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Who would have thought almost a year ago that the way we work would change so dramatically?  For those lucky enough to be able to perform their job from home, cheers echoed around the country - no more getting up an hour earlier to make the commute to the workplace, no more scraping those car windscreens (in the harsher weather), no more rushing the kids to school.  Added to this, people were saving an absolute fortune on lunch/travelling expenses!  Could it get much better than this…?

 … Or working from home as good as it’s cracked up to be?

Of course, home carries its own distractions, with many funny stories seen on the web.  Spending more time at home with their nearest and dearest, people are discovering things about them that they never knew – and not only about their partner’s working day, but their habits and frustrations too.  In some cases, people have only just learnt their partner’s middle name, would you believe it?!!  Along with the discoveries about other inhabitants, there is of course, those unplanned distractions from dogs, cats and babies and those knocks at the door for deliveries!  So, how do you get the balance right?

The first rule is environment.  In the workplace, everything is at your fingertips.  To gain access to the information/objects that are in the centre of our working worlds, all we have to do in work is open a desk drawer, or reach over and it’s there.  Working from home is an entirely different dynamic and as such, there are a few nips and tucks to do at home in order to function properly.

Start by designating a work space.  Ensure you have everything you need to hand and your desk/table will be just like the one at work, just slightly different-looking!  If you have the space, another great way of designating your workspace is to separate it from the busier rooms in the house, such as your kitchen and living room.

Work is work.  Wherever you’re working from, the main aim is to be as productive as you are when you’re in the workplace.  A huge part of being productive is to be organised.  Organisation keeps you in a routine too.  Get yourself in the right mind-set and treat working from home as if you are in the workplace.  Dress up as you usually would for work – it’s likely you’ll need to for those meetings anyway – no cheating!  Bottoms as well as tops…

Struggling to get organised?  Check out our Desk Mate gift box with some great tools to keep you sanitised, organised and hydrated at home!

To clear your head and not go too stir-crazy, get into a routine of going on regular walks on your break.  Walking can give you clarity and clear all those cobwebs.  Not seeing your friends and colleagues is strange in itself, which will be particularly noticeable on those warm, Spring days – the days you would usually go for walks or a spot of shopping together on your breaks, so getting out of your workspace (even if at home) is just as important as it would be at work.

On the subject of your friends and colleagues, not having the same level of human contact as we usually do can take its toll on our stress levels!  KEEP IN TOUCH.  Living in world governed by technology, it’s easy to forget that our friends and colleagues are only a phone call away.  Forget sending that email and pick up the phone or video call that person you need to speak to – you’ll feel a lot better for it and much more can get resolved on a phone call, than an email tennis game!

So, working from home is easier than you think!  Just remember – environment, organisation, exercise and telephone and you’ve got this one nailed!

As we’re edging ever closer to spring (hooray!), the mornings are getting lighter, which means those wintery moods become lighter too!  That period from the end of December to the beginning of spring is usually a subdued one for most.  There are a couple of reasons for this - for one, the weather is a little unpredictable (and as such, keeps us indoors) and then there is the inevitable beginning-of-year-lack-of-funds, of course!

Usually at this time of year, we alleviate those post-Christmas blues by getting out, socialising with friends, family, going on holiday, etc., however with the presence of COVID again this year and the ensuing lockdown, home has become a much smaller space – the only space we can be in.  It doesn’t mean it can’t be fun though.

In December, preparing for Christmas takes up most of your time, with so much energy going into building one perfect day.  That big day soon vanishes in a haze, until the New Year celebrations… only to go quiet again.  With Christmas done, dusted and boxed away for another year, why not use your time and energy organising the outdoor decorations?  Or in other words, your garden.

Doing it in the rain won’t be a great deal of fun (for some) however when you get a decent day, spending it in your garden - and yes, this means doing the gardening - can be very rewarding.  Your garden doesn’t have to be the size of a country pile to get any joy from it.  Some plants/seeds can thrive in the tiniest of spaces, or even in garden planters if space is limited.  This makes gardening accessible to all.

If you get it right, your garden (however big or small it is) will become a haven for birds, bees, butterflies and other wildlife, but then you’ll already know that as it’s all there for you to see – just look out of your window and see how many birds you can spot!  It will also become a haven for you too.  After a busy week a work with the noise of the commute and the sound of telephones ringing, we sometimes forget how relaxing it is to hear and see things that we’d usually take for granted like the birds singing and they can be great fun to watch while you’re working too!

