Firstly let me just say that I am a massive fan of Christmas
and this isn't at all meant to be a 'bah humbug' kind of post but I must admit I
have found the run up to the festive period more stressful this year. Now we are the swing of it I don't feel as bad but a couple of weeks ago the thought of it was making my stomach churn. I think
most of it is down to the fact we now have less money coming in since I have
chosen to be a stay at home mum. I am loving being home with my little boy and I wouldn't change it but it does occasionally give us some money worries. Also, the thought
of going out Christmas shopping with a toddler fills me with dread and the
thought of hunting out Christmas gifts on a budget can be a bit daunting. My family are quite sensible with gifts and we
set a limit but even so I do like to put thought into my presents to show my lovely family and friends how much they have been
appreciated over the year.
Although I have still bought a lot of my presents I also wanted to have a go at including something home made as a little stocking filler. I've have already made my own chutney which is
merrily maturing in the kitchen cupboard and I also hope to make some
Christmassy biscuits and maybe try my hand at some fudge. This is the first year I have given it a go and maybe as the years go on I will get more adventurous. I'm not very crafty (would like to try salt dough decorations though) but I do like to bake and cook so I thought this would be a great way of making
my own home made presents and saving a few of those pennies! I hope that people
will appreciate a home made gift; I will have put lots of love and effort in, and
of course I am giving them in the hopes that they will be very tasty and
greatly enjoyed over the Christmas period! Is anyone else giving some home made gifts this year and are you looking forward to receiving any?
Hello, thanks for your comment at The Mad House. I think the beauty of Christmas books is that you can add to them year in and out. It is wonderful to get them out year after year and create traditions with your little one.
ReplyDeleteWe do not have a lot of cash this christmas, but it will be spent with family and that is all that matters,
I am hoping to build up our collection of Christmas books as the years go on, your collection looks great! We always enjoy spending Christmas with family so I will focus on that. Thank you for your comment.
DeleteI think a homemade gift is lovely to receive. I always have great plans for making some, but it usually gets a bit crazy in December and I never get around to doing it. I do spend an afternoon doing some fresh flower arrangements for teachers and the neighbours though.
ReplyDeleteThe flowers are a lovely idea, I'm sure that people love getting them! It's great that you use what you have a talent for, unfortunately I am hopeless with flowers but I'm hoping my cooking skills are up to the task.
Deletei have got some great deals via Groupon for photo gifts which is what my parents and grandparents will be getting from the boys and us. last year i attempted homemade gifts of chutney and biscotti which was fun to do, but i wont have time this year due to our impending move in 2 weeks time. i think people appreciate homemade gifts it shows you have out in a lot of effort and time x x
ReplyDeleteI don't blame you for not making anything this year, as if your move won't be stressful enough and right on top of Christmas too! A busy time ahead. Photo gifts are always great when you have lovely children to show off :) xx
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