What is this Christmas thing really about anyway?

Every year it’s the same thing when the holidays arrive. Lots of rushing around, christmas wish lists, bank account reviews and STRESS! The best part of it for me is meeting up with a friend in between shops and grabbing a quick glass of wine at some small little bar that has pretty Christmas lights up. In fact that’s my favorite part of the holidays - the quick little mini breaks from the shopping and crowds. 

About five years ago my best pals and I made a truce - no more gifts! It hurts the wallet too much and it’s so hard to add all your friends to your already growing list of people to buy for (office staff, parents, grandparents, nieces and nephews and the list goes on!). 

Instead of gifts we’ve decided to give each the gift we value the most these days - the gift of time. So there is no exchange of thoughtfully wrapped presents or the mailing of greeting cards. Instead we schedule a few hours into our Christmas schedule and we meet for delicious appetizers at a quaint and festive little spot and we enjoy each others company just for a few hours. Sometimes it seems the only time we can really squeeze each other in anymore is during the holiday season. 

These get togethers have become the most precious gift we can give each other and one that I look forward to with excitement every year as soon as the calendar hits December. Time is so precious now and we think we’ve found the perfect gift!