The Gift-Less Christmas 2012

I have read about people not giving gifts on Christmas but it never really happened in our family…until this year. 

I enjoy thinking about and purchasing gifts for people.  I am known to purchase a gift for Christmas on January 5^th and stash it away to give 11 ¾ months later.  This year has been quite the opposite.

I have a hard enough time wrapping my head around the fact that it is cold outside let alone that Christmas is right around the corner.  Originally, I had planned to do more gifts of experience with family, which we will still do; however, it will not be in the form of a gift for Christmas this year but something that we carry out throughout the year together.

I think it all started back in May when hubby and I went to Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon for our 5 year wedding anniversary. I was completely astonished by the amount of consumption that went on by vacationers and then again in October when I went to Disney with my mom, brother and niece.  These two trips really changed the way Todd and I look at consumerism.

According to the Merriman-Webster Dictionary, Consumerism is defined as:

 

the theory that an increasing consumpion of goods is economically desirable; also: a preoccupation with and an inclination toward the buying of consumer goods

We have been advising friends and family since June that we are not going to buy into the consumerism mentality of Christmas.  To date, we have done pretty well with it.  I will admit that we do have gifts for my two niece’s who are 4 and 6, but they are simple and practical (which is the only gift they ever get from Auntie M anyway). 

There are people who feel that we are doing this because we are cheap and don’t want to spend money; however, that couldn’t be further from the truth.  Yes, we are frugal, but I love nothing more than thinking about and giving gifts to others. We have decided that instead of giving once or twice a year, we will be giving to our family and friends throughout the entire year and committing to spending quality time together as the year progresses.  In my opinion (and that is only what this is,) I don’t feel Christmas is (or should be) about the gifts.

I want to leave a lasting memory on my friends and family of love, loyalty, laughter, experiences and collective time with one another.  These are the memories that last a lifetime. 

Frugal Babe wrote an article last year (and another just last week) entitled Christmas Our Way where she explains what they do for Christmas each year. 

What are your thoughts on a giftless Christmas?

Have you cut down on your gift-giving this year?  I would like to hear about it!

DISCLAIMER:  This is something my husband and I have discussed extensively over the past several months.  Each family is different and we do not oppose other’s beliefs in gift-giving.  As I always say, “To each his own.”  

Giving the Gift of Time and Memories

My (goofy) niece on Fathers Day 2012. 
We had a bonfire and cooked camper pies.
Alot of great conversation and quality time was had.

I enjoy planning for the holidays throughout the entire year.  I love trying to figure out practical, cost-effective gifts that others would enjoy.  Last year, I made a lot of gifts for our family and friends. This year, I plan on doing the same thing along with the gift of time together and memories.

My 6 year old niece lives with my father, his wife, and my sister.  I decided early on this year that I wanted to do something with them as an entire family for Christmas this year.  I plan on making a booklet with things for the entire family to do every few months off the year.  It will have:

·         Ice skating or roller skating

·         Making a snow-family together

·         Zoo

·         Children’s Museum

·         Kid’s Show (of some sort)

Of course, all of these events would be paid for by Todd and I, because it is our gift to them. 

I am a photo-fanatic as it is, so I plan on taking lots of photos on our excursions out as a family.  For Christmas 2013, I will give my niece a little scrapbook of our outings. 

We have always done things together as a family, but a lot of times it is at their house and it includes a lot of laughter, good food and great company.  This gift will include making memories to that list, which I feel is most important for a family.

Have you considered giving a gift of your time and making memories for Christmas this year?  I would like to hear all about your ideas!

Christmas 2012

I gave everyone two whole months off without having to think about Christmas.  The time has come to start planning for this year’s Christmas to help make the season much less stressful and much less of a burden on the pocketbook!

I will tell you, I had fun making gifts for everyone for Christmas last year and I am planning on doing it again this year.  I already have big plans on what to make for certain people on our list, and I am looking forward to getting started. 

A friend of mine and I agreed last year to make homemade gifts for each other, and she gave me a huge bag full of homemade goodies.  Let me tell you, the gift was awesome! I also enjoyed giving away apple pie in a jar, jams, applesauce, wine, margaritas, beer and the like. 