With the stresses and strains of everyday life and more opportunity than ever to spend time at home, not all will realise the benefits to body and mind… but you should do, really you should:

• Stress relief – put down your mobile phone for a few hours! Nature is a proven stress reliever and spending time in your garden, looking after those lovely plants, is not only rewarding, but calming too.
• Feeling good? Feel better.  Gardening has been linked to better moods, leading to a better outlook in life and what’s more, it gives a sense of hope in the form of the reward at the end.
• Let’s get physical. If you’ve spent enough days tidying the garden you’ll know only too well how much your bones will feel it the following day!  Yes – this is a big one!  Gardening reduces calories too.  Rated as moderate-intensity exercise, did you know you can burn in excess of 300 calories just doing a bit of light gardening?
• Speaking of those bones, whether you see it in the sky of not, being out in the open air beneath the sun makes your body generate more Vitamin D, making those bones stronger. Vitamin D is also fabulous for building up a strong immune system and who doesn’t want one of those?
• Lower that blood pressure! Yes, spend enough time out there and you can decrease high blood-pressure levels.

With lockdown still underway and spring fast approaching, there’s never been a better time to dust off those wellies, get those scruffs on and get the kettle ready.  It will be hard work at first (think of those calories), but very rewarding and what’s more, it’s free!

Looking for a Gardeners Gift Box?  We have plenty in our range to keep those green fingers happy...

It’s hard to believe sometimes with the cold, wet weather, but there are many reasons to celebrate February – here’s one good reason… it’s the month of love.  What’s not to like?  You might be surprised at just how much you love this month.

On the Northern Hemisphere, February signifies the end of winter, which hopefully means we can all start getting warm again!  It’s also the only month of the year, shorter than any other and the only month that gains an extra day every four years.  As an added bonus to February - if you’re born on the 29^th of this month, you’re a quarter of your age!  February has a pretty good CV, doesn’t it?  So, you see already, it’s not all that bad.

For the romantics out there, there are a couple of significant days in February.  It goes without saying, the 29^th is special, after all it doesn’t come along all too often, but aside from this it’s also traditionally the day of the year where the ladies to do the proposing!

There are many theories surrounding the origins of proposing on the 29^th however the most common is the deal between Saint Patrick and Saint Bridget.  Saint Bridget had complained to Saint Patrick that ladies were just kept waiting too long for a proposal of marriage.  It was agreed that for those tired of waiting, there would be a window of opportunity every four years for the proposal to take place – on the 29^th February.

These days with most ladies preferring the “traditional” approach, the 29^th is often overlooked in favour of the “fairy tale” proposal.  We’re apparently more patient and happy to wait, but of course, the biggest day of love (and the one we have the privilege of every year) is February the 14^th.

This hotly anticipated day is the one acceptable day of the year that you CAN declare your undying love for your nearest and dearest.  Valentine’s Day will be a bit different this year, but there’s nothing stopping anybody from having a romantic, cosy night in.

Alternatively (and for the secretive sort), whether affections may or may not be unrequited, it’s also the day of the year to send anonymous love messages.  Always remember, there’s a fine line though – don’t get arrested!

Again, like other national days, there are many different theories regarding Valentine’s Day, some quite romantic, others not so, but hey, it’s all about the love, isn’t it?  In modern times, with less pressure on people to marry, the days of courtship and marriage as seen on Bridgerton, seldom exist.  There’s still plenty of romantic gestures to be had these days, some on a grander scale, some smaller, but creative – oh, and there will be more proposals on the 14^th than the 29^th!

For the love in your life - whether you're looking for a Valentines gift box or if you're looking for wedding gift ideas, our Romance selection will cover it.

So remember, there are plenty of things to LOVE about February.  And not all of them for love reasons:

• It’s the month of love (obviously)
• Your exercise goals become that little bit more realistic and yes! You can EAT again!
• Another Dry January… but now you can drink again – good times!
• Grown-up Snow Days – there will always be at least one day of snow, so let’s be kids again!
• Pancakes – another undoing of the hard work in January… but delicious!
• It will soon be Spring… warm days once more!
• It’s closer to your next pay day (you need this if you’re still feeling the pinch from Christmas)
• Crème Eggs start to hit the shelves (no introduction needed here)

 However you spend it, stay happy, stay safe and stay well.

Cats, Dogs, they’re just animals, right?

