I know, the phrase "what do i want for Christmas?" may seem a bit selfish, but do you know how much waste at Christmas, putting gifts in drawers that will never be used?
What if gifts really are gifts made with the heart? with the specific intention of helping you feel better, as well as to avoid useless gifts?
Open your heart and let your loved ones understand what you need.
Emotional Christmas gifts
One thing I learned the hard way is not to shut up and hold back your emotions, your sensations, your needs when you suffer the loss of your pet...
It hurts you, but also for people who are close to you… because they don't know how to help you.
If you're in a time when you don't feel well, you feel the need for something, open up to your loved ones and talk about it..
The Christmas period is a favorable time to do it.
Not because we're all better at Christmas... But because the people who stand by you, regardless of Christmas, love you and want the best for you, so they'd help you with a drawn sword.
But how to make it clear what you need?
Alone for Christmas
I still remember the first Christmas without Argo… I felt terribly empty.
No one barked anymore when I put the Santa Claus puppet outside the front door thinking it was a thief.
Or no one was pulling the string of the Christmas tree lights anymore... No one was with me on the sofa anymore eating cookies watching Christmas movies.
What could I do to compensate for these shortcomings?
Obviously nothing… But People around you can relieve being with you…
Don't feel bad if you don't know what you want for Christmas.
It can be uncomfortable to ask people for the things you want and need. Just remember that your loved ones are asking for it because it would make them happy if it would make your Christmas special.
For many, Christmas and New Years can be experienced as a time of loneliness, regret or loss. As this time of year is traditionally all about spending time with close friends and family.
However, if you feel like you no longer have your furry friend around to spend the holidays with, it can lead to sadness and depressed moods.
So what to do to avoid falling into the trap of loneliness?
How to live a peaceful Christmas, without falling into sadness
Below I will list a series of activities that have helped me a lot:
- Spending time with friends and family. This comforted me a lot, I assure you, especially looking back on it now after some time. Yes, because we often don't give enough weight to the here and now and certain things enter our hearts only after years. Don't underestimate it.
- Engage in activities that I like (in my case, painting). Let's face it: a hobby, a free time activity is a real outlet that allows us to live our magical moment doing the thing we like best. Green light therefore to this type of activity as long as it does not isolate us from the outside world but rather is a springboard towards better socialization and sharing better time.
- Take time out every day to reflect on my experiences with Argo. I think it's important to take the time to reflect on your experiences every day. It helps a lot to make peace with these, especially if they are experiences that have left a sense of bitterness.
- Spend time online interacting with other pet owners who have been through similar experiences to mine. It's comforting to know that there are others out there who have been through similar experiences and can offer support.
The perfect gifts for Christmas
Coming back to us, what are those gifts that in my opinion can really help you feel better and feel less alone? this is my personal ranking..
Books
As a book lover, I can only say with conviction that books are the perfect gift for Christmas.
There are tons of great books to choose from, and you can find something for everyone on your list.
The book is a journey and the books accompany you on the most beautiful journeys of your life.
By the way, I come to your aid with the Flowerpup book
Portraits
I won't hide it, portraits are my life. I made it my reason for living.
Having the joyful image of a loved one in front of me is as if he were present with me. The past, the present and the future are enclosed in a single image that will last forever.
I don't remember where I read it (I admit my ignorance!) but one of the most beautiful phrases that I always carry in my heart is that "everything can be erased, except memory.."
I find myself very much in this quote.
The picture of Argos is the daily proof of it.
If you find yourself in the words I wrote, if you want to immortalize your four-legged friend surrounded by beautiful and radiant flowers (this is my style!) just ask me.
I will do it for you with lots of love.
A hug
Helen
