The truth is that even before COVID hit, Millennials – the current group with the most purchasing power – made 60% of their purchases online (data from 2019).  This was an increase of 13% over a study done in 2017, just two years earlier.  This is obviously influenced by a number of factors, not least of which is that technology is growing, and therefore so are the number of stores and items available online.

In general, motivation for online shopping is driven by three primary factors: convenience, time, and money.  Let’s explore 12 of the reasons why individuals choose to shop online, even when COVID is not a factor.

1.  Simple and Convenient

• For people who lead busy lives, it can be challenging to fit shopping into their day at all – much less during business hours.  Whether you’re already working the hours that businesses are open, or just finding it hard to get ready to go out with a few tag-alongs, having the opportunity to shop at your favourite stores anywhere, anytime is a huge draw.  In fact, 58% of online shoppers claim that the convenience of shopping 24/7 is the primary reason that they shop online.  Add in the simplicity of having orders dropped at your doorstep, and it’s an irresistible combination for many people.

2.  Ease

• We’ve all been there.  You’ve finally written your list of things that you need to get, and you notice that not only will you need to pick up a single item from multiple stores, but they are also (very inconveniently) located in different parts of the town. To make matters worse, you know that at least one of your items may - or may not – be in stock at the store. Online shopping makes finding what you need easy!  Forget waiting in lines at multiple stores, or spending hours walking up and down aisles looking for that one elusive item.  You can do a quick search from the store’s catalog online, and avoid driving from store to store to stand in lines.  Just think about everything you can do with the time you save!

3.  Easier to compare pricing

• Let’s face it – most of us don’t have an infinite budget. For the bargain hunters out there, it is much easier to compare pricing between places when you can put products side by side.  Rather than driving back and forth to different stores, shopping online allows you to open tabs from multiple stores at once to see who is offering what products, and at what prices. This is particularly convenient, since many stores offer special deals online that are not available in store.

4.  More selection and variety

• The reality is that no brick and mortar store can carry all variations of all products available. They try to carry the items that most people in the area will regularly purchase, and most of the time that works for customers.  However, sometimes you may be looking for a specific item that you just can’t find locally.  Being able to shop online gives you a much broader market to search for that product, since you can order something from a store located further away than you’re able to drive.

5.  Speed

• In the fast paced world that we live in, many people quickly get frustrated when their own agenda is impeded by other’s schedules.  Online shopping offers none of the time frustrations that accompany in-store shopping, such as crowds, line-ups, and the o-so-fun parking challenges.  Bonus – you won’t need to worry about losing your car after parking it either!

6.  Everything sold in one place

• Big box stores such as Walmart began operating around 1962 – less than 60 years ago.  Since then, many new versions of big box stores began operating and became quite successful because they offered many kinds of products in one location, allowing customers the opportunity to buy many things in a single place, with a single checkout. Online marketplaces such as Jiggity and Amazon allow customers to do something similar, except with a wider variety of stores, brands and products.

7.  Social proof

• How often have you searched for reviews of a product before making a purchase?  Whether it is through Social media, purchaser reviews, or product recommendations from a friend most of us have looked for information to guide our decision making when it comes to spending our hard earned money.  Product reviews accompany most items for sale online, with verified purchases built into the review system.  This social proof can come in quite handy when deciding what version of a specific item you want to get.

8.  No sales pressure

• Depending on the store, browsing for items can sometimes come with over-exuberant sales staff that can make you feel uncomfortable, or that pressure you into buying items that maybe weren’t exactly what you wanted.  Shopping online removes the sales pressure, allowing you to browse to your heart’s content.

9.  Discreet shopping

• Some people feel uncomfortable walking around in certain stores, or even in certain parts of a store.  Whether it is because of certain hygiene products, underclothing items or something else the ability to maintain anonymity by shopping online can be a huge draw for some people.

10.  Clear information about products and vendors

• I already mentioned the availability of social proof being convenient for many who are trying to learn about products before buying, however that sentiment extends to all information about both products and vendors as well.  Full descriptions can help you to understand what a product is made out of, and help you to see the item in your life.  Vendor descriptions also can guide decision making, especially for those who care about company culture and community efforts.  This information is often much clearer and available online than in stores.

11.  Easy to find what you need

• If you’re anything like me, chances are you have spent at least one shopping trip walking in circles around an entire store in search of one specific product – or an employee that can help you find that specific item.  Thanks to modern day technology, those trips can be a thing of the past.  It’s easy to find the exact items you are looking for by searching directly for the item in the search bar.

