who makes there own xmas gifts?

[nightshade]

okay so I am not at all in the xmas spirit. This is coming from someone who normally has Christmas music going in July til March. ( until the past year I hand painted custom ornaments from photos for a living all year around) My father just died in Nov after a year and a half of being sick, so my art and my Christmas spirit has been put aside lately. And now that the holiday is almost here I am finding it hard to enjoy the festivities.

Anyway normally I would not buy any gifts I would paint every friend and family member an ornament every year. Their house, pets, favorite things ect. Or make them a hand crafted ornament that reflects them.

So in the hopes of getting so of my "yeee Christmas!" back I was wondering what do you make and give away?

 

[jaybme]

Nightshade, I cannot help with the Christmas gift making, sorry. But I feel for you- your dad has died and even though you expect it it still is an empty world where he should be.

My Dad died 7 years and 3 months ago, and just this year, this year! I have gotten back into the spirit of Halloween (me- who adores Halloween and all the spooky stuff) and Christmas decorating, cards, and family get togethers.


I wish you well

 

[Wifezilla]

My girlfriend makes homemade Baily's Irish Cream. I used to bake zucchini bread. Now I make packets of notecards and calendars with my photography.

 

[Shared Acres]

This year, tons of sock monkeys and also some baby blankets.

 

[Sunny Side Up]

Oh, you have my sincerest sympathies

You've been going down a long & exhausting road with your dad's prolonged illness & now your awful loss. Give yourself time to grieve, and time to heal. Your family & your true friends should certainly understand, and shouldn't at all be expecting holiday gifts from you this year, especially not the thought-filled hand-made ones you described.

And if any of them express disappointment because you skipped their gift, send them to me and I'll

This Christmas is going to be different from those in your past, and will probably be different from next year's celebration. That's okay, and to be expected. Focus on the things that bring you comfort & joy, that help you as you grieve and help you heal. It's a process, and just takes time.

But if making things to give as gifts will truly help you heal, and not just help you avoid the guilt of trimming your gift list, then go ahead! Last year I found a craft that's really easy to do but makes something nice anyone could use, and that's the melt-and-pour soaps. You can buy a few molds, a few pounds of glycerine soap, some colors & fragrances, and make nifty decorative soaps that look like they've come from a boutique.

Peace & comfort to you, and bright little spots of joy too.

 

[SterlingAcres]

I'm sorry nightshade

I make a slew of things to give during the holidays. Usually to our nieces. This year, I made hand embroidered pillow cases, a dress, egg collecting aprons and fleece tie blankets.

 

[Appytaz]

I am sorry to hear about your father. I lost my father 4 yrs ago and it is still hard to deal with at Christmas. My 1/2 sister lost her dad this year 2 days before Thanksgiving. So, I can really relate with what you are going thru.

What about baking some cookies, ect for gifts. You can get the box mix or even the premade dough and add some sprinkles, ect. Invite a friend over to make them together. Drink some Hot Cocoa or Eggnog or even have a glass of wine. Enjoy your friend and box up the goodies when they cool.

 

[cknmom]

I am so very sorry, I lost my Dad July 29 of this year after a valiant 13yr. struggle with cancer. I am having a hard time this Christmas, as I know you are. I am getting thru it by putting ornaments on my tree that he made when I was a child(I always do this anyway though) I am going to make his Peanut Butter cookies that he always made for Christmas presents, singing his favorite songs,etc. It made it harder becuase his birthday was the 9th. I lost my Aunt yesterday also.

Keep the faith and know that they are no longer in pain and they are with their parents and other loved ones.

Monica

 

[cherrychicken]

I'm so sorry about your father! It is always so hard when someone close to you is called away, my deep condolences. As for the gifts, you could make simple things like cookies, pies etc. Some of the most simple things can be extremely good presents. Also, you could make earrings (very easy) or you could try something a little more difficult and make soap or apple butter.

Best Of Luck

-jenny

 

[nightshade]

thanks so much every one for the kind words and thoughts as well as the gift ideas. I am finding it a lot harder then I had expected to get in the Christmas spirit, even with a 5 yr old running around the house singing carols that they are learning in school. We did finally get a tree last night, hubby's idea not mine. And I have to admit that decorating it tonight with my little guy did make it feel a little more normal even if only for a little while.