Being an animal-loving nation, we see them as so much more.  A quote heard often from anybody owning a pet is “but, they’re part of the family” and do you know, we couldn’t agree more!

Whilst they love us back, the chances of your dog walking into a shop or going online to buy gifts for their fellow humans are pretty slim, there are other ways they reward us.  Their biggest gift is their unconditional love.  The same goes with cats, no grand gestures, but always there for a cuddle when you need one the most.

With the unfortunate events of this year and the absence of places which make us happy, including pubs, restaurants, cinema & theatre, more and more people are now putting their trust in nature to give them the feel-good factor.  With the departure of Joe Wicks on YouTube (you can’t keep him forever, guys!), working out in the front room soon became walks in the woods and parks, along with days in the garden (actually doing the garden).  Finally people started to discover the joys of nature… and better still, it’s free!

It’s no surprise, then, that there has been a huge surge in pet sales.  Who wouldn’t want to enjoy the wonders of nature with a four-legged friend at their side?  With nowhere to go, it’s inevitable that people will try to find their happy with what they’ve got at home.  After all, there are only so many Zoom parties and get-togethers you can have before realising the cuddles are missing.

For years our fur-babies have helped us to lower blood pressure, helping us to recuperate more quickly from major illnesses as well as lifting spirits - and all this simply from just by being themselves.  Dogs are especially well-known for living in the moment, which you’ll gather from the rapturous welcome you receive whether you’re arriving home from work or you’ve just popped to the shops – time just means nothing.  Cats, whilst probably being just as excited do this in a more quiet, dignified manner - a meow, a rub against your legs or jumping on your knee for a cuddle, whichever way they do it, they’ve missed you!

So, what do you give back to your “mobile therapy unit”?  The luxury pet market has soared in recent years with the grandest gestures consisting of diamond-studded collars, luxury beds (suitable even for a human’s good night’s sleep) and for the discerning pet athlete, how about a treadmill?  Price tags for these extravagant gifts vary, but be warned, they aren’t the most-affordable!

Keeping it real, here at OohBox, we’ve thought of practical pet gifts – no treadmills (sorry, they won’t fit into our boxes!), but practical gifts to keep you and your pet happy.

After those damp, winter walks, what better than to treat your dog to the ultimate pampering experience?  Complete with brush, towel, shampoo, body mist and a paw balm for those hard-working pads, not only will your pooch be clean, groomed and smell amazing, they will be well fed and watered.  Once the hard work is done, they can settle down with a bottle of Champaws (non-alcoholic, of course) accompanied by vegetable-based dental chews to keep them gnashers looking fresher (we can’t guarantee dog’s breath will always smell fresh, though!)... the ultimate dog goody box!

And let’s not forget about cat!  Looking for a gift box for cats?  Your search is over!  For your feline friend, we have included a brush, crinkle bag, huggy island scratch post, treat dispenser toy and as a special treat at the end of all that playing, a lovely little catnip toy.

Whatever your budget, the biggest and cheapest reward you can ever give your pet is good, old-fashioned love, but a little appreciation for all those unsung qualities they bring to our lives also goes a long way!

Few can fail to be moved one way or another by Greta Thunberg and those like her, those whose passion is so undeniably strong but is such that it leaves the rest of us feeling somewhat…inadequate.  That said, we cannot deny that we all need to do our bit and make strides to save our planet and our environment. 

Having done a little research there are some obvious changes we can make which will as part of a combined effort make huge differences.  According to Conserve Energy Future there are three steps to consider when becoming more eco-friendly.

• Learn to consume items that cause minimal environmental harm.
• Look at your own carbon footprint and work to reduce your own impact on the environment.
• Work to support others that work to live and produce eco-friendly and sustainable communities.

These may seem daunting, after all we are used to many modern conveniences and there are harmful products hidden in many of our household items.  Replacing them wholesale is not possible and eco-friendly alternatives are often expensive, so we wanted to share a few easier steps that may help get the ball rolling...

