CHRISTMAS ON A SHOESTRING

In the current economy, lavish Christmas presents are either a thing of the past or were never really an option for many of us.  This brings to mind that old addage, "It's the thought that counts."  Admittedly, that's going to be a tougher sell for younger children that have grown accustomed to fairly extravagant Christmas presents.  But for those that know or should know the truth behind the cliche, there should be no concern. 

I don't fall 100% into the category of folks that bemoan the commercialization of the holiday, but I appreciate their perspective.  To bring Christmas in on a shoestring or, essentially, non-existent budget does require thought and knowing a little bit about the person you wish to give a gift.  Years ago, when my baby sister and her husband were just starting out, she got some construction paper (available in a small pack at the dollar store) and made coupons for everyone.  The coupons were for services that she and her husband could provide at some future date:  car washing, baby sitting, etc.  My son was a toddler at the time and I was thrilled to get a half dozen coupons for an evening of baby sitting.  Normally, my mother was the designated baby sitter (which she loved, of course), but it felt really good to have options.  In the case of Joy's (my baby sister's) coupons, she made them in Christmas shapes (stockings, trees, candy canes, etc.) and used Christmas colors (red, green, white, etc.).  Every single member of the family was delighted.

Though most everyone has "domestic" skills they can offer in lieu of a purchased present, not everyone has a schedule that would allow actually providing those services and you really shouldn't give someone coupons you don't intend to honor.  There are options beyond your time (although giving someone your time is a pretty nice gift). 

I have found it generally true, in my life, that when I have time, I don't have money and, of course, when I have money, I don't have time.  If you don't have time to give, I'm going on the assumption that there is at least a few dollars with which you can work to put something together.  Clearly, as the website would suggest, I always find that home-crafted gifts are best.  The benefit of making presents is that you can schedule the time according to what you have available (as opposed to your recipient's needs as would be the case with service coupons) . . . for me, that is often the middle of the night . . . no phone calls and fewer interruptions.

The polymer clay Christmas ornaments illustrated in the website are a cost effective option and one that your gift recipient can use for years to come.  Soaps are, naturally, another possibility . . . particularly if you have downloaded the CHRISTMAS SOAPS COLLECTION tutorial.  Consider putting together your own inexpensive gift baskets or use, for example, a Mason jar to put your collection into.  You can decorate the jar with stickers and rub-ons and ribbon.  My baby sister (whose ears must surely be burning by now) also gave me a "Recipe in a Jar" a few years ago.  Most of the ingredients for chocolate chip cookies, layered beautifully in a Mason jar.  There was a swatch of Christmas fabric on top of the lid and under the ring and a beautiful bow around the neck.  There was also a "Recipe Card" attached to the bow.  I have discovered that internet researches yield numerous websites with details instructions on putting together your own "Recipe in a Jar" gifts. 

So you're thinking measure, measure, measure . . . that's going to be a lot of time.  Okay, (back to the dollar store) get a few inexpensive, lidded, candy jars and buy a bulk-discounted bag of candy and fill them up.  With candy, you wouldn't need to measure but could still layer for a more "polished" look.  Have relatives or friends with diabetes?  An excellent alternative to candy is dried beans and they layer beautifully.  If you don't already have a bean soup recipe, there are also a number of those that can be found online.

Write a friend or sibling a letter, on Christmas paper letting them know exactly how much they mean to you and, perhaps, re-living a few special memories or Christmas moments.  Though the paper isn't cheap, you can get a pack of glossy brochure paper (not the kind that is pre-scored for brochures) for less than the cost of photo paper and you can print out a collage of appropriate pictures for them.  I did a collage of my middle sister's wedding photos and it was very well received.

For those of you that can cook or bake . . . hello?  What could be better than homemade cookies or muffins or a loaf of dessert bread?  For those of us that are a bit more challenged when actually cooking in the kitchen, they have those little packets of mix (at the grocery store) for less than $2.00.  If you can spend a little more, pick up some compatible dried fruits and add them to the mixture.

Party mix is another really good option for making at home and putting in decorated jars.  Pick up some dried fruit and/or a variety of nuts and things and mix up your own trail mix.

It's truly the thought that counts.  With thought and a real assessment of what you can do, what your abilities are, the time you have available, what supplies you may already have at hand . . . you can give delightful, often unexpected, gifts this season without touching a credit card.

Wishing you and your loved ones a happy, safe, blessed Christmas and holiday season,

Norma