Have you begun to think about Christmas yet? Christmas is my absolute favorite time of the year. But I typically procrastinate and instead of me being able to relax and enjoy the Christmas season--basking in the smell of cinnamon, peppermint, and pine trees, listening to Christmas music, baking cookies with the kids, baking goodies for others--I am running around like a mad woman trying to get all those last minute gifts purchased, much less wrapped (they may just get a gift bag). Every year that I have been on this beautiful green earth, Christmas has come at the same time on the same date. So WHY, OH WHY does it always seem to sneak up on me??
Well, this year I am one step ahead of Christmas, no sneakin' this year. Not only am I thinking ahead, but my family is changing the way we do gifts this year. Here is a little background on what led to this decision:
Last year, after all the presents were opened. My sister, her husband, Cecil and myself were talking. We realized that we had gotten Ryan a gift card for a certain amount and that they had gotten Cecil a gift card for the same amount. So essentially Cecil and Ryan bought themselves giftcards. Now, hear me well. This is not to say that either party was not appreciative of the gift. But we began to think that we should put more thought into ou Christmas gifts or just save our money.
So, was born the idea that we would do homemade gifts this year. I don't know if Kayla and Ryan are going to or not, but I plan to start now making gifts for everyone. I already have some really great ideas that I cannot wait to get started on. Of course, I can't list them now because well, they may see. However, I am having a terrible time trying to get ideas for the guys in the family. Thus, the gift cards last year!
So do any you have any ideas on a homemade gift ideas for a man? I would love some help with this one. I would also love to hear your ideas for women and children as well.
Have a blessed day!!
How funny, Billy and I have been rethinking our gift-buying habits and just recently decided that homemade gifts (especially from kids to grandparents)would be most meaningful. I find that it's harder to come up with hand-made gifts for the guys also.
ReplyDeleteAs our extended family grows, sometimes we do a "family gift" like a board game or a movie the whole family would enjoy. A date night certificate is always fun for a couple. Free babysitting and a movie pass or restaurant gift card...It's not homemade exactly, but someone did that for us last year and it was a really great gift that I will definitely keep in mind for others. I'm looking forward to seeing what others suggest.
Thank you, Stephanie for those ideas. I had never really thought to do a family gift. That's a great idea, as we have a rather large extended family as well.
ReplyDeleteI like the date night ideas, too. We have lots of little ones in our family, so the Mommies and Daddies don't get to go out often.