Gift giving during the holiday season can come with lots of challenges, including the pressure to find the perfect gift. If someone close to you has recently started their journey on the path to recovery, or has been in sustained recovery for some time, you might find yourself wanting to commemorate or celebrate their journey through your gift.
While that might feel like a daunting task, there are countless beautiful, thoughtful gifts you can purchase or create for your loved one. And no matter what the gift is, as long as it comes from a place of love, you are guaranteed to make the holidays that much more meaningful for them.
1. A journal
Many drug and alcohol rehab programs recommend journaling as a way for people to stay mindful and process difficult feelings during recovery. Journaling can also give an individual the opportunity to look back at their struggles and acknowledge the progress they have made, jotting down their daily gratitudes as a way to remain positive and uplifted.
You can find unique, expertly crafted journals at your local bookstore, or even shops online from small businesses that offer fun additions like customizations and engravings. This way you can make the gift even more personal.
2. Fitness class passes
Physical activity is a great stress reliever for anyone, but it can be especially beneficial for individuals in recovery. It’s a productive way to fill time on a healthy coping mechanism, benefits both the physical body and the mental health of the individual and can contribute to a healthy sleep schedule (something that can be difficult for people in recovery to establish).
Whether your loved one is into yoga, kickboxing, Zumba or cycling, a pass to their favorite gym or fitness class can be a perfect holiday gift in addiction recovery.
3. Commemorative or personalized jewelry
A personalized necklace, bracelet or other charm is a great way for an individual to wear a reminder of their achievements in recovery. Consider finding something that represents the date of their sobriety, or the amount of time they’ve maintained it, if you think a more subtle gift might be appreciated.
There are also online stores that sell jewelry designed to celebrate sobriety by incorporating common symbols in the recovery community (like the AA triangle). Take time to consider what about their journey is the most important landmark or achievement and consider how you can incorporate it into a truly memorable Christmas present.
4. A spa day
Self-care is a huge part of a successful recovery lifestyle. Particularly in early recovery, a person may feel compelled to “make up” for the period of time they spent in active addiction, or prove to others that they’ve turned over a new leaf. This can add to the stress of building a new sober lifestyle.
A self-care spa day featuring a massage, facial, pedicure or any other treatment can provide an individual in recovery with the chance to relax, let go of any stressful thoughts, and treat themselves. It gives them the chance to rest without any guilt, as well as feel like they can regain a sense of dignity and well-being. A holiday gift like this during addiction recovery can do wonders in this way.
5. A photo album
Early recovery can be a lonely time period as they transition into their new lifestyle of sobriety and healthy relationships. An individual might have severed their previous social ties in an effort to find friends who can support their new lifestyle, but these family connections may feel weakened by the addiction.
A thoughtful and powerful way to remind your loved one that they are still supported and loved regardless is through a photo album or scrapbook. You might consider taking the time to print out meaningful photos that show them during some of the best days, pre-addiction. It could serve as a reminder of why they started, as well as the support that’s in their corner, whether or not they feel it all the time.
Showing your support
Having a loved one in addiction recovery during the holiday season is never easy, but you can help lessen any negative emotions they might be experiencing by giving them a thoughtful, personal gift. It’s a genuine, personal way to communicate that they’re still on your heart and in your thoughts, in addition to being an encouragement in ways you didn’t expect.
If your loved one struggles with addiction, or is looking for support before, during or after recovery, consider Rehab After Work. Call us anytime at (610) 644-6464 to learn more about our treatment programs and recovery plans, and to schedule your first appointment.
