If it’s a crime to enjoy Christmas, I’m guilty.
Winter can be a tough season. It’s dark, gloomy, wet and cold outside. Plants and trees are in a slumber. Greenery is scarce and we humans continue our same patterns, ignoring the would-be seasonality of rest and recuperation.
Christmas is a real distraction that gets me through the most challenging part of winter and, as much as I enjoy Christmas Day, I love the build-up more.
I find joy in the cosy evenings, wrapped in blankets and cuddling a hot water bottle, while Christmas lights set the mood.
I find joy in baking festive treats and have made it a tradition to make my own vegan treats; mince pies, stollen and onion chutney. This year, I’m thinking of throwing a batch of gingerbread into this mix!
I find joy in the anticipation of waiting for Christmas day, knowing I’ve found the perfect gift for someone. And I also really, really enjoy hunting around the house for gifts that have been bought for me. Although, I have a feeling my partner has hidden this year’s gifts at his parent’s, so all searching, while fun, will be in vain.
For me, the festive season is all about the vibe.
Although I shun the consumeristic side of Christmas as much as possible, I want to make some joyful gift suggestions. None of this is sponsored; it’s basically a way for me to shout about things I love in the hope you, or someone close to you, gets joy from them.
The Almanac - If you’re reading this, chances are you have some level of environmental interest and living with the seasons. The Almanac by Lia Leendertz is a seasonal month-by-month guide. The 2023 edition focuses on the night sky and is perfect for dreamers, stargazers and astrologists.
Forager guides, plant, fungi and bird identifiers - We have several books in our house that fall under this category. I don’t use them as often as I’d like, but my tummy gets that giddy, jumpy feeling when I remember to pick them up. Even if I’m not foraging, I like knowing what exists around me, naming them, knowing them and understanding their place in our eco-system.
Plants and seeds - Ideal for anyone. There’s a myth that those without a garden can’t grow, but even if someone doesn’t have a balcony, they can still nurture plants indoors - ornamental and edible! I’ve never known a joy like gardening, of trying to build something beautiful, native and wildlife friendly. This year I’m gifting 2 family members ready-made pots with a ‘bulb lasagne’ filled with snowdrops, daffodils, crocus, tulips, iris and alliums. It should flower every month from January to June, so I’m hoping this is a 6-month pot of blooming joy! The world needs more gardeners to help protect soil and eco-systems through organic gardening and growing. Gifting plants and seeds might be the key to starting someone on their green-fingered journey.
Bird feeder, bird bath and bug hotel - Basically, anything that supports local wildlife, brings it to your gardens and makes it linger so you can spy on it… is a joy in my book.
Homemade chutneys, jams, pickles and preserves - I’m slowly becoming obsessed with this seasonal hobby. It doesn’t always work out how I want, but I’m learning a new skill and creating (mostly) tasty things along the way. A friend once gifted us some homemade wares, and I’ve never forgotten it or the time that must have gone into making them. Next summer, I’m hoping my strawberry plants kick out enough for me to make jams for Christmas 2023. This year - spoiler alert - I’ve bought a ton of onions and pears to make chutneys to gift.
Bundles of dried flowers, wreaths and posies - I made a few wreaths from locally foraged bits and bobs last year. I'll make more this winter if I have the time and patience. If you have a garden and forward planning, you can grow things yourself that can be dried and gifted. My plan for 2023 is to do just that! I'd like to dry as many flowers as possible while leaving plenty for the pollinators. Of course, you can buy dried flowers and wreath materials and pull something together; you don't have to grow or forage. Either way, wreaths and posies are joyous slow crafts that bring the outdoors inside.
Homebaked goods - Let’s be honest; anything homebaked is a winner. I love making stollen in December, and I can imagine mini ones would go down a treat!
Herb and spice mixes - This one’s ideal for a foodie friend, especially when paired with instructions to a recipe you love.
Binoculars or a telescope - My partner bought me a second-hand pair of binoculars earlier this year. They aren't big fancy expensive ones, but they've bought immense joy by teleporting me close to the wildlife in my garden without disturbing them. This is a winner for anyone who loves to watch wildlife.
As always, it’s really joyfully to have everyone here, so the joy thief will remain a free newsletter for throughout 2023.
For 2023 though, I'd love to grow and expand The Joy Thief to include more articles on intersectional and climate issues related to joy, by me and paid guest writers. You can help make this happen by upgrading to a paid subscription.