1. Grocery Shopping - reduce plastic waste.  Have your bag for life in the car but also invest in a reusable cup and food container.  Buy loose fruit and veg, you can buy cheap non-plastic food bags for use at the supermarket or your local shop.  It’s little more time consuming than grabbing a ready packed bag of apples or potatoes but on a weekly shop of fruit and veg, buying loose could save around 6 or 7 plastic bags.  Another hint picked up on BBC is to buy refills for your cleaning materials and toiletries and replace shower gels for a bar of soap, it’s cheaper and creates less waste.  Choose items packaged in cans or cardboard over those packaged in plastic.
2. Fashion – buy less but buy better.  Buy clothes made from natural fibres, such as cotton and linen.  They feel nice, last well and do not contain micro-fibres that end up in the oceans.  Best of all recycle.  Buy vintage. Wrap.org.uk report that over 350,000 tonnes of clothing go into landfill in the UK every year valued at around £140 million!  Just by extending the useful life of an item of clothing could save between 5-10% in water, waste and carbon.
3. Try to walk or cycle more and leave the car at home. It’s not always possible so don’t beat yourself up, but for shorter trips where time is not against you, pull on your comfy shoes and stride out.  Zero emissions and great for your mind, body and soul.  In the UK we are not blessed with the best or cheapest public transport network but if armed with the right commuter kit the journey will be more bearable and you will be helping to reduce pollution and waste in our towns and cities. Remember when you use your eco water bottle or coffee cup, many coffee shops offer discounts when you use your own cup! Ooh have a stunning collection of gift box ideas with sustainability in mind.
4. Gifting – Share your new found passion with your loved ones by gifting responsibly too. Gifts bought from independent sellers, recycled and sustainable products and packaged responsibly too.  Here at ooh we have chosen many eco-friendly items from small independent UK businesses.  We supply our gifts in packaging that can be recycled but the gift box was chosen to be kept and re-used, it’s far too too lovely to be binned!

The main message from many eco bloggers, regardless of the subject is to not feel eco-anxious but to turn your good intentions into habits. 

Try it - it's much easier than you think!

88% of people did not keep their resolutions through the year, while 52% were confident they would at the time of making them.

The clock ticks down to midnight, and we’re all holding hands and chanting out the numbers as we pass by them.  We all scream ‘Happy New Year!’ and grab each other for a kiss and a hug before belting out ‘Auld Lang Syne’ in front of the house, fireworks and choruses of other gatherings singing ringing out all around the neighbourhood.

Those were my memories of New Year as I was growing up, although I know of other traditions that my friends took part in.  A friend’s grandmother would always leave the house before New Year via the back door, and return after midnight through the front, to celebrate new beginnings.  In Spain, it is customary to gather in the town square and eat twelve grapes, one for each month of the coming year, and in Scotland the tradition of ‘first-footing’ takes place, where the first person to enter a house in the New Year carries good luck.

New Year has been a universal symbol of new beginnings, fresh starts and, above all, hope.  It is a chance to celebrate another 365 days on the planet, and all that has happened, and all that will happen.  In Finland, for example, a container of molten tin is thrown into water, and the shape of the tin is interpreted to mean various things that will happen in the coming year.  New Year allows us to reflect on what has happened and how it has shaped us and ponder on where that experience will take us in the future and let’s face it after 2020, I’m hoping for so much more in 2021!

Perhaps the most famous tradition surrounding New Year is the making of New Year’s Resolutions.  Quit smoking, or lose weight, the resolutions have been ever popular, and we all laugh when a few weeks later we’re tucking into the last slice of carrot cake at the work bake sale!  We shouldn’t be too hard on ourselves for breaking our resolutions, however.  A study done in 2007 by Richard Wiseman found that around 88% of people did not keep their resolutions through the year, while 52% were confident they would at the time of making them!

The trick is to keep it small and keep it real and be in the right head space when you make them. Making resolutions isn’t a bad thing if the goal is achievable; the reason we can’t always keep them is because the resolutions themselves are hard to keep.  Most resolutions are made in order to improve your life in some way, and this is why I think New Year is such an important milestone on the road to self-care.  With the rise in popularity of mindfulness over the last few years, reflection at New Year is a lovely opportunity to practice mindfulness, and take stock of where you are, and who you are. Why not check out our range of pamper box gifts and relaxation gift sets.

Making small steps to improving your health and well-being at the start of the year, whether it’s joining the gym, saving some money up for a regular spa day or massage, or making the commitment to carve time out once a week for some me-time, are small, but potentially achievable New Year’s Resolutions that you can make this year.  What is yours going to be?

Let’s face it we all love a bargain and I’m sure I’m not the only one who is a tad “Grinchy” when  buying my Christmas presents knowing that they will be much reduced in a few short weeks.  Sadly, although that is a trait I’m not proud of, I’m just not organised enough to buy so far in advance for next year, I don’t think I’m the only one?  But….after the year we’ve had, we all need to get our hands on some bargains.

