How to Plan for Christmas All Year

Christmas now? I know. We don't want to think of Christmas because we automatically think of stress with all we have to do. But that's the point. If we plan for Christmas all year, we can give some great gifts that are from the heart.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• a creative mind

1. If you have a garden or know where you can purchase vegetables and fruit in bulk, consider canning. Everyone loves to get home made canned products such as jams, pickles, peaches, and string beans. Put up the jars and tag them now. Find fabric that shows your friend's or family's interests such as kitty prints and dog prints. Cut out a square and place over the jar top. Tie with a ribbon.
2. Do you knit? There is nothing more warming than a pair of mittens made with 100% wool. Check out the knitting shops around the fall for yarn sales. Make a scarf to match!
3. Do you quilt? How about making table runners or wall hangings for the holiday season? If you exchange gifts before Christmas, these are great gift ideas. Add some candles and holders for the table runner or make a hanger for the wall hanging. The gift is complete and ready to use.
4. Do you have children to buy for? I love to buy teddy bears at Michaels Craft Stores and make clothes for them. Sometimes I knit little sweaters or create hats and scarves. You can usually pick up the teddy bears for $3-$5. If you know the child's interests, you can personalize the bear. Don't forget adults too!
5. Have you ever had cookies in a jar or brownies or soup? This was a popular gift item a few years ago, but still can be. When there are sales on flour, sugar, chocolate chips, or soup supplies, create one of these gifts. Print off the cooking instructions and personalize the jar with decorations.
6. Making home made gifts, that you personalize, demonstrates how you feel about that individual. I know teens like money, so give them money, but for many, it's nice to have something personalized. You can plan now, and before you know it, you may have your Christmas shopping done. Imagine having time to relax?

Tips & Warnings

• I watch for sales all year round for those personal gifts I want to give.