12.  Shopping control

• Occasionally, impulse shopping can take over a shopping trip (and your wallet). Marketers spend a lot of time and effort to grab your attention and help you make unplanned purchases as you browse their stores.  It’s amazing how easy it is to stick to your list when you are able to directly search for the items you need and avoid everything else.

There you have it, 12 reasons that people shop online that have nothing to do with COVID.  As you can see, there are lots of reasons that online shopping has taken off in the way that it has, and it isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.

If you need some assistance with shopping on Jiggity or setting up your Jiggity store just reach out to Calida at shop@jiggity.ca, or 902-397-4688 to access full support.

Why do people shop online? Part 1

This pervasive question seems to be wondered by many, particularly over the past year as shopping trends have shifted to reflect the difficult circumstances that the world has been facing.  Among other thoughts seems to be the question of how E-Commerce has changed due to COVID-19, and if those changes will continue after the pandemic is over. 

In reality, COVID-19 did not create the drive to online sales – it just sped up the process for some businesses. At this point in time 80% of Canadians are shopping online, at least for a portion of their spending.  Even if some individuals do choose to frequent brick and mortar stores more often after regulations have relaxed post-COVID, chances are high that many will keep at least some of their online shopping habits. Let’s first take a look at some of the reasons that people shop online due to COVID.

Capability

• Let’s face it – in-store capacity has decreased in a number of ways over the past year.  In some instances, stores closed entirely.  For others, COVID has resulted in reduced hours, or temporary shut downs.  In nearly all cases, the number of people allowed into the store at a specific time has decreased, at times as low as 25% of store capacity.  For customers this has meant significant wait times to even get into the store, making it much easier and simpler to visit an unrestricted website.

Safety

• Going shopping during COVID is like walking through a minefield – you have to take all the necessary precautions, be really careful where you walk, and you still won’t know what situation you’re actually walking into.  Nearly all stores require masks, have placed distancing and directional markers on the floors, and have established sanitation stations in entrances and throughout the stores.  However, no matter how closely you follow the rules and how careful you are you still can’t choose who is in the store with you.  The uncertainty of if others will respect safety protocols, or even if anyone in the store may have COVID is a lingering thought for many.  Shopping online dissipates those fears entirely, as you don’t need to worry about both yourself and others following the rules.

Shame

• Whether it’s real or imagined, some individuals are experiencing “shopping shame”.  Browsing through stores is being discouraged, and there are varying opinions as to what “browsing” constitutes.  Not only that, but there have been comments made in media articles suggesting that people have been present at too many stores within a short period of time.  Regardless of how you personally feel about regulations, shopping online does not carry the same stigma.

Store location

• The location of your favourite stores in relation to your home is always a factor when considering shopping trips, but COVID has taken these distance concerns to a new level. You can’t cross a border to pick up a couple of items anymore, even if the stores there are closer to your home than others.  Even within your province you may be strongly discouraged from travelling to larger centers for shopping.  Online shopping prevents these issues, as you can get items from anywhere delivered to your home.

Can’t try things on anyways

• Let’s face it – purchasing certain items online is more difficult than others.  For example, clothing sizes can vary, and many styles fit various body types differently.  In the past, this drove many clothing shoppers to stores to try items on.  However, now that many stores are not allowing you to try clothes on the benefit of making your purchase in person has decreased.  If you shop online, you can return items that don’t fit after trying them on at home.

Stay tuned for part 2 of this blog post, when we discuss Non-COVID related reasons for shopping online.

As many of you may have heard, the initial Jiggity project was largely funded by ACOA (the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency) for a six month period of time, which was set to end on February 13.  The plan from the beginning was that the project would continue past that date, under the direction of the Cumberland Museum and Archives.  Although I had been anticipating that this would be a goodbye blog post, I was pleased to pass along the successes that Jiggity has had since its beginning.

At this time, we are pleased to announce that with the help of our local partners, the Cumberland Business Connector and the Amherst and Area Chamber of Commerce, we have been able to extend the project by a couple of months as we develop a strategy to expand Jiggity and increase its flexibility. Thanks guys!!!

You may be wondering what this means for you.  First of all, it means that I (Calida) will remain with the project as a resource for businesses as they work on building their online stores.  For now for vendors, things will continue as they have been, with businesses having the opportunity to sign up for a free trial period on Jiggity. 