There is a huge push to “shop small” right now, Covid has affected small independent businesses more than ever, and with the High Streets on lockdown across the nation the only option is to shop online.  Get a glass of something lovely, settle down on your sofa and shop away!  The deals are often the same as in store anyway.

Be savvy, check out the good savings and buy what you need, things that can be put away for an upcoming birthday, wedding or celebration or indeed treat yourself. Come on we’ve all earned it after this year!

Start early, Boxing Day is when it all kicks off and that is where the bargains can be had.  Many retailers want to start afresh in the New Year so many of their seasonal gifts will be discounted.  Here at Oohbox we will be discounting many of our winter warmers and Christmas gift boxes even though they will still be handy to have well into March and April when the temperatures increase.  I know I still wear my cosy socks right up to summer!  Food based gift items will be good to get your hands on too.  With a shelf life, retailers need to keep this stock moving so for a tasty treat a seasonal sale might be the answer.  You can forget the weight based New Year resolution for a day and “a little of what you fancy does you good”!

The trick is to remember that our purchases are driven by both logic and emotion, so to avoid over-spending have a clear idea or list of what you “need”.  Of course we are all affected by the impulse buy but by planning in advance and being mindful of your available spend, the risk of blowing your budget will be minimised.  Being in control of the more emotional side of the brain will also control the FOMO – the Fear of Missing Out!  Online retailers will alert you to how many people have this in their basket or that there are low stocks.  These messages will be true but try to control the urge to follow the crowd, it’s another sure fire way of blowing the cash.  That said, as a new business we do have low volumes of our gift boxes, so each one will be a special little treat that very few will have right now.

So, for this year’s sales remember, shop small, stay safe, stay in control and enjoy yourself, you deserve a little treat.

Merry Christmas

Julie

It’s All Rush, Rush, Rush!

Christmas is such a joyous time of year!  As stressful as it can be getting our gifts together in the last minute rush (or maybe there are some of you who are really organised and have the whole thing sussed), excitement still prevails… and all this for a day long occasion too!  But hey, it’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

Admittedly, things are a bit different this year. 

With, dare we say, that dastardly virus being just about everywhere, the chances of consumers hitting the high streets with their annual battle through the crowds and queuing along with the other like-minded gift aficionado’s may not be an option.  However you do it, unless you know what you really want, gift sourcing at this time of year is indeed a battle field.

Why do we put ourselves through it?  The weather is certainly unpredictable at this time of year and who really wants to be queuing up in that cold, wet and windy weather?  Surely if we were to admit what we really wanted to do (instead of gift buying), wouldn’t it be to chill out in the comfort of our own home with a Netflix box set and a good old glass of Eggnog?

Now, thinking about those stress levels does beg the question: How did we manage before we had e-commerce?  More to the point, how would we manage without it?  It’s unthinkable.  Queues would be longer due to current restrictions and of course, weather is always colder (that’s a given) – and if not colder, certainly wetter!  Added to this, there’s even that niggling feeling of “Grumpyitis”! 

“But it’s the Most Wonderful Time of the year, how can that be?”

If you really, really think about it, it’s also possibly the only time of year when everybody else out there is on the same mission as you!  Added to this, same place, same time.  Hmmmmm…. things are getting mighty crowded in here.

With the year we’ve all had, now more than ever it’s important to put our time and energy into doing the simple, rewarding things in life, which all help to promote a state of mindfulness.  Looking for a pamper gift box?  We have plenty to nourish mind, body & soul!  Do you have your garden winter-ready?  Green spaces come in all shapes and sizes.  Whatever size your garden is, there’s nothing better than tending to those seeds you’ve been growing and watching in amazement as they get bigger.  How rewarding!  Check out our range especially for green fingers to find the gardening gift box for you!

If you really think about it, Autumn as a season carries those feel-good qualities – it’s the only time of year you get to see those wonderful russet colours.  Also, if you get Autumn on a good day, there’s nothing better than wrapping up warm and getting out there in the sun, whether with a loved one or your fur baby!

Which person are you?  Are you the organised, “got this in the bag” type or is it likely we’d see you head-down, mask on, braving the elements to queue (for a ridiculously long time) only to make it to the store and not actually find what you’re looking for?

