It’s official. The holiday season is in full swing now that we’ve kicked it off with Thanksgiving. While this year will undoubtedly go down in history as a holiday season (and year for that matter) unlike any other, we can’t let the pandemic spoil our holiday cheer—we just have to adapt and adjust a little to make sure we are not only keeping ourselves safe but the ones we love and the ones others love dearly.
So, how, you might ask, can we embrace this hiccup up in our traditional holiday plans and make something positive out of this last month of the year?
Instead of focusing on what we don’t have or what we can’t (or rather shouldn’t) do, let’s laser in on ways we can give back, support one another, and of course, take care of our hair this holiday season.
Give the gift of a good cause
Instead of perpetuating mass consumerism, why not dedicate a donation to a cause that is near and dear to your heart or the heart of the one you are gifting? There are thousands of different organizations, both domestic and international, who are working tirelessly to save the forests and the ocean, protect threatened species, fight climate change, ensure underserved communities have bare essentials, education, and healthcare, support struggling families, and stand up for human rights atrocities, among so many other noble causes. You can literally gift a different cause to everyone on your “nice list” and have no overlap!
Here are some resources to help you find reputable organizations to lend a helping dollar to:
Share with those who are struggling
For many of us, the holidays are synonymous with food. But between Covid-related hardships and life just not going the way we planned sometimes, a holiday with all the treats and trimmings isn’t in the cards for everyone. Fortunately, there are a lot of easy opportunities to donate food and holiday gifts for children in Miami and countrywide. If you are fortunate enough to have enough, sharing your abundance is one of the greatest gifts you can give.
Here’s where you can help out in Miami: https://thenewtropic.com/looking-for-resources-and-ways-to-support-the-miami-community-during-the-coronavirus-pandemic-we-got-you/
Buy gift cards from your favorite small businesses
We all have our favorite hair salon (we hope it’s Paris Clarie Salon!), trendy boutique, restaurant, coffee shop, bookstore, yoga studio, etc. So why not share some love with your favorite places by inviting your loved ones to experience them too?
Write a positive review
One of the easiest ways to show your appreciation and support for the small businesses you love is by writing them a positive review. A few kind words go a long way!
Wrap presents with recycled materials
Did you know Americans spend more than $7 billion on wrapping paper? Gasp, I know! Here’s another gasp-worthy statistic, 4 million trees are wasted every year to make wrapping paper and holiday gift bags. Maybe it's time we banned wrapping paper and get creative with our gift wrapping.
Here are 15 eco-friendly ways to wrap gifts this year: https://ecocult.com/15-eco-friendly-gift-wrap-ideas-that-look-chic-not-cheap/
Prepare a vegetarian or vegan holiday meal
I know, I know, you’ve got to have a turkey. But what if you just don’t? I mean, it’s really all about the sides, anyway, right? And think about how grateful the planet will be for your plant-based choices?
Potatoes, green bean casserole, sweet potato soufflé, cranberry sauce, the dressing, pumpkin pie, and apple crisp are all predominantly plant-based already. They can easily be made vegan by swapping out the dairy butter and milk or plant-based butter and milk.
Here are 31 easy-peasy vegan holiday dishes to craft your perfect holiday meal: https://www.delish.com/holiday-recipes/christmas/g3626/vegan-christmas/?slide=1
Treat yourself to a cut, color, and blow out
So, maybe this holiday season won’t (or shouldn’t) include big holiday parties, whole extended family gatherings, and event invitations that have a note about dressing to impress, but that doesn’t mean you can’t glam it up this month.
Give yourself the gift of some haircare self-care, and the end of 2020 and start 2021 feeling light, fresh, sparky, and just all-around good about yourself! All of us at Paris Claire Salon would love to see you this upcoming month!
Update your hair care products to start a new year fresh and clean
I don’t know if you are aware or not, but Paris Claire Salon launched a full line of high-end, high-quality, super clean, fresh and light smelling products for every hair type and concern. This mix and match collection was designed to help you customize your perfect haircare product line. With wet and dry shampoos, rinse out and leave-in conditioners, serums, glosses, protectants, and sprays, the Paris Claire Salon Signature haircare collection will bring out your best hair day every day!
Come see what we’ve got and let’s pick out the best products for your hair together and today (or as soon as we can see you!).
Happy holiday season!