It’s that time of year! Student holiday concerts are happening. My studio’s concert is this Sunday. I love to see the kids dress up. They’ve worked so hard throughout the fall. For a fair number of them it’s their first ever recital. I always find it nice to let them start off with one of their favourite holiday songs – they have fun, they feel more confident because they already know it. I love to see the proud parents and grandparents doting on their budding stars. It’s also the time when I start getting gifts. I am so grateful that I have students (and parents) that are so thoughtful to think of me. However, as a healthy living advocate I really prefer if I don’t get that box of chocolate (or 10 or 20 of them) – mostly I end up re-gifting them (that is if my husband hasn’t gotten to them first). There are also other gifts that don’t make it on my healthy living list like: ![]() -fragranced hand creams and soaps (it’s not just the fragrance, but so many other chemicals that I don’t want on my skin) -scented candles (again, nasty chemicals that are released into the air and breathed in) -baked products (store bought usually have chemical additives in way of colouring and preservatives, but even homemade for me are no good mainly because of my colitis – it would have to be gluten free) -anything with dairy (this is one food that most people should do without for many reasons) -anything with processed sugars or artificial sweeteners (neither is good for you) So what are some better alternatives? There are really so many great memorable alternatives so why choose the ho-hum box of Turtles or Pot of Gold?
In addition to the above list, here are some other ideas, some of which I’ve received and thoroughly enjoyed and others that I think would make great gifts – something for every budget, too:
The list could go on. If there is a tight community of students, they could collaborate on a bigger gift with everyone contributing $5 - $10. This is often done for classroom teachers, but can work with private music teachers, as well. So if you have a teacher you are buying for, get to know them a bit, see what might be their likes or interests. Do they have food allergies or dietary restrictions? If you know, they may thank you for a vegan gluten-free cookbook. If you don’t know, then maybe it’s best to stay away from food related items.
I don’t expect gifts from my students and if they stop giving because I’m too picky that’s fine. But thinking outside the box (of chocolates) makes for a more memorable gift and really doesn’t take any more effort. Happy Holidays from,
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