Yep, It's That Time Again!

 We are over halfway through September - just a few days left.  October and November will fly by - you know it will!!!!  This year is on the downward spiral to being over.

So YES, it is time to start thinking about Christmas!!!!!

I think it is time to start projects.  I most generally have a homemade Christmas.  I don't do much at all in the way of traditional gifts.  I do give a few gift cards to teens (they can choose what they desire), but I also add some homemade or special odd ball gifts to go with them.

All people who are crafty, need to get busy.  Time flies.

Check your baking and candy supplies - make sure you have what you need to make those holiday goodies.

Get jiggy with those crafting projects!  Have a very inexpensive and crafty holiday!

To those that sew, crochet, knit, quilt, etc. - now is the time!  Things can be simple or complicated.  Think about using one thing to make another!

 

I am working on a small quilt that is using some of Glen's shirts for the fabric.  Use a vintage tablecloth (maybe a stain or 2 on it) to make kitchen towels or napkins or an apron.

Use old quilts, that are beyond their best, to make pretty pillows.  Add pieces to a new lap blanket.

Make some sweet ornaments out of old linens or vintage costume jewelry.  You can use pieces in a neat hot pad for dishes.

Make a neat picture (wall hanging) from these same vintage pieces or from old doilies or lace pieces.

Now it the time to think about food items.  Those that can - can give special gifts.  Homemade jelly or jam, salsa, pizza sauce or spaghetti sauce, pickles or relish.  Make a cute basket - maybe jelly/jam and homemade biscuit mix, pizza sauce & all the fixings for a pizza, spaghetti sauce & pasta in a nice strainer.  Salsa and some special chips.

I also add special items that the recipient likes to the goody bags.  Special olives, rice or soup mixes, special mustards, favorite candies, nuts, etc.

Hey, we all have to eat!!!  Give someone something they may not get on a regular basis.

KIDS - youngsters don't need fancy stuff!  Really!!!!!

Start now and make a cute little fun chest of things.  Crayons and color books, puzzles, books, activity books, etc.

TEENS - yep - they love money and gift cards.  It may not seem like a gift to you - but it is FUN for them. You can always add a little something more personal.  I make the teens a goody bag with all their favorite snack items, chips, candy, fuzzy socks, pickles (yep), gum, etc. to go along with their gift cards.  They love it and ask for it every year!!!!!!

Even for adults - with prices going up - every little bit extra is appreciated.  Maybe a gift card to their favorite grocery store or to the neighborhood gas station.  You can start buying gift cards now.  Most grocery stores sell all kinds of gift cards - so get a $20 or $25 card each time you shop.  I get 3 packs of $15 G/C's for gas - and separate them so I give one to each teen boy.  They get homemade snacks as well.  

If I buy G/C's at Kroger I also earn extra points that I can use for a discount on gas.  WIN-WIN!

Start looking for pretty mugs (used) to gift with tea, or chocolate or coffee mixes.  Add a candy cane for a stirrer.  Makes a nice gift for teacher, neighbor, co-worker.  A book for a secondhand store.  Maybe some warm fuzzy socks or a pretty candle.

Things don't need to be fancy or expensive. 

Think about making up jar mixes for soups, brownies, cookies, biscuits, pancakes, etc.  Not only are they great to give, but they are nice to have on your pantry shelf.

Absolutely love this idea.  IF you buy goods, please buy local - they truly do need your help to survive in this day and age.

So, yep it may seem soon, but we are about 3 months out, 14 Fridays!!!!!!!  Folks, it will be here before you know it.

Don't go expensive or crazy with things.  Keep it simple, keep it full of love and personal touches.

Are you working on anything at the moment or do you have any creative, yet simple ideas?

Have a great day.