Treats

 Once my hibernaculum time starts I shall want a few treats.  I’ve had a few ideas of luxury on a budget but all suggestions gratefully accepted!

Retirement has taught me that luxury is not necessarily about having lots of money. It is about enjoying what you have, taking your time, and occasionally treating yourself.  

During the winter I often buy myself a cheap bunch of flowers at the supermarket.  I think my favourites are alstroemeria.  They are so pretty and they always last at least two weeks.  Spray carnations are another good buy  Flowers do not inspect their containers before agreeing to look pretty. A clean jam jar will do perfectly well.

A day with nothing in the diary is a favourite luxury of mine.  A comfortable chair, a cosy throw, an audiobook and a little knitting or sewing is a real treat.  There is a difference between being lazy and deliberately making room for rest. Retirement should surely allow us to enjoy a little more of the latter.

I really enjoy a properly set tray with coffee and a cup and saucer and maybe a small cake or biscuit.  Mugs are fine but when I use my pretty cups and saucers I feel as if I am spoiling myself. 

Sadly I can no longer take long hot baths but a hot shower, fresh bedding and nightwear and some lovely hand cream to use before bed makes an ordinary evening feel positively luxurious.

The secret is not to buy more things. It is often to make better use of the things we already own.  None of these things requires a large bank balance. Some require nothing at all.

Luxury is not about how much we spend. It is about how much pleasure we allow ourselves.  We have spent enough years saving things for best. In retirement, perhaps it is time to make ordinary days a little more special.