Cientos de posts con listas de regalos en internet y sus títulos hacen que nuestra tarjeta de crédito comience a sufrir: “10 regalos por menos de 100 €”, “Los regalos que dejarán satisfecho a ese ser especial” o “10 razones para regalar el artículo de moda estas navidades”. Diciembre es un mes complicado en términos económicos y los estragos se resienten incluso en enero, a no ser que optes por ser poseído por el espíritu del Grinch e ignorar los villancicos y otros estímulos./ Here’s the second post of money diaries: holiday gift guides are all over the internet and the titles are frightening our credit cards: “10 gifts for less than € 100″, “Gifts that will satisfy that special being” or “10 reasons to buy the IT item this Christmas. ” December is a complicated month in economic terms and the ravages resent even in January, unless you choose to be possessed by the spirit of the Grinch and ignore the carols and other stimuli.
“Just because you have the space doesn’t mean you have to fill it with stuff.” 💭
Yo diría que a todos nos emociona recibir regalos, pero en muchas ocasiones lo más sano es sincerarse con nuestras cuentas bancarias y practicar un consumo un poco más responsable. Yo este año he preferido practicar la honestidad y no regalar sólo por regalar. Sé que el compromiso pesa mucho en estas fiestas y la culpa de llegar sin un regalo vistoso a la reunión familiar es una realidad, pero hay que recordar que ese sentimiento de culpa no nos va a dar de comer en enero cuando sea tiempo de saldar las tarjetas de crédito./ I’d say that we are all excited to receive gifts, but in many cases the healthiest thing is to be honest with our bank accounts and practice a little more responsible consumption. This year I have preferred to practice honesty and think about the act of giving. I know the pressure of commitment is a real thing when it comes to holiday gifts, but we must remember that this feeling of guilt will not pay the bills in January.
¿Así que por qué no comenzar a hacer compras navideñas un poco más estudiadas y nos sacudimos el estigma de tener que darle un regalo a todo el mundo? Nos habían dicho que la Navidad era “The most wonderful time of the year”, así que mejor liberarse del estrés. Puede que en algunas de las opciones de regalos que te propongo el dinero sea necesario, pero tampoco son objetos de lujo y un poco de personalización a cada regalo hace una gran diferencia, desde el empaque o la manera de regalarlo, y ese punto donde estos obsequios se vuelven aún más especiales que el objeto de moda o una prenda con lentejuelas que sólo será utilizada en Año Nuevo./ Let’s start by picking our holiday gifts in a more clever way, it’s time to let go the stigma of having to give a gift to everyone. We had been told that Christmas is “The most wonderful time of the year”, so getting rid of stress is necessary to accomplish this. Here’s a short unique holiday gifts list, some of them need money, but they’re not luxury objects and a little customization can make the big difference, from a cool packaging to the way we give it away, the point is to make a special present and avoid the IT object of the season or a sequined dress that will only be used in New Years’ Eve.
SELFCARE 🌸
En tiempos difíciles donde muchos tenemos sesiones de trabajo maratónicas, las rutinas de cuidado personal ofrecen reforzar la base para llevar una vida un poco más saludable. Las opciones son infinitas, pero yo propongo protector solar (el mejor aliado para combatir muchos males) o algún producto de skincare de Lush (una marca que apuesta por la cosmética natural). Muchos de los mejores regalos tienen que ver con el bienestar./ In difficult times where many of us have marathon work sessions, personal care routines offer to strengthen the basis for a slightly healthier life. The options are endless, but I propose sunscreen (the best ally to combat many skin problems) or some skincare product by Lush (a brand that offers natural cosmetics). Many of the best gifts we can offer are related to wellness.
STORIES, NOT STUFF 📖
Últimamente veo que muchas personas se han sumado al movimiento de regalar experiencias: desde un cupón para tener alguna cena especial el resto del año, una sesión de spa hasta una escapada un poco más ambiciosa. Tampoco es necesario reservar un vuelo al Caribe o al destino más lejano, pero un viaje a cualquier lugar siempre renueva la energía y crea historias que seguramente podrán contarse durante muchas navidades./ Lately I see that many people is giving experiences as a gift: from a coupon to have a special dinner the rest of the year, a spa session to a slightly more ambitious getaway. Nor is it necessary to book a flight to the Caribbean or to the farthest destination, but a trip to any place always renews energy and creates stories that can surely be told during many Christmases.