Whoever you are we’re here to bring a bit of joy back to your life and of course, your lucky gift recipient’!  Now’s the time to forget the weather, queues, masks and Grumpyitis, get on that Netflix box set (glass of Eggnog at side) and find the gift you’ve been looking for – and all from the safety and comfort of your own home.

We’ll raise a glass to that!

Has it really been 12 months already? 

It only seems like yesterday since taking down and packing away those decorations and what an undertaking - all that glitter!  Having spent a lifetime getting those rogue pieces of the stuff out of the furniture and carpets of our homes, we do it all again!  Would we have it any other way though?  Of course not!  Bring on the glitter, it’s Christmas!!

Regardless of whether you like a cosy look in your home, or prefer a more minimalist décor, this is the one time of year you can just let your hair down, go completely crazy and deck your halls - knowing nobody will judge you for it.  Forget about sensible, it’s all about sparkle and at Christmas more is definitely more!

Being “Gifters”, it’s a given that this will likely be the most busiest time of the year for us – and being reasonably new, we’re hoping we’ll be busy helping you for years to come too.  In the build up to the big day, a lot time and energy is spent on not only trying to find the perfect gifts for our loved-ones, it’s all about the elegance (and let’s face it, skill) of the wrapping too.  Wouldn’t it be good if there was a service to not only find the perfect gift, but to wrap it AND send it, too….?  Now, that would be one less thing to stress about!

Wrapping those gifts is something we’re really, really good at!  With gift boxes available for various recipients and budgets, we’re sure you’ll find something for that hard-to-buy person you’re looking for.  Now the presents are sorted, it’s time to think about the big day itself….

As adults, sometimes Christmas can lose its magic.  As adults, when the kids have gone to bed, Christmas Eve, traditionally, is all about polishing off those mince pies (left for Santa) and drinking the cheeky tipple he was supposed to drink on his way out.  Left-over Rudolf’s carrot, we’re guessing isn’t particularly appealing to the cats and dogs though!  Nothing too exciting for adults and animals, then.

With the introduction of the Christmas Eve Box in recent years, an extra leg of excitement awaits the little ones – not only do they leave a gift for Santa on Christmas Eve, they have one too!  It’s a win, win situation for the kids.

But, what about the grown-ups?  Where’s their magic on Christmas Eve?  Is there a gift box tailor-made for adults?

Fear not!  Christmas Eve boxes aren’t all about the kids!  Not anymore.  Why not give the gift of that Christmas Eve magic to a grown-up loved one in your life – including yourself!  In that last-minute dash round the house, getting all those final preparations done for the big day, how nice would it be to light a candle, put your feet up and chill out with a comforting snack?  Your wish is our command!

"'Twas the Night Before...", containing hot chocolate, gourmet marshmallows… with a twist, and a beautiful festive candle, we think will make your Christmas Eve “Merry & Bright”.  Why not mix it up a bit and add a tipple of your favourite spirit or liquor to that hot chocolate?  The perfect night in box, we'd say!

And the big day itself?  Check out some of our exciting gift boxes targeted to that favourite late-night Christmas Day tipple.  You sort the eating and drinking and we’ll sort the Merry bit - now that’s a win, win situation for the grown-ups!

Winter Warmer – Locked Down over Christmas and New Year?

Winter is a strange time.  Hundreds of years ago, it was something to be feared and prepared to battle against.  Ice storms, rain, dark days and freezing temperatures meant that crops couldn’t grow, and livestock couldn’t eat, so it was a dangerous time for communities across the world.  The constant changing of the seasons meant that there was, at least, a consistency for our ancestors, and they knew that, to quote the Starks, “winter was coming”, and they could attempt and do something to up their odds against the cruel season.

There were the pragmatic solutions of storing grain and food in the summer to last through the latter half of the year, but there were also the mystical, or supernatural answers to their wintry woes.  Rituals and ceremonies were enacted on certain days of the year, at certain locations, in an attempt to appease the Gods and lessen the effects of a harsh season.  Stonehenge, in Wiltshire, England, is probably the most famous location in the UK where these customs were practised, spanning across tens of thousands of years.

Nowadays, we don’t need to attend a ritual at Stonehenge in order to ensure safety through the winter months (unless, of course, you want to; many still flock to Stonehenge for important dates throughout the year).  Our insulated homes, our heating and electric, even down to our big winter coats and woolly hats, mean that we are protected against the cold that autumn and winter brings.  Some would even say that winter was their favourite month, and in fairness, I can’t blame them!  Mulled wine, winter walks through the countryside, dark nights with a hot chocolate or a Sunday roast in an English pub while the weather rages outside, really allows for a sense of hygge.