Homemade Strawberry Margarita

Homemade Wine

Apple Pie in a Jar & Applesauce

Homemade Beer

On this list this year for homemade gifts:

• Brandied Cherries (I will wait to start until cherries are on sale)
• Homemade Vanilla  Extract
• Infused Vodka
• Infused Olive Oil
• Homemade tortilla chips and salsa
• Homemade spaghetti sauce
• Crochet gifts of some sort (still trying to learn how to crochet!)
• Activity Book to give to my dad ,his wife, my niece and stepsister to do something every month or every other month together.  I was thinking ice skating, sledding, zoo, etc.
• Homemade root beer (I would love to learn how to make it for my stepfather.  He goes through IBC root beer like it’s going out of style!)
• Jam (different flavors this year)
• Apple Pie in a Jar
• Applebutter

Have you started to plan your homemade Christmas yet?  If so, what are some of your homemade gift ideas for this year? I’d love to hear about them!

This post is linked up with the Homestead Revivals Homestead Barn Hop #51!

25 Weeks 'Til Christmas: Week 1 Time

Truly, all anyone really wants is time with those they love.  Even though I have listed 25 weeks worth of gift ideas, the one that really matters most is spending time with one another.  The best part is that it costs nothing, but you gain valuable memories together that will last a lifetime.

This year, Todd and I are giving our time to those we love and to each other.  Whether it is sitting around a table talking, or going out and about with them...we are focused on spending more time with those who are most important in our life.

Enjoy Christmas with those you love.

25 Weeks 'Til Christmas: Week 2 Soda Can Ring

Did you see that?!? Just two more weeks until Christmas!! EEK!
This week is a super-simple gift for those teenagers in the family.  I know we have a 3 teenage nieces I'm considering making these for.  Again, this was found on YouTube.

{{I'm having problems uploading the video, but you can go here to see the video.}}

Every Monday through the week of Christmas will be a new homemade gift idea/project. Be sure to check them out! Happy Crafting!

25 Weeks 'Til Christmas: Week 3 Button Earrings

Now that we are getting down to the wire for Christmas gifts, I have found some videos on YouTube for simple gifts that can be made in very little time.
This week, I found a DIY video on how to make earrings out of buttons!

Every Monday through the week of Christmas will be a new homemade gift idea/project. Be sure to check them out! Happy Crafting!

Christmas is Around the Corner!

Christmas is just around the corner, and the little elves have been working quite a bit around here to prepare for the upcoming holiday.  This is what they have completed:

62 bottles of homemade wine (2 different flavors)

13 large bottles of homemade strawberry margaritas

52 bottles of homemade microbrew beer

Jars of applesauce & applie pie in a jar

Coming up in production:

Jam

Apple Butter
Crafts

How are you preparing for the Holidays?

25 Weeks 'Til Christmas: Week 4 Flower Barretts

This week's Christmas Craft idea was posted on someone's FaceBook page, and I cant believe how simple it looks to make these!  With 2 nieces of my own, I think this would make a great gift!

Every Monday through the week of Christmas will be a new homemade gift idea/project. Be sure to check them out! Happy Crafting!

25 Weeks 'Til christmas: Week 5: Snowman Soup

I found an awesome website that has alot of homemade gift ideas!  I will probably be posting several of their homemade gift ideas over the last few weeks of this series.

This week's homemade gift idea is Snowman Soup!

Source & Credits

Hop on over to Homemade Crafts Made Easy to get the adorable printable for this along with how to make this Snowman Soup!  I am thinking about making this for my nieces and nephews this Christmas.

Every Monday through the week of Christmas will be a new homemade gift idea/project. Be sure to check them out! Happy Crafting!

25 Weeks 'Til Christmas: Week 6 Potpourri Jar

I received a gift like this in high school from a friend of mine and loved it!  It smelled so good, and it illuminated the room beautifully.  I found the directions on how to make it from this site.

Lighted Potpourri Jar

Photo Credit

Ingredients:
Mason Jar
Dry potpourri
Strand of 20 or 35 white christmas lights
Lace doily
Ribbon

Insructions:

• In a clean mason jar, fill with potpourri and place lights systematically throughout
• Place doily on top of the jar and tie tightly with a ribbon

Every Monday through the week of Christmas will be a new homemade gift idea/project. Be sure to check them out! Happy Crafting!

