This week has been a stressful one and to top it off I’ve spent more hours in front of my laptop than I normally do so to say I am looking forward to a nice relaxing weekend is an understatement. We’ll be doing plenty of Christmas planning and making lists which I am excited about because I freakin’ love Christmas! So no surprise that this week’s The Parent Hood has a bit of a holiday vibe.
Two weeks ago, while my brother was visiting from England and Georgie’s school was closed for half term, we took advantage of our time off and the great weather and drove to Kato Drys. The typical Cypriot village is worth visiting because of its traditional beauty but most importantly, if you’re a food junkie like me, because of Elli’s jams, marmalades and chutneys.
Well, it’s finally here! Christmas trees are popping up in malls and coffee shops and I’ve already heard Jingle Bells playing on the radio twice so let’s do this! This year, I have decided to start a gift guide of sorts with a special focus on local businesses/shops/artists. I urge you to hold off on your international Christmas shopping as much as you can because you’ll be amazed to see what our little island has to offer. So keep your eyes peeled for great recommendations, original and unique gift ideas that will help support small local businesses.
1. Finally a radio station that plays The Beatles and Beck and everything in between. U Radio you have a fan in me.
2. An extremely pregnant woman talking to a maternity customer service desk. Hilarious and sooo true!
3. An Oscar-nominated short film of John Lennon’s ramblings. A must-see if you’re a Lennon fan.
As a mother, I have a love/hate relationship with gift giving during the holiday season. While I appreciate friends and family showing their love for Georgie, I don’t appreciate the limitless chaos that normally takes place. That’s why, for the last three years, we have a new tradition when it comes to Christmas shopping. The Four Gifts advice or rule if you will, is one of my favourites and one that has been successfully applied when planning Georgie’s gifts.