Gruel is a tasteless thin liquid made with oatmeal, and usually water. It is a staple food of the less fortunate; and a paltry feature in Charles Dickens’s: Scrooge – A Christmas Tale.

Those of us lucky enough to be able to indulge on delicious treats, have likely stocked- up early.

Perhaps you have been squirreling away yummy nibbles during the weeks leading – up to the festivities. The cost of living is pinching for most of us. The collecting of supermarket points and vouchers – with all the agility of our bushy-tailed friends. We have become as nifty as The Artful Dodger, in terms of totting-up our finances. We are midst cashing- in retailer coupons, and our store- card points.

Oh, the buzz and necessity of all the extras and freebies…

It has been a challenging year for many of us. We desire the soulful lift of special tasty treats, to celebrate with our loved ones. We yearn for the holiday, some precious down time to refuel our energy.

We wish to say goodbye to the grueling times so many of us have endured; be those health, family, or financial woes…

So perhaps we can borrow our resourcefulness: – that we have needed to foster, this season and carry it over to the New Year. Here are a few ideas:

• We could pick the meat of the bones, shove it in the freezer: pies / risottos / rice dishes
• Freeze left-over vegetables: soups / stews
• Use up all the opened toiletries before we rip into the new gifts
• Donate surplus food to food banks/ homeless charities
• Sell the older version of the products that have kindly been gifted online: old phones / hairstyling products / games

We would be squirreling- away “free” staple ingredients for hearty and healthy eating in January. We could save money…

These things evoke a shift in mindset of appreciation, whilst deterring us from food waste.  More space can be gained and less clutter, from the fast-accumulating mountains of partially used toiletries. The more organized we are, the healthier our mental wellbeing. We smile more- because we feel contentment, calmer and grounded. It emanates out of us, a seasonal sparkle; and it is positively contiguous, helping our family members, and shining outwards onto others.’

Maybe considering applying these tweaks this year, will help heighten our conscious awareness. To humbly welcome our New Year, and be grateful for all that we already have.

I hope this is helpful.

SUNNY seasonal wishes to you all.

Emma x