25 Weeks 'Til Christmas: Week 7 Teacup Candle

This week's 25 Weeks 'Til Christmas craft is a teacup candle that you can make at home.  I love antique teacups, and people are always giving them away for free on Freecycle or for very little money at garage sales.

This is a video from DIY Network to show you how to make them.

Photo Credits

Every Monday through the week of Christmas will be a new homemade gift idea/project. Be sure to check them out! Happy Crafting!

25 Weeks 'Til Christmas: Week 8 Reese's Peanut Butter Cup Cookies (in a jar)

This recipe came from Mary Hunt's book, Debt-Proof the Holidays.

Reese's Peanut Butter Cup Cookies
3/4 C white sugar
1/4 C packed brown sugar
1 3/4 C all purpose flour mixed with 1 tsp baking powder and 1/2 tsp baking soda
8 large Reese's peanut butter cup candies cut into 1/2 inch pieces (wrap in plastic wrap)

Layer ingredients in jar in order given. Press each layer firmly in place before adding next ingredient. The cut candy pieces should be wrapped in plastic wrap and then added to the final layer. This will keep them fresh and the other ingredients dry until use.

Attach this message to the jar:

Remove candies from jar and set aside. Empty cookie mix in large mixing bowl; stir to combine. Add 1/2 cup softened butter, 1 egg, slightly beaten, and 1 tsp vanilla; mix until completely blended. Stir in candies. Roll dough into walnut sized balls. Place 2 inches apart on a lightly greased cookie sheet. Bake at 375 for 12-14 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Cool 5 minutes on baking sheet. Remove to wire racks to cool copletely. Yield: 2 1/2 dozen.

Every Monday through the week of Christmas will be a new homemade gift idea/project. Be sure to check them out! Happy Crafting!

25 Weeks 'Til Christmas: Week 9 Ice Cream Lover's Gift

This week's gift idea I would love to be given to me.  I come from a long line of ice cream lovers, and this is such an adorable gift!  I found this on the Better Homes & Gardens, website.  Take a look to see how quick and easy this gift is.

Photo Credit

These are the directions (directly from the Better Homes & Garden's website):

Give the gift of an all-in-one sundae.  Ice cream fans will love new bowls with their favorite toppings tucked inside. Choose plastic bowls tall enough to hold a topping jar when placing one on top of the other. Include a spoon, tie it all up with a bow, and add a gift certificate to the recipient's favorite ice cream shop.


Every Monday through the week of Christmas will be a new homemade gift idea/project. Be sure to check them out! Happy Crafting!

25 Weeks 'Til Christmas: Week 10 Primitive Candle Holder

Only 10 more weeks until Christmas!  I got some homemade gifts taken care of this weekend, but as of next week, we are in the single digits of weeks left until Christmas! 

This week's gift idea is from Better Homes & Gardens and I know exactly who I would like to make these for.  Anyone who is into the rustic or primitive decor/motif in their home, this would be perfect for them! 

Photo Credits

What You'll Need:

• Drill
• Bits
• 18 gauge wire
• 3 inch thick pieces of wood or logs
• Wire Cutters
• Dripless Tapers

Make It

1. Using a drill bit to fit the wire, drill an off-center hole in each wood piece.
2. Cut an 18-inch-long piece of wire for each candle. Glue one end of the wire into the hole. Let the glue dry.
3. Wrap the wire around candle. Shape the wire end into a curlicue.

How simple is that?!? 

Every Monday through the week of Christmas will be a new homemade gift idea/project. Be sure to check them out! Happy Crafting!

25 Weeks 'Til Christmas: Week 11 Peanut Wreath

This week's gift idea came from something I saw at my dad's house.  They have a wire holder to put peanuts in to feed the birds and squirrels.  I absolutely love the idea and I think it'd be a great gift for anyone who enjoys feeding the critters throughout the Winter.  I know this would be great for my father-in-law and I wouldnt mind making a couple for our critters!

Peanut Wreath

Photo Credit

Instructions for Peanut Wreath

This wreath will attract larger birds such as blue jays.

What You will Need

• Wire coat hanger
• Sugar glue (see recipe below)
• Whole unshelled peanuts

How to Do It

To make the peanut wreath, all you need is a bag of whole peanuts, a wire coat hanger and some special “glue” using flour, water, and a little corn syrup (see recipe below). Make sure the glue is gooey and thick before applying.

