I rarely worry about what I am going to give friends and family on my Christmas gift list because I make most of my gifts. Throughout the year I make several different craft items which I then include in homemade Christmas gift baskets along with a selection of goodies that I make in my kitchen.
The end of year holidays bring up all sorts of feelings in people. For families that have experienced a happy harmonious year the holiday celebrations are something to look forward to. For dysfunctional families the holidays may reopen sad memories and hurt when they are spending more time together again. Families that do not celebrate Christmas due to their beliefs may feel excluded or even alienated. But everyone can bring some joy into their family life by giving during the Christmas holidays. The time is quickly approaching and work on gift lists and shopping needs to begin.
I have been fortunate to have some wonderful memories of Christmases past. My family had many happy traditions involving gift giving, baking, visiting relatives and friends and attending religious services. Now as an adult I continue to see Christmas as a magical time of year. Making homemade Christmas gift baskets gives me a lot of pleasure.
I originally started giving the Christmas gift baskets when I was a college student and could not afford a great expense for buying gifts. Now I continue to give baskets because the recipients look forward to the homemade goodies they contain. Because not having funds is not longer a factor for me I can now use the very best ingredients in my food items and high quality materials in my craft items.
Through the year I keep an eye out for different and interesting containers to use as the Christmas gift baskets. Most times I do use traditional baskets but sometimes, depending upon the likes and personality of the recipient, I may use another type of container. One year my nephew was just getting into fishing so I used a tackle box for his container. There are also times when I have come across beautiful hat boxes or similar decorated boxes that make a great alternative to a basket. Although each of the gifts I give is unique the standard fare for my Christmas gift baskets usually includes something knitted or crocheted, either socks, slippers or mittens, a scarf or a hat, a piece of beaded jewelry for the women, a loaf of bread, homemade jam, caramels, fudge, Christmas cookies and a specially made candied apple. It really makes me feel good when I hear people cheer when I show up with their Christmas gift baskets. I feel like I am giving away part of myself in each gift that I give. Also I do not have to fight the Christmas shopping crowds and full shopping mall parking lots. For me, making my homemade Christmas gift baskets has become a year long pass time.
