Homemade

It’s no secret that the economy isn’t doing that great this year. So it was with interest that I read a few articles and things on the internet about how going “green” for Christmas and making your own gifts would be a good choice (Christmas comes home, The handmade Christmas, The case for shopping).

The idea is not foreign to me. I have always, always made my Christmas gifts. Different pieces might be store bought, but the main part is always homemade. It was part of the fun of the approaching season to figure out what to make for my family and then how I was going to do it when I was growing up. Starting around November you learned to knock if a bedroom door was closed because the person on the other side was most likely working on presents. For me my most memorable gifts have been the ones I spent a lot of time making for a person and then watching their reaction on Christmas morning.

I think making gifts is the best way to go.

But I must be doing it wrong because it’s not cheap. As I was finishing up the three blankets, two scarves, stuffed animal, running bag, heat bags, “paper” doll kit, kitchen set, calendar, yo-yo ornaments… it would’ve been much much easier, and cheaper, if I’d just gone to the store and grabbed something.

But it wouldn’t have been nearly as fun, and hardly as meaningful, as the weeks and months I spent figuring out what would be the perfect piece of my heart to make for those who are dear in my life.