Homemade for the Holidays - Part 1

"And the Grinch, with his grinch-feet ice-cold in the snow,
Stood puzzling and puzzling: 'How could it be so?
'It came without ribbons! It came without tags!
'It came without packages, boxes or bags!'
And he puzzled three hours, till his puzzler was sore.
Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before.
'Maybe Christmas,' he thought, 'doesn't come from a store.
'Maybe Christmas...perhaps...means a little bit more!'"
(How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Dr. Suess)

As the years have passed, the Christmas season has increasingly become the retail industry's season of delight. It is their time to cash in on people's desire to give gifts to their family and friends. In fact, this holiday has become so commercialized that, unfortunately, it seems many have turned their focus more on the presents than anything else. As a result, this time of year has become fraught with stress for a myriad of people.

The Grinch thought that Christmas was all about the presents, along with Christmas trees and decorations. However, the residents of Who-ville knew a little something about the spirit of the holiday. In the classic children's story, the Grinch found out that for the residents of Who-ville, Christmas wasn't just about all the gifts. He pondered, "'Maybe Christmas...perhaps...means a little bit more!'" Indeed it does, Mr. Grinch. Indeed it does.

This year, if you'd like to get away from some of the commercialism of the season, why not prepare something homemade? Not only can it save money, but it also can be a way to bless those you care about by investing your time in putting together something personally for them. In addition, doing so presents an opportunity for your family to spend time together as you design and craft each present.

Here a few really easy ideas you could try. Some even combine the art of homemade gift making with a few store bought items as well.

Homemade Gift Idea #1 -  A Blessing Book

Who wouldn't appreciate being told how much of a blessing they've been in someone's life? A Blessing Book does just that. The basic idea is to jot down all the things you appreciate about the person. Then pull out the scissors, glue, markers, paper, ribbon, photos, and scrap booking materials and decorate! Let your creative imagination soar!

Everyone can be involved in this. Design a pretty cover. Think of things the person likes. For example, if that person really enjoys tea, you could draw a tea cup. Things such as that add even more of a personal touch. In addition to the statements you've made about the person, add Scriptures throughout such as the following:

I thank my God every time I remember you. (Philippians 1:3 NIV)

Once you're finished designing the book, simply use a 3-hole puncher to put holes down the left side. Take some yarn, ribbon, or strips of fabric and tie some in each of the holes to hold it together. You could even punch one hole on the right side in the center and tie it together as well. The decorating possibilities are numerous! Consider delivering it with a few homemade baked goodies. Or better yet, include it in a Blessing Basket.

Homemade Gift Idea #2 - Blessing Baskets

Blessing Baskets are filled with treats that can be catered to what the person likes. You can use baskets, tins, etc. In fact, even a large paper bag, decorated pretty, would work. Here are a few ideas for Blessing Baskets:

• Cocoa Basket - This is ideal for the person who may not like coffee or hot tea. Include a jar of homemade hot cocoa mix (there will be a recipe for this in the next article) with instructions on how to make it. Add in the following: a bag of marshmallows, small candy canes (some people enjoy dipping these in their hot cocoa), and a few homemade baked goodies.
• Breakfast Basket - Start by adding a few samples of coffees. Most stores carry small sizes in the coffee aisle for around $1.00 each. If you know that person's favorite coffee, then you could simply include a larger bag of that kind. Also add some homemade muffins and sweet bread (like banana or zucchini).
• Afternoon Tea Basket - Maybe the person you want to give a basket to really enjoys afternoon tea. Include an assortment of tea bags along with homemade scones and shortbread as well as a jar of all-fruit spread or preserves.
• Book Lovers Delight - Know someone who loves to read? Make them this basket for Christmas. Include a variety of coffee and tea, a few homemade baked goodies, a homemade bookmark, and a set of highlighters. You could even add in a small devotional book.
• Chocolate Galore - Need I say more? Include a jar of homemade hot cocoa mix along with a variety of homemade chocolate treats such as chocolate chip cookies, fudge, brownies, and bon-bons (there will be a recipe for homemade bon-bons in the next article).

Each basket can be decorated with items such as bows, ribbons, and tissue paper. The baked goods can be wrapped in plain or colored saran wrap. To personalize the gift even more, add in a homemade card wishing the recipient a wonderful Christmas holiday season. 

These are only a few basket ideas. Think of your family and friends and decide what kind of basket would best suit them. Then set out to prepare it together as a family. What a wonderful way to enjoy the spirit of Christmas both as a family making the gifts and as recipients receiving them! And be sure to check back in two weeks when I'll be sharing some favorite holiday recipes that could be utilized for your baskets.

Comments

[bp]

I enjoyed reading your ideas. I like to do some homemade stuff for Christmas. Last year I gave journals to my parents with a jar of strips of paper that had a different question for them. I wrote them a note in the front to draw a question from the draw, tape it in the journal, and answer the question then give it back to me this Christmas! I hope they do!! I saw this idea somewhere online last year.

Hugs,
Bethany