Dear Santa… Sincerely, a grown-up girl with a Christmas list

How to use the four-gift rule to create your Christmas wishlist!

Growing up, I was told Santa would continue stopping by my house until I was married with children. Therefore, I believe it’s completely acceptable for me to sit down and write out my Christmas list as a single, childless, 24-year old adult.

It’s awkward sending anyone a wishlist, especially when you are past the age where it’s appropriate. However, it’s more painful being on the opposite side and having no idea what to buy someone. Truthfully, I was not born with gift-giving abilities, but I am amazing at receiving them.

My list is separated by the Four-Gift Rule with a couple of options in each section. Whether you are buying or receiving, the Four-Gift Rule helps make holiday shopping more affordable, thoughtful and practical.

Something you want..

I can typically smell Santa’s arrival before I can see it. Candles, body lotion, perfume and other scent inducing products always find their way on my Christmas list. Whether you are buying for yourself or someone else this year, Ruby + Begonia is the way to go. With all of the health issues being caused by candles, it’s crucial to be picky on where you’re buying from. It’s also important to keep small business in mind during the holiday season, and this small female-owned business is based in my hometown!

This year, my kitchen has gotten more use than ever before. I have learned that the cuter my kitchen is, the more likely I am to keep practicing my cooking and baking skills. Kitchen-gadgets are typically an easy way to get any adult excited. New cutting boards, metal measuring cups, loaf pans and glass pantry storage are always being accepted in my apartment. This gift is so easy to personalize as well. There are several ways to incorporate a recipe or attach something homemade.

Something you need..

“Need” is a tricky word. Considering my skin problems, I classify face wash and pimple patches as necessities. I am constantly breaking out, and the Fitish Facial Cleanser is the only face wash that shows results on my skin. This brand is a family-favorite for my mom and I. We are frequent customers for multiple Fitish products, including the Tone Down Spray.

Another skin care “need” is the the panoxyol skin patches. These pair perfectly with my face wash request. I’m ordering a pack of these every couple of weeks, and can never get enough. If this has been the year of skin issues for you, these are a perfect stocking stuffer. I even have friends who keep these on stand-by for surprise pimples.

Something to wear..

Over the last year, I have learned to appreciate a “do-nothing” weekend. I’ll never be above an oversized T-shirt and pajama shorts, however there is something more productive about wearing a matching lounge set. The best part about this request is there is little room for error. Stores like Target, Gap and Aerie have plenty of affordable options and are typically just solid colored, so there’s no chance you buy or receive something that doesn’t work.

To ‘wear’ something is not limited to clothes. I have a perfume request that I ask for every year — Dior Hypnotic poison. I will admit, this scent is unique and may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but if you prefer vanilla scents with an eccentric twist I highly recommend.

Something to read..

My new hobby I’m working to blossom is crocheting. One of my goals with learning a new skill is to spend time away from all of the screens in my house. Instead of using online guides or videos I’m hoping to practice with a book for a media break. If you’re not in a phase where you are reading, think of a hobby or skill that you want to grow in.

Lastly, my New Year’s resolution is to finish the Bible in one year. After several recommendations, I’ve decided to ask for ‘The Bible Recap’ book to follow along with the podcast by Tara-Leigh.

Something that’s special….

Receiving gifts is an exciting part of the holidays, however it’s important to maintain the meaning of Christmas. If you are creating a wishlist or expecting gifts this month, I highly recommending giving in a way that feels special to you. Unfortunately, Santa isn’t able to visit everyone’s house. Angel trees are an amazing way to help the spirit of Santa into someone’s home. Local churches, schools and other businesses are a great resource to reach out to if you are interested.

For those of you on the nice list, I hope you were able to pull inspiration from my letter to Santa. But even if you were naughty, you’ll still find “something to read” on heybaibai each week.