It also means that you should stay tuned for some big announcements coming to Jiggity over the next couple of months, in order to see how Jiggity will continue to serve you, and our communities, as it grows.

This great news means that there is an increased opportunity for businesses to develop their online services, and to connect with customers.  Join us today to develop your new storefront, widening your customer base and increasing your reach for free!

Did you know that in some countries (Japan, South Korea, Taiwan) Valentine’s day is a holiday where the women give chocolates to the men in their lives, such as their love interest, friends and even their boss?  The men are not expected to give anything to their women on Valentine’s day!  This is a stark contrast to Valentine’s day in Canada, when men are typically expected to give something to their sweetheart such as flowers or chocolates, with the hope of reciprocation from their partner.

Although this tradition may seem strange, you might be interested to know that this is only because there is a complimentary holiday held in those countries exactly one month after Valentine’s day on March 14^th, known as “White day”.  On white day the men respond to the chocolates and gifts they received on Valentine’s day – theoretically at 3 times the value of what they had been given! 

For those who do not receive something on Valentine’s day or White day, Black day (April 14) is designated to celebrate their ‘singleness’, with special meals being shared among single friends.  The history of these holidays is really interesting to learn about – and the colours used in the holiday names refer to the colour of foods traditionally eaten / given.

Since we do not celebrate White day or Black day in Canada, we get these holidays all wrapped into one on Valentine’s day. Whether you are part of a relationship or celebrating your independence this Valentine’s day, Jiggity has some great options to make your evening (or weekend) special.  Here are some unique gift ideas to make your special someone smile this year.

For her:

Take a step away from the traditional with this pewter Celtic heart magnetic bracelet.  The Triquetra symbolizes eternity, while the heart that swirls into a circle symbolizes spiritual union.  What better message can you give for Valentine’s day?  

Necklaces can provide a visual representation of who someone is, as the pendants often have special meaning to the wearer.  This green and topaz resin butterfly can represent change, as well as luck and prosperity.  What a beautiful gift to give someone in 2021! 

Wear your heart on your sleeve... or neck. As the universal symbol of love (and therefore Valentine’s day) it’s hard to go wrong with a beautiful, red heart necklace like this one.

For him:

Who couldn’t use a new belt once in a while?  These genuine leather belts are sure to last a long time, and can easily be paired with any pants – whether you’re dressing up with some nice slacks or going casual with a pair of jeans.  

Vacuum tumblers are a great way to keep hot things hot, and cold things cold as you head out for your work day.  Why not personalize one and give it to your sweetheart for Valentine’s day... filled with their favourite beverage!  

For yourself:

Chocolates are a stereotypical gift that people give on Valentine’s day, so why not give yourself Chocolate... coloured shower accessories?  These shower/bath items are eco-friendly, and pair nicely with the soft-scented lavender soap and environmentally friendly candle for a wonderful, relaxing night by yourself.

For anyone:

Ok, ok – I’ve been somewhat unsuccessful already with breaking items down by who they’re appropriate for.  However, here are a few more items that really can be perfect gifts for just about anyone.

For the person in your life who is tied to their roots, sometimes the best gift you can give them is a piece of memorabilia that will last a lifetime... or more.  This personal family tree can be passed down from generation to generation, giving your family the gift of knowing where they came from. 

Sometimes you want to be able to open a bottle and have it keep well until the next time you need/want it.  This beautiful celtic heart bottle stopper will fit most bottles, and is a wonderful – and useful - way to give your heart this Valentine’s day. 

Have you been outside today? I hope that you haven’t needed to, and that if you did you made it where you were going safely. The weather isn’t always designed for outdoor fun, but luckily cuddle blankets like this one are made to snuggle up on the couch either by yourself or with a special someone – if you’re willing to share, that is, after feeling the soft texture of this high quality blanket. 

Why not put together a lovely basket with a bottle of your favourite beverage to accompany some new, handpainted glasses. This beautiful set will lend a cheerful spirit to your evening both for Valentine’s day, as well as future celebratory events.

There you have it!  13 unique gift ideas for Valentine’s day that are sure to dazzle and wow your partner with the thoughtfulness that accompanies them.

Still not sure what to give someone for Valentine’s day?  Why not give a Cumberland Cares Gift package that embodies the giving that you’re hoping to achieve for this special holiday. Built from a variety of local producers, both the small and the large package are sure to make someone smile this Valentine’s day.

