As December creeps upon us, and my blog finally makes an appearance after a sizable hiatus (lots of writing has been going on offline, more so online will be done in the next month). A considerably different type of Christmas this year, that still holds the values of sharing and giving. Both my mum’s birthday and Christmas coincide in December and despite my usual attempt to be more sustainable and gift an experience or memory; the current Covid situation makes that slightly trickier. It has, however, forced a new way to buy and evaluate the way that we gift.

I’ve spoken about the sentimentality of jewellery on my blog a few times before; there is nothing better than receiving a piece of antique or second-hand jewellery that bears a story of potency. Carus Jewellery has a wealth of stunning pieces, naturally, I’d be inclined to pick out a ring but given the comedy and tragedy of all things coronavirus related both this term and 2020 as a whole, I think a charm that makes this explicit would be quite fitting. It also is a reminder that the days where we can traipse into a theatre are on the horizon.

Supporting small businesses is more important now than ever, it is nothing but worrying that Primark plans on opening its doors for 24 hours on the 2nd December; when independent shops may not open their doors full stop. Some student businesses, like Mind Your Head, not only use recycled materials in their products but a portion of profits go to charity as well. Black Friday last week highlighted the fundamental issues that reside within fast-fashion and the extent of issues regarding consumption. Championing the materialistic nature of the festive period can seem counterintuitive, which is why giving the gift of second hand, or giving back to an independent maker is the perfect way to gift. My 20th birthday was at the beginning of this month and the pair of earrings I was given from House of Lupa will be treasured for years to come.

If lockdown has facilitated learning a new skill or refine an old one, then this year is the perfect way to give a gift from the heart. My mum’s artistic talents have led to her painting some masterpieces as Christmas presents and I am hoping to pick up the crochet needles when I get back home for some last-minute presents. Such gaps of time when I go back home will be spent watching Peaky Blinders and grappling with a new crochet pattern (yet to be decided, and will either be a Christmas present to a family member or myself). Or providing the ability to learn a new skill like a makeshift crochet kit or online workshop is quite a fun household activity throughout the holiday period.

Second-hand books shouldn’t go amiss, sometimes there is a gem of a vintage cover in the local Oxfam bookshop and I am quite frankly craving to get back inside one. After stratifying my reading this term to set books, I cannot wait to divulge back to the literature that I soaked up during lockdown. My TBR pile at home is still awaiting a reader, as are the inevitable books that I have asked for for Christmas. It is always worth looking for a second-hand copy before buying new though – you never know what you might stumble upon.

In some ways, Covid has made one realise that the gift of sending someone a letter, or a care package, or a few sweet treats means so much more than anything else. The gift of being able to hug a loved one next year when the crisis is over, or spending money on businesses that have bloomed from the crisis is enough.

Lots of love, eleanor xx