Christmas 2020

What to expect.

The running joke this year is that anything bad that happens in the future will be called a 2020. But this year isn’t a joke. It keeps giving and giving, doesn’t it?! A pandemic, horrible wildfires, multiple hurricanes, financial devastation for many, divorce and abuse are on the rise, rioting and of course an election!! This is why, Christmas is going to be so important this year. It’s a time to reconnect with family and friends that we haven’t been able to spend any time within months. It’s a time to bask in the warmth of Christmas lights, beautifully decorated homes, scents of fir, cloves, and cinnamon…ah…I can feel it and smell it in my mind.

Decorate Early to Enjoy the Warmth Longer.

You’ve seen it on social media, people were talking about putting their Christmas lights up in May because they bring on a feeling of joy. Something we all need now. According to experts, stores that stock holiday decor in the fall have the right idea. The secret is a technique psychologists’ call savoring, a way to fully absorb life’s special moments. In other words, thinking about and planning a holiday extends its bliss beyond a few short weeks.

“In a world full of stress and anxiety, people like to associate with things that make them happy and Christmas decorations evoke those strong feelings of childhood,” according to psychoanalyst Steve McKeown. “Decorations are simply an anchor or pathway to those old childhood magical emotions of excitement. So, putting up those Christmas decorations early extends the excitement!”

Another perk of decorating for the holidays on the earlier side? It could help bring some joy to the people in your neighborhood and help you make some new friends, too. The Journal of Environmental Psychology reports that decorating your home for the holidays tells your neighbors that you’re accessible and that people perceive those who put up holiday decorations to be friendlier.

Start Shopping Earlier.

Budgets may be tough this year, so spreading out your shopping between more checks may be helpful. Amazon held their Prime Day October 13–14. Look for other retailers to also start promoting Christmas sales earlier as well. Expect one–two weeks of Black Friday deals. Take advantage of those sales, it will make your money spread further!!

Shopping early will give you a better chance of finding what you are looking for. COVID-19 caused many manufacturing companies to shut down. So, there are fewer items out there to buy and there is a longer wait period for items to restock.

Shopping earlier will also help with shipping. Fed Ex, UPS and USPS have been maxed out for months, trying to get people what they ordered. What used to be a two-day shipping window, is now 5-7 and the prices are high. Get those orders ready for shipping early.

Look for online shopping options that will allow you to buy now and ship later. No hassle for you and your recipient will still receive their gift close to the holiday.

Shop in-store and online.

If your stores are opening around you and you’re comfortable getting out, please shop in them! Many mom-and-pop stores aren’t going to make it and we have already seen that many of the large department stores are shutting down. Normally, I would say, Shop Local! Now, I say, Shop Everywhere! Support as many businesses as you can, in every way you can. Order that wine your mom loves from that winery in New Mexico. Pick-up those cigars your dad loves from the local humidor. Pick-up some nice towels and linens for your daughter, that just bought her first house, from your favorite department store. If you aren’t comfortable going in, order online. You are likely to find different sales inside the store vs. online, so look at both.

Expand your gift list.

If you can afford to expand your gift list, do it. You don’t have to spend a lot. Homemade items or small tokens are perfect. Think of those people that have done something nice for you, your family, and friends. Let them know you appreciate them. Maybe that someone is you. The holidays are a great time to buy items you’ve been coveting, as you are likely to find them at a price you can afford.

Let’s do everything we can to enjoy the fall holidays this year! Plan early and make the most of it for everyone you can!

Merry Early Christmas!

Heart of the Desert is a working pistachio ranch and vineyard with four retail establishments in New Mexico. They are best known for their farm fresh pistachios and Award-Winning New Mexico wines. Each store offers wine and pistachio tastings. They offer worldwide shipping and produce attractive gourmet baskets that make great corporate and family gifts. The main store, on the ranch in Alamogordo, offers farm tours that showcases how pistachios are grown and processed as well as a stunning Tuscany themed patio that overlooks the groves and is available for weddings, private parties or enjoying a relaxing glass of wine.