A Holiday Cheer Campaign

🧠 Mindset: Spreading Joy and Support Through Budget-Friendly Gifts

We all know one or more entertainment industry colleagues who have lost their jobs or are grappling with the industry chaos that’s blocking the progress of their creative projects. While expressing support and sympathy is helpful, showing appreciation for your friends and colleagues with a small holiday gift will definitely perk them up.

As autumn settles in and this not great year draws to a close, I’m launching a one-woman campaign to encourage everyone to think like Santa in these stressful times. Best of all, the practical tips listed at the end of this blog are all designed to create joy on a budget.

Seriously, we need to buck up and generate more holiday spirit. The upcoming election has most people stressed out. Escalating conflicts in Europe and the Middle East are adding to the anxiety. So let’s try to focus on finding joy and expressing gratitude everyday to boost morale. 

Wandering around my yard is the way I chill out. One recent morning, I collected a big bag full of pine cones. Some cones are destined to be gaudily spray painted, hung on ribbons and become the star attraction of my homemade holiday gift bags. (Spoiler alert: if you know me well, be prepared to receive a homemade gift made with love and the crafting level of a third grader.)

Being a December baby, I LOVE the winter months and celebrate multiple holidays, since we are a blended family when it comes to religion. For 20 years, we owned The Applegate Group Inc., a multimedia production, marketing and communications company serving major corporations and news organizations. 

Our company saved money all year to present our clients, employees and colleagues with great holiday gifts. We bought rolls of colored cellophand and raided thrift shops for baskets. We artfully filled them with wine, nuts, chocolates, cocoa and cookies. Some clients received spa-themed baskets featuring luxurious soaps, bath salts and loofahs from Marshalls or T.J. Maxx. Everyone appreciated whatever we sent or, better yet, delivered in person when possible. 

I’m into technology, but I’m not a fan of digital greeting cards. I still send paper holiday cards around Thanksgiving to beat the rush. We all receive so little snail mail, so why not surprise someone with a beautiful card adorned with a holiday stamp? I love UNICEF cards. Check them out.

If I’ve inspired you to get into the holiday spirit, here are some tips for creating a variety of holiday gifts on budget:

1. Visit local thrift shops to buy mugs, tea cups, china plates and other decorative containers including tins and baskets. Fill the containers with candy, soap, tea, cocoa packets or other snacks. 

2. Buy high quality chocolate, dried fruit or nuts in bulk and fill up small bags tied with ribbons. (I love the pecan turtles sold by Sunnyland Farms.)

3. Give a subscription to a magazine on a topic of interest to the recipient. (I just subscribed to the paper edition of Rolling Stone and enjoy the big size, paper quality and the tactile pleasure of flipping through a real magazine.)

4. Create holiday bouquets with fresh or dried flowers from Trader Joe’s or other affordable source. Buy and decorate fresh evergreen wreaths with fun holiday decorations from a dollar store. 

5. Find out which charities your clients or employees support and make a modest donation in their name.

6. Shop for books in your local used book store. My favorite supports the public library and has gorgeous coffee table books for sale for under $5. People appreciate that you thought about what they like–truffles, traveling abroad, cooking—and bought them something that they are really into. 

7. If you are feeling crafty, buy blank card stock, envelopes and a collection of rubber stamps to make your own holiday cards. It’s easy and relaxing.

8. My friends and family know I’m a crazy bird lady, so anything bird-related will make my day. (Hint Hint.)

With a little creativity and resourcefulness, you can spread holiday cheer and support your loved ones during challenging times. A small gesture can go a long way in showing appreciation and fostering a sense of community. So embrace the spirit of giving and get ready to sprinkle some holiday magic on those around you. Let's make this holiday season a beacon of joy and connection, one budget-friendly gift at a time.

Jane Applegate is an independent producer and co-founder of Showbizing Strategies. She’s producing a documentary series in Europe about the women behind the success of famous men.

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