En mi caso y viviendo lejos, un buen regalo que le puedo hacer a mi familia y amigos es volar de vuelta a México para estar unos días con ellos en estas fechas./ In my case and living far away, a good gift that I can give my family and friends is to fly back to Mexico to spend a few days with them on these dates.
FOOD 🍰
Si eres uno de esos mágicos seres de luz que son buenos en la cocina, un plato especial cocinado por ti hará feliz al destinatario de tu regalo. Barriga llena, corazón contento./ If you are one of those magical creatures who are good in the kitchen, a special dish cooked by you will make the recipient of your gift very happy. Full belly makes a happy heart.
ORGANIZATION AND EDUCATION 📦
Nada mejor que ayudar a algún ser querido a ser más productivo y a alcanzar sus objetivos para el 2020. El apoyo constante siempre estará ahí, pero para todo lo demás puedes regalar una agenda bonita o papelería funcional, también un taller presencial o un curso online que pueda enriquecer el aprendizaje de esa persona. / Nothing better than helping a loved one to be more productive and achieve their goals in 2020. Constant support will always be there, but for everything else you can give a beautiful agenda or functional stationery, also a workshop or an online course that can enrich the learning process of that person.
In this illustration: 2020 Les Agenda de L’Année + Shop Bando Passport Holder + Glossier Invisible Shield + Hey Tiger Chocolate
Recuerda que no es una obligación regalar cosas a los demás. Las campañas publicitarias dicen que lo importante no es recibir sino regalar, yo creo que lo importante es hacer un regalo que nazca del corazón. Y cuando la cartera aprieta, siempre quedará lo esencial: comer rico, desconectar y celebrar que tenemos un marco afectivo al cual pertenecemos./ Remember that it is not an obligation to give holiday gifts to others. Ads say that the important thing is not to receive but to give away, I believe that the important thing is to make a gift that is born from the heart. And when our bank account is shaking, the essential will always remain: delicious food, disconnect for a little while and celebrate that we have an emotional framework to which we belong.
Hey Pablo! Merry Xmas! It’s almost time! 😀
I really love Christmas and the thing about I prefer (other that decorations and food) is to give presents, things that always brougnt me a big reduction of my bank account.
To be sincere my parents always helepd me with presents, since i really want to make happy the recipients and tend to spend a lot for presents, but I’ve noticed that sometimes all this care wasn’t mutual (I mean it’s not about the price but about the thought, you know,people who “forgot” to make a gift, ugly recycled gifts, ecc.)
So, since a coupke of years i’ve decided to separe the gifts for my beloved ones (my family and bff) and others: to the firsts I keep on spend quite lot of money, but for all the other I buy a lot fine biscuits or chocolate or similar for the wholesaler (where you pay them like the half then the shop), pack them in the cuter way and go for the same gift for everybody!
Everyone is happy and I save a lot of money!^^
Anyway, definitely your ideas worth to be remebered, they sound very smart and money-friendly!
Wishing you a Merry Xmas, my friend!
XO
S
https://s-fashion-avenue.blogspot.com
Silvia, so late but thank you for your constant meaningful feedback!
I totally agree that packaging and envelope are important to transform a simple detail into a magical experience right!
Best for 2020, dear!
Such an important post Pablo and great timing too! I think it’s so great that more and more people are thinking about giving other gifts than the classic products. But more like an experience, a museum vist, cinema tickets or a trip close. Me and my siblings are doing a Christmas game with my cousins. We’ve bought on present each instead of five different, and it has to be eco-friendly and not expensive at all. One way to reduce consumption at least! Have a lovely holiday Pablo, wish you a lovely Christmas! Xx
http://www.thefashionfolks.com
Thanks for stopping by Mia! Eco friendly is also an aspect that we should take into account when we give something to others 🙂
Happy 2020!
Ah yes too true. I too am trying to be much more aware of my spending. Yeah the holidays can be challenging when one is on a budget. But you presented some wonderful ideas here. And as usual just love your designs and illustrations. I wish you a WONDERFUL holiday!!
