I love giving and getting gifts. It’s my love language. There is something so fun about thinking about the receiver, wondering what they will like, how they will use it, and how it will make them feel. Who is on your gift list is telling you who is important in your life. It also puts it in order of most important. When you are giving a gift you spend time thinking of the receiver. You remember all of the reasons why they are on your list in the first place. Not only does giving someone a gift make them happy, it tunes you in to their social cues and you get to experience the joy of gift giving.
Gifts have a surprising and complex way of solidifying relationships and strengthening bonds. Each time the person uses, looks at, wears, etc. the gift they will think of the giver. They will know that that person deemed them important and then took the time to get them something special.
There are so many ways to make your loved one feel special. As a wedding planner I really enjoy hearing about people’s stories. What makes them special as a couple. The best gifts to have as a couple are those that you can reflect on together year after year. These gifts can be passed down for generations, they can be shared with friends and family, and they are a testament of your love through time. They are instilled with memories, emotions, and experiences.
Gifts that can be repeated year after year solidify some level of anticipation for the future. You are creating a tradition together. Something that can be looked upon and remember all of the great memories over the years. I have compiled a list of holiday gift traditions that will hopefully get you started on creating your own holiday gift tradition as a couple.
Nutcrackers
According to German folklore, nutcrackers were given as keepsakes to bring good luck to your family and protect your home. The legend says that a nutcracker represents power and strength and serves like a trusty watch dog guarding your family from evil spirits and danger. A fierce protector, the nutcracker bares its teeth to the evil spirits and serves as the traditional messenger of good luck and goodwill.
There is nothing more whimsical then a mantle full of various nutcrackers. Give one each year of your marriage for a great holiday tradition.
http://www.steinbachnutcrackers.com
Art
Giving a piece of art is something that will last the testament of time. Maybe you picked one up at a favorite local shop, got one from your travels, or had your favorite photo of the year turned into an art print or painting.
You can even have a local artist paint a portrait in a modern way. This is something that can be displayed year round and enjoyed by all. They are great conversation starters and as you pass the art you will always have fond memories.
Ornaments
This is an easy one, and one I’m sure that is done in most households. You can have a theme or just chose something that reflects your year as a couple.
Some ornaments that are part of a series are:
http://www.swarovski.com/Web_US/en/crystal_society?contentid=10007.194276
http://shop.whitehousehistory.org/christmas/ornaments-3
Hallmark Houses
We can’t have a holiday keepsake post without mentioning the company that started it all. I had a friend in Dallas whose mother collected these for her as a little girl, and she is now collecting them for her daughters. The joy these little houses bring her each year, and the memories she has are so special.
Santas
There are several variations of Santas. I recommend finding an heirloom quality company that makes a new Santa each year to build your tradition around. There are several local artisans or you can purchase them online. The best way to find these would be at your local bazaar or craft fair.
https://chesapeakebaychristmas.com/-c-16?zenid=a4782c1f6fcfb647223b3bf89fd8162e
http://www.reasonstobelieve.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Category_Code=jimshore
