The following is written by my friend and fellow Viroquean, Annete Park, owner of Paper, Scissors, Stone. While you're thinking about holiday crafts, decorations and gift ideas, do vist her website and be prepared to be inspired!
Ever since our five children (now grown) were wee-ones, Stephen and I gave only Christmas gifts to our children that we made ourselves. Over the years there were play-stands and pretend kitchens, jammies, crowns, capes and swords. Nothing too elaborate, just made by us. Santa and Grandparents took care of the books, games and special toy.
By the time they were toddlers, they could "help" with gifts that we made at home for family, friends and teachers. The youngest could roll the TINIEST balls of decorating wax and could spend hours sticking them onto beeswax candles. The five-year old could help make batches of "play dough" for cousins and friends. The eight-year old could knit cotton yarn into washcloths, or hand-sew bean bags. Everyone could help with cookies and candies and homemade cards!
Eventually, each took up their own ideas, and loved to spend time secretly working on gifts. They made photo albums and mobiles, painted T-shirts and underwear, knitted scarves, mittens and leg-warmers! If a project didn't work out, they could always fall-back on decorated candles or, one of my favorites, the Gift Certificate. (This card is good for one batch of cookies of your choice...you will not have to share them...)
Last year all of our grown children were home for Christmas. They follow their own hearts, minds and hands now. They are free to give store-bought gifts, and also free to not give anything! Each adult child brought their best gifts. Some were made with their hands, some, the gifts of mind. All brought the gift of heart.
We hope we can be of service to you and your family! Looking for ideas or inspiration? Visit our website! Enjoy!
spending time working on gifts is a great idea!
Posted by: Mr. Comfy | March 20, 2011 at 02:33 PM