe a time when you did something truly kind for another person”

“Name one thing that most people don’t know about you"

Presents or not, be sure to be present and enjoy!


It’s been a tough couple of years (for most of us) so my husband and I have agreed on a smaller budget for Christmas than usual and as spending time with each other has been so precious recently, we will buy only an experience that we can enjoy together. Before having children, we often bought weekend getaways for each other for special occasions and cherish the time we spent together. Of course there are times a new pair of shoes, candle or pot plant have been welcomely received but what we really want is to spend time with those who mean most to us and make memories that last forever.

Here are some suggested sites for buying experience gifts but do take a look in your local area and support small businesses where you can.

How about taking a loved one to the theatre, gig of attraction? See Tickets offer tickets to a large variety of events and attractions including lots of festive options.
See Tickets Website


Why not buy a ticket to the Clean & Tidy Home Show with the added benefit that proceeds from ticket sales in December go to The Hygiene Bank.
Buy ticket to Clean & Tidy Home Show

If you are not close enough to enjoy time together, you could buy an experience for a loved one to enjoy with others or independently. Take a look at the options available on Red Letter Days

The holiday season often involves a lot more house work so why not gift a clean? Try Housekeep for London or Molly Maid who cover the whole of the UK.

Help a friend or family member clear their clutter and get their home in order buy booking a professional home organiser - choose one from the APDO Directory

What is more important than the gift itself is being present. I don’t know about you but as I get older, I feel like time accelerates and I have to remind myself to savour special moments. Here are some of the things I try to do when spending time with my family:

Take it all in – consciously take time to take a look around you, take in where you are and who you are with

Forgive yourself – for leaving it a little longer to wash the dishes, mop the floor, tidy away the toys

Listen – actively listen to those you are in conversation with, look at them and take your time over conversation

Put the phone down – that email, post or message can wait a little longer

Traditions – make some! Don’t follow the crowd or break the bank, consider what is most important to you, your family and friends.

Since having children and lockdowns started, I found my husband and I talking only about things like nappies, weaning and government announcements so for our anniversary last year, I bought my The Hygge Game, described as Cozy Conversation in Pleasant Company. Hygge is Danish for enjoying the good things in life; a feeling of togetherness, well-being and coziness. The game includes entertaining, interesting and thoughtful questions designed to spark cozy conversation.
You can purchase The Hygge Game at Cocobanana but if your budget doesn’t allow, why not write down your own questions. Here’s a couple to get you started:

“Describe a time when you did something truly kind for another person”

“Name one thing that most people don’t know about you"

Presents or not, be sure to be present and enjoy!

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