Have you wanted to shop on Jiggity, but wondered when people get the opportunity to spend time shopping online in between all of the other things they have to do?  We’ve compiled a list of five great opportunities for you to shop on https://jiggity.ca in order to get entered into our January contest!

1. When you’re winding down in the evening

Many individuals find that the easiest time for them to get their shopping done is at the end of a long day as they are finally winding down for the evening.  In fact, some shift workers who get off late at night find that online shopping after they’re off can help them get everything done, even long after stores are closed.  Take advantage of the time that you’re relaxing on the couch before bed to get a couple more things checked off your list.

2. On your breaks at work

While it might not be a good idea to spend a lot of your work day browsing websites for shopping (although I must admit that I do spend a fair amount of my work day hanging around on Jiggity... sorry boss ;) ), there is nothing wrong with spending your breaks planning out birthday presents – or looking for some self care items. Why not capitalize on the time that you have to knock some things off your to-do list?

3. When you first get off of work

Have you heard of fake commuting?  It’s a new phenomenon that people started to take up last year in order to mimic their work day, when people leave the house and go for a walk or drive in the morning before returning home to start work.  Many individuals find that it helps put them into a mindset for work, even away from the office.  Less common is repeating this at the end of the day to transition back to home life, although experts have agreed that decompression time at the end of the day is just as important. Especially if you’re working from home right now, you may find that it’s nice to take a bit of a break in between ending your shift and resuming your daily chores.  Why not use this perfect opportunity to browse Jiggity while you decompress?

4. During the (too long) wait for an appointment

We’ve all been there.  Your doctor’s appointment was supposed to start 45 minutes ago, and you still see a couple of people in the waiting room that arrived before you.  Although this situation is extremely frustrating, the good news is that most waiting rooms now have Wi-Fi access - so as long as you have a portable device you’re golden!  Instead of wasting your valuable time reading useless news stories or trolling your friends on Facebook, you can use this uninterrupted time to get caught up on all the shopping that’s been pushed to the backburner.  How perfect!

5. While waiting to pick someone up

If you have data on your phone, or if you’re in Wi-Fi range while waiting in your car to pick someone up then you’re in a lucky position to get some things done.  Whether it be that you’re waiting for your kids to get out of school, or for your dad to finish his medical appointment you’re just one click away from being able to get that cute top that you’ve been looking at.  You’re already doing something for others by picking them up, so give yourself a treat and pamper yourself a bit today.

There you have it – 5 perfect opportunities to check out https://jiggity.ca.   

Everyone loves FREE, right?

Why not get a chance at free this January, as Jiggity kicks off the New Year with a CONTEST!!!  For the month of January, for every $30 that you spend on Jiggity you will automatically get an entry into a draw for not one, not two, but THREE amazing prizes!!! With a grand prize worth over $120, what do you have to lose? It’s time to get excited, so let’s take a sneak peak at what you can win.

Our Grand Prize has an entertainment theme, so you can anticipate a whole lot of fun while reading about what comes in this package.  With a retail value of over $120 that's over a four times return on investment if you win!!!

• A Digital learning kit.  This learning kit combines VR (virtual reality) with AR (augmented reality) as it provides young children with the tools they need to immerse themselves in deep learning experiences.  Feel confident that your child is grasping important concepts as they spend hours engrossed in stimulating, educational activities.  Your kids will be begging you for more, as you get some much needed down time.  Learn more about this awesome educational tool at https://jiggity.ca/entertainme....

• A travel sized cribbage game board.  This artisan-made game board comes with playing cards and pegs, and has a convenient built-in compartment underneath to store your pegs as you head out for your next camping adventure.  If it doesn't already bring back memories of your childhood, you can easily create new memories with such a fun game! Take a closer look at this game at https://jiggity.ca/entertainme....

• A Realm of the Unicorn puzzle.  With 350 pieces, this puzzle is perfect for the whole family as it combines small, medium and large sized pieces.  Spend an evening creating a mystical world as imaginations run wild with every piece laid. Buy the puzzle at https://jiggity.ca/entertainme....

• Crossing Borders by the Carter Girls. Well known local artists bring music to life with this mix of songs.  Local talent at its finest will inspire your home as you listen again and again. Learn the songs on this CD at https://jiggity.ca/entertainme....

Our second prize’s theme is relaxation, and who couldn’t use some relax time after nearly a full year of COVID?  

• A bath and shower pouf.  Feel the luxury as you lather up with this brand new, environmentally friendly pouf. You will find the Pepper Varg. colour in your prize, although there are lots of great colours to choose from on Jiggity.  See more pictures at https://jiggity.ca/personal-ca....