1. First shape the coat hanger into a circle, leaving the hook on.
2. Glue a single layer of peanuts all around the coat hanger.
3. When the first layer is dry, make two or three more layers, arranging the peanuts at different angles to create an attractive wreath.
4. Ensure that you let each layer dry before applying the next.

Peanut Wreath Glue Recipe

Mix the following ingredients together in a bowl and then use a small brush to apply:

 

• 3/4 cup flour
• 1/2 cup water
• 3 tablespoons corn syrup

Every Monday through the week of Christmas will be a new homemade gift idea/project. Be sure to check them out! Happy Crafting!

25 Weeks 'Til Christmas: Week 12 Applie Pie in a Jar

Did you see that?  12 weeks (3 months) until Christmas!

This week's homemade gift is somethigng I found on the blog, WhatTheFork, some time ago but I cant seem to find it now that I need it for the series!  Here in Ohio, it is apple season, and I cant wait to buy several cases of apples this weekend in Erie, PA so I can start making this recipe (among others) for gifts.

Photo Credit

Apple Pie in a Jar

Ingredients:

4 1/2 cups white sugar

1 cup cornstarch

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1 teaspoon salt

10 cups water

3 tablespoons lemon juice

7 quarts peeled, cored and sliced apples

Directions:

1. Place a rack in the bottom of a large stock pot. Fill pot with hot water. Sterilize 7 1-quart canning jars, 7 lids, and 7 rings by placing on rack, jars upright. Bring water to a boil. Boil 10 minutes. Remove with a holder and allow jars to air-dry. Save water for processing apples.
2. Combine sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and water in a large saucepan. Place over high heat and cook until thick and bubbly, stirring frequently. Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice.
3. Tightly pack apples into sterilized jars. Slowly pour syrup over apples, covering them completely. Gently tap jars on countertop to allow air bubbles to rise. Screw lids on jars.
4. Carefully lower jars into pot using a holder. Leave a 2 inch space between jars. Add more boiling water if necessary, until tops of jars are covered by 2 inches of water. Bring water to a full boil, then cover and process for 30 minutes.
5. Remove jars from pot and place on cloth-covered or wood surface, several inches apart, until cool. Once cool, press top of each lid with finger, ensuring that seal is tight (lid doesn't move up or down at all). Sealed jars can be stored for up to a year.

Every Monday through the week of Christmas will be a new homemade gift idea/project.  Be sure to check them out!  Happy Crafting!

25 Weeks 'Til Christmas: Week 13 Cocoa Jar

I cannot believe that Christmas is only 13 weeks away!  Are you ready?  We have been working around here making some homemade gifts, but I have alot more to start from this series. 
This week's gift I think is absolutely adorable.  I love hot coca, and this gift is oh so cute. 

Cocoa Jar

Source Credit

Every Monday through the week of Christmas will be a new homemade gift idea/project.  Be sure to check them out!  Happy Crafting!

25 Weeks 'Til Christmas: Week 14 Decorative Post-It Notes

As soon as I saw this, I loved it!  I am not very crafty, but I can do this!  What a beautiful, inexpensive gift!

Source Credit

Hop on over to Violet Paper Wings to get inspired to make some of your own for your Christmas Gift list.

Every Monday through the week of Christmas will be a new homemade gift idea/project.  Be sure to check them out!  Happy Crafting!

25 Weeks 'Til Christmas: Week 15 Cinnamon Stick Candle

I love candles, and when I found these beautiful candles, I thought they would be a great gift to make! I can smell them already, can you?

Cinnamon Stick Candles

Photo Credit



Hop on over to Imp Online to get the super-simple directions on how to make these decorative candles for someone on your Christmas list this year!

Every Monday through the week of Christmas will be a new homemade gift idea/project.  Be sure to check them out!  Happy Crafting!

25 Weeks 'Til Christmas: Week 16 Photo Tile

I have heard alot of things about pinterest, but never went there.  I found this week's gift idea on this website and love it!  I cant wait to make these!  They are great for practically anyone!  Even the sports fans in your life.

Photo Tile

Every Monday through the week of Christmas will be a new homemade gift idea/project.  Be sure to check them out!  Happy Crafting!

This post is linked to About A Mom's Wild Wednesday Blog Hop!