Hygge (pronounced hyoo-guh) is a sort of buzzword at the moment, and I can see why.  The word is Danish in origin and doesn’t really have a direct translation into English.  Putting it into Google Translate gives you the word ‘fun’, but most argue that the closest word is ‘cosiness’.  The Danish would argue that it goes further than that, though; that it describes a sense of wellness and contentment in the simple things, especially when you feel safe and secure within yourself and those around you. 

Winter is a wonderful time to practise hygge.  The nights get longer, the weather turns colder, and so many of us feel an urge to nest.  With self-care being so important at the moment, why not practise a little hygge yourself this season?  Grab a scented candle, snuggle up with a heat wrap, and get your head into a book with a mug of tea and some biscuits.  Or grab the kids and dive under a blanket to watch a film. Ooh box has a great selection of gift boxes, including the Movie Night Box and several pamper box gifts.

Our 21^st century world doesn’t afford us many opportunities to ‘switch off’, but if there’s ever a time to take a moment for yourself, you’ll be sure to find it in the depths of winter.

Advent – It’s Beginning to Look a Lot like Christmas

We all start to think about Christmas earlier in the year...at least, we do, anyway!  It seems that, as soon as the Halloween decorations have left our shops, the fake snow and baubles are placed next to the greeting cards, with Cliff Richard crooning over our heads.  Whether it’s spreading the cost of the holiday season, or the worry of catching the looming postal deadline, the constant reminder of ‘Holidays are coming’ rings out earlier and earlier in the final quarter of the year.  One real marker that ‘the most wonderful time of the year’ has begun, though, has to be Advent.

The word advent stems from the Latin ‘coming’, and dates back to as early as 567, when monks were ordered to fast during December in the lead up to Christmas.  The anticipation of this particularly important day in the lives of these early Christians was celebrated throughout the month, in a way that showed their reverence to Christ.  Our modern day traditions are a little more indulgent, however!

The origins of our modern day advent calendar first became popular just over a hundred years ago in Germany.  This time, the tradition comes from the expectation of Kris Kringle leaving presents under the Tannenbaum, and we here in England commissioned our version first in 1956, although at this stage, without the chocolate.  Instead, Advent calendars showed a festive image behind each window, sometimes religious, and sometimes a more seasonal image, like a robin or a sprig of holly.  Someone in the 21st century can look on those first calendars, almost half a century ago, and practically hear Bing Crosby’s ‘White Christmas’ wafting over the wintry, crisp air, with an overwhelming Christmassy nostalgia.  The chocolate advent calendars didn’t really get popular in the UK until the 1980’s, but have remained a steadfast addition on the mantelpieces of children (and, let’s face it, grown-ups children) ever since.

Christmas, at least to us here at ooh, has always had that tinge of nostalgia that really makes this time of year so special to so many.  We’ve had forty years in this country of the modern advent calendar, and since then three generations have grown up with the bubbling excitement for the run up to Christmas.  Lists for Father Christmas, visiting Santa’s Grotto, posting letters to loved ones and choosing gifts for family has been such a staple for so many, and as these children grow up the excitement of Noel shifts, but never really goes away.  Just like those monks who first celebrated advent, the exhilaration that comes with waiting for Christmas is just as important as the day itself.

Advent, on a more practical side of the season, highlights a more organisational time of year.  After all, it’s beginning to look a lot like admin!  Hauling the Christmas decorations down from the loft often brings about a deep clean of the house, and the bulk buying of Christmas cards means reaching out the old phone book.  Here at ooh, we believe that the joy of giving gifts is the best thing about Christmas.  The glow of giving, as some have described it as, has actually been proven to release a powerful hit of dopamine in the brain, and, as is usually the case, the anticipation of your loved one receiving your gift only increases that warm, fuzzy feeling.

It’s been a long year, and Christmas means so much to so many people, and in so many ways.  As the nights grow longer and the days get darker, it’s now more important than ever to let loved ones know that you care, whether it’s by letter, by FaceTime, by a well thought out gift, or perhaps even their own advent calendar to count down the days.

So, as we welcome the season and the end of year, we here at ooh wish you a safe, healthy and happy Christmas.  Why not take a look at our shop for gift box ideas and check out our selection of beautiful boxes to send as gifts this Christmas.