Have you ever given someone a homemade holiday gift?
A Favorite Christmas Memory
One year, my family members only gave each other inventive presents. This resulted in some of my favorite Christmas memories in California…pre-kids.
The year was 2008, and looking back at the scrapbook, I see my step-mom decorated gingerbread houses; my mother-n-law made musical contributions; my husband built wooden jewelry boxes for the women and sports themed coasters for the men in the family. I do not remember what my dad made, but there are two photos of him taking naps with our pets, so we’ll call that companionship.
I’m glad the Shutterfly scrapbook (and all of us pictured, except for the pets, may they RIP) lived to tell the story…to the three grandchildren who have been born since then.
Soups and Tie-Dye Shirts
My mom sent soup. She lives in Michigan, so the mason jars contained dried noodles, beans, seasonings, and directions. I still have one in my pantry with its snowman fashioned cloth sealed in place. I keep it for sentimental value. The ingredients have moved with me three times! Think the soup would still taste good?
If we’re lucky (and depending on the Elf on the Shelf’s report), my mom will send her summer supply of pickled produce this December. Her dilly beans are to die for! FYI, she’s a heart transplant survivor, so I mean that metaphorically. Since we won’t be together for the holiday, I can sample my mom’s home cooking from afar. Like Santa, preserved foods can travel across time and distance.
So that sunny winter, once upon a time, I tie-dyed shirts for relatives. Thanks to the craft section at Michaels, we all became a red and green team – pictured on the couch in our “Christmas best.” Don’t worry, I mailed one to my mom, too. Each shirt displayed my puffy-paint signature and an honorary emblem. Hers had a heart. As the future would foretell.
Homemade Gifts
Our timeless tradition continues. In recent years, relatives have made and gifted pottery, jewelry, candles, woodwares, Lego structures, detailed drawings, 3-D printed designs, painted ornaments, toilet-paper roll reindeer, rock collections, musical dedications, mod podge mosaics, homespun hats, personalized signs, colorful artwork, baked goods, handcrafted cards, and more.
RELATED TOPIC: Holiday Gifts for Your Loved Ones, Not the Credit Card Company
More Meaningful
Looking back, I remember the family members’ reactions when I first suggested, “Let’s only give homemade gifts this year!” They weren’t that pleased. It seemed like more work. But what we discovered was that the DIY expressions felt more meaningful. We weren’t shopping for the “perfect gift”; we were each stretching ourselves to create something special.
How will you make magical memories this season?
Personally, I like to print photos for people (to look back on and forward to).
