Gift Giving

'Twas the Days After Christmas. . .

Gift Giving

'Twas the Days after Christmas

Is it over or has it just begun? That is the real question. For those of us who plan for Christmas throughout the year the planning is just beginning not for this Christmas but for next Christmas! This Christmas is a shadow in our minds while next Christmas holds the promise of a more faith based, less stressful, spending more time with the family, with just a little planning! So where do you begin?

Fruit of the Harvest Gifts

Gift Giving

Late summer and early fall brings fresh fruits and vegetables and that can mean wonderful Christmas gifts. Most people do not look at an apple tree or fresh tomatoes at the Farmer's Market and think "Christmas gifts" but you should. Different parts of the country (or the world) have fruits or vegetables that are plentiful in the area that can be used for gifts. Not only can you take these wonderful fresh items and make gifts, you can also make your Christmas gift money go further.

Giving Gifts from Within Your Home

Gift Giving

Gifts can from many different places but the ones that can be the easiest can come from within your home. Gifts from within your home can take on many different meanings—today we will talk about four different meanings, Gifts of Honor, Shopping from Within Your Home and Shopping From Your Home.

Take a look around your house and think about the things that mean a little extra to you and why it has that sentimental value to it. Is there items in your house that people on your gift list would cherish because of a memory they have with the item that you have? If so consider giving it as a Christmas gift to that person, especially if you are not currently using it and it will probably be one of their most cherished gifts this Christmas. Honor that person with a special gift that only you hold the key to giving at this time—and be sure to let them know why you have chosen now to give them a Gift of Honor.

Summertime = Christmas Gifts

Gift Giving

Summertime = Christmas Gifts

As July slowly creeps by with hot lazy days, many of us find ourselves retreating into our homes with air conditioning or perhaps escaping to our favorite shopping spots and Christmas is the furthest thing from our minds—but it shouldn’t be! Summer time can offer some great opportunities for Christmas gifts—crafts/food gifts and great prices on items at stores.

Gifts from the Heart

Are you someone who likes to give a little something to everyone. Maybe just a loaf of homemade bread or a jar of jelly? Well make sure you have enough for everyone. In your notebook make a page for homemade gifts, whether it is a plate of cookies, homemade cinnamon ornament, a craft you make, a homemade Christmas card or other small gifts. Under each gift write the names from your gift list that you want to give it to. By doing this you might actually give something to everyone but you will also be organized when it comes time to make them. If you know you want to give 20 people homemade jelly but only have 10 jelly jars you can put the word out to friends that you need 10 jars or be on the watch for them at yard sales. (P.S. this year lots of people on my list are getting jam and I am making it as each fruit comes in season this summer so by the end of the summer that part of my gift list is finished plus I have one of each kind to enter into the county fair! Jelly is really easy and fun to make.) Below you will find some ideas for some gifts.

Give a Memory for a Gift!