Tomorrow is Thanksmas, a family holiday
Lavender, even though you are sick of this challenge you keep going.
Thanks Me, I only have to think of a few more!
Fridays 13! I don't know if this is going to add up to 13 or not, but here we go.
As a few of you know, the second saturday of October is a holiday for my family. It is Thanksmas. I described it a little yesterday. We come bearing gifts we have made, but it is not a requirement. Just come, that is it. I was thinking of all the gifts we have made and received during Thanksmas and for Christmas. I love getting a home made gift, it means so much more to me. It is personal, and involves planning and time. That is the most important thing about gifts, is the time not the money. Mr. L and I have always been strapped for cash and found that by spending a little money on the supplies, we can make gifts for the whole family, mine and his. I have 3 siblings as does he. Families that keep divorcing and re marrying, adding more and more people to the lot. At last count we have 13 adults to buy gifts for, plus any aunts or uncles that make it to a holiday dinner, that can be up to 7 more! that is 20 adults! So we started making gifts.
Here is a list of hand made gifts we have given and received too:
We made!
1. Hand printed block print stationary packs
2.cookies
3. soap
4. photo cards
5. portraits (recent gift)
From others:
6. banana and zuchini bread
7. more cookies
8. cookie mix in a mason jar
9. cashew brittle
10. candies (hand made!)
11. masages (therapist in the family)
12. scarves (fleace easy ones, but SO cozy!)
13. jam
So what I am saying is that the economy SUX ASS right now. Nobody has money. Everyone has a talent, my massage therapist sister gives that away, I am giving portraits away to a few family members now, SIL is a foodie and LOVES to bake.
You all have a talent! Make a huge batch of different cookies the day before holiday, put them in some little bags or tissue, and give those as gifts. Make stationary out of your photos (I buy cards & envelopes in bulk at paper zone) knit or sew scarves, or those great wash clothes made of yarn. Make small scrapbooks for family with kids pictures taken through the last year in it. Write poems dedicated to your loved ones, make a card of your scrapbooking scraps and write what that family member means to you in it, make stationary out of those same scraps! SO many things! Sew simple fabric bags and put some of the receivers fave candies inside.
Talk to your family on Thanksgiving and propose an all hand made Christmas! You can make exceptions for the children, or not! I guarantee that a christmas of hand made gifts is one you will never forget. That warmth stays with you. I can still smell that christmas, where SIL made Chocolate candies, another SIL made cinnamon sugar nuts treats and cashew brittle, MIL made cookies, we made soap. It was so nice!
Comments
-a "love jar." We cut 52 strips of paper, one for each week of the year. We used colorful card stock, and after cutting it into strips, we divvied it up between all of my MIL's children and grandchildren. Each was charged with writing a reason they love and are grateful for my MIL. We then curled the strips of paper and put it in a huge mason jar and decorated the lid with ribbons and a tag explaining the gift. She still talks about it 4 years later!
-frozen homemade meals. Perfect for busy moms. When I make batches of chicken noodle soup or lasagna, etc, I double the batch and freeze portions. I have done this for a few friends for holidays/birthdays, and it's always received well.
-coupons for babysitting for a night out for parents
-a book of letters. For MIL's 50th birthday, we bound a book of letters from each of us, telling a favorite story about her (little ones colored pictures or wrote a poem). It was really fun to see how the stories spanned thirty years of experiences with her. It's easy to do with a three ring binder as well.
Just had to share, as your handmade thanksmas inspired me! I'd love to hear more on what you come up with this year or receive or ideas of others. Always looking for inspiration :)
I remember the jar for your MIL, I LOVED that idea! I wonder if there is enough time for me to copy this for my own MIL.....
Thanks! Now I am inspired by yours!!!!
Your gift idea is wonderful. I know I find handmade gifts most meaningful.
i am soo inspired with this that last night i baked cookies for my sister of whom i will meet later today. i am still dead tired/sleepy but i am happy. granted, i am new in baking stuff, but i am happy!
thank you, lavender!!
I'll pm you about what I'm going to give my bff. She has a Vox (doesn't use it much), but you never know when she might lurk around, lol! I made pumpkin pies this week and they turned out very well. Yum.
Your gift sounds SO cool!!! You should take a picture of the gift when you are done. ;-)
And I'll take pics just for you! Hehe