Homemade Christmas

We're having a (mostly) homemade Christmas here at Thistledew (and Clay Hill). Primarily this is due to budgetary concerns, but there's also the issue of the over-commercialization of Christmas. I know it's often said, but we've lost touch to some degree with the true meaning of Christmas. One way to move back toward a real Christmas, I think, is to put thought and time into the gifts that you give.

I can't post what I'm making here (family and friends read this blog, too!) but I can share some links. If you have any last-minute gifts to come up with, consider making them instead of buying them. You'll save money and you'll be giving something personal and thoughtful.

http://www.budget101.com/christmas.htm
http://mykitchentreasures.blogspot.com/2008/11/announcing-home.html
http://tipnut.com/homemade-gift-baskets/
http://www.mormonchic.com/crafty/homemade_christmas_gifts.asp
http://www.amazingmoms.com/htm/christmasgifts_from_kids.htm
http://notmadeofmoney.com/blog/2006/11/50-homemade-gift-ideas-from-around-the-web.html

So, there are lots of good ideas here to get you started! There are ideas here that work even for the craft-challenged (read: me!). So get thee hence and find some inspiration, and take a few minutes sometime this weekend to think about what Christmas really means. Then go hug somebody you love!

Terri