Tis the season to give gifts for good reason!

I love gift-giving. There is something about seeing a smile on someone’s face and cheer in their eyes when they receive a gift.

I was out finishing up my Christmas shopping today at Target. First of all, going to Target 5 days before Christmas was very stimulating. For an introvert like myself, that experience was a lot. I needed to tune into extra self-care so that I did not become overwhelmed by the crowds and stress of shoppers all around me. How could I engage in self-care at Target? Some might call it retail therapy but I like to call it gift-giving. I bought myself a new blouse. It made my feel good internally and externally. I thought it looked nice on me and it helped with my self-esteem and readiness for a Christmas party I am going to tomorrow evening. Retail therapy has a negative connotation as society has placed a stigma on retail therapy as women over-spending and engaging in conceited and materialistic behaviors. And so, I call it gift-giving. During this time of year I spend hundreds of dollars on family, friends, co-workers, acquaintances, and community service members. And today, I chose to engage in self-care through gift-giving to myself! I left Target feeling minimal stress and a sense of preparedness and confidence in knowing I have a cute blouse to wear to this Christmas party tomorrow night.

During this season of gift-giving, don’t forget about you! When the stress of the holidays sets in, stop, breath and engage in gift-giving to yourself!