Allie of
http://www.allienyc.com
Thank you so much for your words Allie!
can you believe that I still haven’t done any holiday shopping and perhaps I won’t. My husbant is very against of commercilization of Christmas, he believes we shouldn’t be a slave to one day to give and receive gifts, that we should do it more naturally. Yesterday I bought little something for my sister in law but only because we were stopping at her place on our way back not because it is the holidays. I will perhaps do some holiday shopping but later and only if I have time.
Thanks for your comment dear Ivana! I wish you a happy 2020 🙂
p.s. I think a home made dish is the best gift!
I love what you said about how spending time with our loved ones is a wonderful gift.
Hey Pablo, I hope you’re doing well!
I absolutely agree that you should buy experiences instead of presents – they’re so much better, last longer, and create wonderful memories. For several people this year I have bought trips to Germany and Spain – and it’s been as much fun for me as it has for them as I’ve gone with them lol!
Happy holidays! 🙂
Amy x Wandering Everywhere
So happy you’re back Amy!
Hope you get to travel a lot this 2020, that’s my best wish for you 🙂
Just stopping by to wish you all the best in 2020!!!!
ahh such good tips! Wish I would have seen this before xmas shopping! my bank account is crying lolol
http://www.prettyinleather.net
Mine is crying after the holidays too! haha
Hey Fungi!
Aww I like that… helping support someone close to achieve their dream. This would mean so much than receiving any kind of gift. Also, would be so fun to cook something delicious and let that be the sweetest gift! <3
Hope you had a wonderful Christmas and I'll see you in 2020!
http://www.fashionradi.com
Thanks for your kind words during the year, Radi!
The best for 2020!
Hey Fungi!!
Great post about money again, and I can’t wait next post!
Your suggestion is so wonderful and lovely.
I agree that Lush products are so good, and the last paragraph is true!!
Your advices will help me from January meeting.
Carol is so beautiful movie, but it is also a rock’n roll band name in Japan, hahaha
I am looking forward to see your illustrations and collage arts next year, too<3
Have a lovely New Year's holiday!!
akiko
Thanks for your support along the year Akiko.
I wish you the best for 2020 and hope to see a lot of art from year :D!
Such a great post !
But I’m not gonna lie I really love to spoil my family for Christmas but what I usually do to not get too broke at the end of December is to start early and save money few weeks before December.
But you made really good suggestions I may used for the next birthdays to come. Then it’ll save me a lot of money. I love the ideas of coupons.
And I love the quote you used in your article : ” Just because you have the space it doesn’t mean you have to fill it up with stuffs.” I should repeat to myself this quote more often.
I hope you had a wonderful Christmas.
xx
Margot
https://troughthepasturesofthesky.com
Thanks for your words Margot, I’ll apply your tip for the next year in order to get better gifts!
Hope you’re having a magical 2020 🙂
Porque no leí tu post antes de Christmas?!!?! En serio, eso de sentir tanta presión de comprarle algo a todos, is REAL! Creo que para la próxima Navidad voy hacer un chingo de galletas para regalar. Jajaja. Yo temo recibir regalos que no me gusten o no pueda usar y me imagino que no soy la única. Muchas gracias por este post. Como todos los demás, disfrute leerlo. Saludos Pablo! Have a great week!
PerlaGiselle | iamperlita.com
♥ | instagram.com/iamperlita
Jajaja me dio risa tu comentario, Perlita! Yo estaría feliz con las galletas!
Have a wonderful 2020!
Fungi!
¿Que gasto es la navidad, no? Desde los primeros de diciembre se vuelve una mezcla de alegria/preocupación al mismo tiempo por los temas de posadas/regalos y sus gastos anexos.
La navidad del 2019 decidí no ceder a la presión de los regalos (tantos) y se siente bien, cuesta ser consciente de cuantas cosas se obsequian por compromiso y otras por convencimiento propio, poco a poco te das cuenta que no son necesarios los mega regalos, con obsequios modestos y atenciones es suficiente a veces.
Estoy super a la expectativa del siguiente money diary!
Gracias por tus comentarios en cada post Adán 🙂
Ya estoy pensando en más ideas para estar serie de post, porque uno de mis objetivos del año es cuidar más mi dinero, a ver que tal la aventura 😀