• A six half-soap variety pack.  Sometimes it’s hard to make decisions on what you want when there are tons of great options to choose from.  Never fear!  This variety pack gives you the opportunity to test out six artisan soaps, each developed to give the user maximum benefit. Learn more about the soaps at https://jiggity.ca/personal-ca....

• A Candle.  Sometimes using a candle for some mood lighting is just the thing you need to round out a nice, relaxing evening.  This candle will pair nicely with your new soap and pouf for a perfect evening in. Learn more about this clean, long burning candle at https://jiggity.ca/home-and-gi....

The third prize is centered around the office, although it can work for home environments as well. 

• A 10 foot, 3-in-1 cable.  With all of the technology that we’re surrounded with every day, who can’t use an extra charging cable or two lying around?  This cable has the added benefit of being 10 feet long, so you can charge your devices easily while still having access to it on your desk... or couch. Perfect for everyone - read more at https://jiggity.ca/products/mi....

• A 1 hour business consultation. Regardless of if you’re just starting out, or if you have an established business that you’re looking to grow it never hurts to have a one hour consultation with professionals who have tons of experience in business development and growth.  Plan your virtual coffee and conversation after visiting https://jiggity.ca/events-and-....

These amazing prizes are waiting to be won, and are sure to give you a great start to the New Year!  Head over to https://jiggity.ca/ to enter yourself to win today!

I think that the biggest benefit of the New Year is the New Beginning mentality that comes with it for so many.  Not much will actually change between today and tomorrow.  COVID won’t suddenly disappear, the weather won’t be significantly different, individuals won’t physically change, and very little will really look different.  However, aside from the number at the end of the calendar changing the New Year brings with it hope.  Hope for a better year, hope for societal improvements, hope for improved health, and hope for a better YOU. 

The flipping of the calendar seems to be a physical manifestation of turning over a new leaf.  For this reason many will use the New Year to start something new, establish new goals, or make a renewed effort to accomplish something they’ve been working on.

Just like snowflake is different, so is every person and different people may do this in different ways. Some may continue moving forward without paying much attention to the year change.  Others may quietly reflect on the past year and consider how to improve during the next year, but not make any solid plans.  Still others may develop goal lists that detail out the intentions that they are moving into the New Year with.  If you’re looking for new ways to develop some resolutions for the New Year, check out these fun ideas!

Create a Vision Board

Vision boards are a perfect way to visualize what you want, without needing to spend a bunch of time working on the wording of your resolutions.  As a bonus, you can hang it on the wall of your office and have a constant reminder of what you’re working towards!  Grab a few old magazines, some scissors and start searching for what you envision for yourself in 2021.  If you don’t have any special backing to use, you can use a piece of paper to put this together, and you can even laminate it after you’re done!

Develop a Wheel of Resolutions

For the person who loves games and a bit of chance, this wheel can be a great way to play your way to success in 2021.  Simply print this wheel off (or create your own version) and fill in each section with a category appropriate goal that you want to accomplish this year.  For example, under “Career” you could write “Develop my online store on Jiggity and upload 50 products”. Once all of the sections are filled in, you can spin the wheel every day/week/month to determine which resolution you will focus on for that time period!

Create a Bucket List

Whether it be for your life, or just for 2021 you can always create a list of must-see/must-do items that you would really love to accomplish.  Obviously, some things may be COVID dependant but hopefully as numbers stay low and the vaccine becomes more readily available more opportunities will become available again.  You can choose whether to make your list COVID-proof (you can do it regardless of regulations, i.e. at home) or to create a list that is dependent on communities returning to a version of normal.  A few fun ideas could include attending the Highland games, going Tidal Bore Rafting (and mud sliding), or exploring fossils at Joggins Fossil Cliffs!

Ask yourself what you would do if you had a million dollars

Outside of the financial goals that you could make to turn this question into a reality, this question can also shed light on what you really want.  For example, if you say that you would build a beautiful garden you can step back and figure out what you can do to make that a reality without a million dollars.  Can you buy a shovel and plant a few flowers near your front door?  Or even turn some grass along the side of your house into a prime location for some fruit bushes?  Consider what you CAN do with the resources you have available to you.

Make a list

There is nothing wrong with just writing down your hopes and dreams for 2021 and turning that list into your yearly resolutions.

Regardless of how you plan to approach 2021, know that the team behind Jiggity is wishing you a VERY Happy New Year! 

‘Twas Christmas in Amherst in the year 2020

A COVID-19 re-make of the popular “ ’Twas the night before Christmas”

 ‘Twas the day before Christmas, when all through the town

Not a snowflake was seen - no, not one on the ground.

Both parents and children couldn’t help but wonder

If Christmas this year would just be a big blunder.

With restrictions and sunshine and 14 degree weather,

To top off the year of no one being together.

For COVID-19 had caused such a clatter

That it seemed everything in the world was the matter.

No parties, no family, and even less shopping;

It seemed like Christmas could only be stopping.

Face masks, sanitation, no gatherings and distancing -

All that seemed left was a tree that was glistening.

The stockings were hung on the wall at six feet,

With hope that Santa’s mission could still be complete.

When on the news channels - what did we hear?

But Dr. Strang full of whispers; tidings of good cheer.

"The magic of Christmas protects Santa, you know,

So that the virus can not possibly grow."

"As long as you practice healthy habits", said he,

"You can still find presents wrapped under your tree!"

Don’t forget that the ten person gathering limit

Is not counted by day, much less by minute.

So enjoy some good times with close friends at home

(As long as you don’t venture out to go roam).

Video chats are a safe way to visit the rest,

So at Christmas don’t forget to dress up your best.

Christmas is still here, like it or not,

And as long as you’re safe COVID can go rot!!!

Enjoy the holidays, as much as you can,

For soon the vaccine will remove all the bans.

And life can return to a ‘new normal’ at last,

So hold on for a little while until it has passed.

With an exciting New Year up ahead

You can be excited on Christmas to head to your bed!

Since Christmas is coming – wait, no – it is here!

And with it the closing of this horrible year!!!

So, get ready to welcome year 2021.

With it, a new life will have begun.

But for now, welcome Christmas without too much fright.

Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!

Life has changed for everyone this year, with many experiencing changes in multiple areas of life such as employment, finances, health, and social and daily activities. While there is no doubt that some have fared better than others, the reality is that COVID-19 has left none unscathed.  When we are used to certain activities, it is easy to take people, places and things for granted. When those things are later taken from us it is an affront to what we believe about life, and can result in negativity. In light of everything that has happened this year, it is easy to get caught up in the negative, and ‘lack’.  

With festivals, parades, and get-togethers limited or cancelled there has been a lot of talk about Christmas being “cancelled” this year.

However, as the classic story of the Grinch taught us, Christmas CANNOT be cancelled, or taken from us!  Even though we may not be able to sit on Santa’s lap, have a big Christmas dinner with all the in-laws, or participate in the annual Christmas parade, we can still have an amazing Holiday season.  After all, what is Christmas really about?

Let’s consider some ideas of how we can make the holidays fun:

1. Decorate your house – both on the inside, and the outside.
2. Go for a drive/walk to see the beautiful light displays in your neighbourhood.
3. Have a snowball fight.
4. Make Christmas cookies.
5. Send Christmas cards.
6. Set up video calls with Facetime / Zoom / Google Hangouts with your family / friends.
7. Have a Christmas fort building competition online.
8. Make decorations for your house (see our blog on Holiday Craft Ideas).
9. Sing songs – badly, if necessary – but have fun with it!
10. Get all dressed up for a family game night (if you live alone, you are allowed to go to someone else’s house).
11. Watch Santa online.
12. Bring a care package to someone, even if you can’t stay to visit.
13. Watch an online concert.
14. Check out all the holiday movies that you never have time for.
15. Have an online wrapping party.
16. Make all your favourite foods for Christmas dinner.
17. Go through your house to find items that you don’t need / use anymore to donate to someone who really needs it (i.e. warm winter items for the homeless) – get the spirit of the season going, while decluttering.
18. Shovel a neighbour’s driveway.
19. Sip candy cane hot chocolate by the fireplace – don’t forget the marshmellows!
20. Shop local, even if you want to stay home (Jiggity can help with that).

Plus, don’t forget that Santa has made sure to isolate, and take all the proper precautions to not get COVID so that he can still safely deliver presents on Christmas. This article gives some great information on how to explain to kids that Santa is still safe this year.

As we enter the holiday season this year I would like to encourage everyone to take a step back, and find at least one positive thing that they can focus on as this year closes. As you focus on feelings of gratefulness you will find that not only is Christmas not cancelled, but this year it is giving you the gift of simplicity, peacefulness, and a renewed focus on what really matters in life.