Basically, we were getting overwhelmed and annoyed by all the negativity associated with Christmas shopping. After we'd been out grocery shopping! It was awful. Kids screaming and parents bribing them with treats, toys, games, etc., people pushing and shoving in the aisles and walkways, angry attitudes and a general disdain for positive living.
Well, I decided that I simply could not take part in that this year. I told Robert I really felt like we ought to make or bake all of our gifts this year. (This was back in late October/ early November). He agreed with me, and told me that whatever I felt like doing, he would support. He was just as irritated with the grouchy attitudes!
So, I sat down and made a couple lists: one for Christmas cards, one for who we were going to buy for, and one for budgeting. I have to admit, the budgeting one really didn't help at all, because at that point I was so undecided as to what I would be doing.
Anyway, here are the much anticipated pictures of a few things we did:
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| From left to right, Mocha Hot Cocoa Mix, White-Chocolate Raspberry Dessert Spread, and Orange Creamsicle mix. (I think I spelled Creamsicle wrong on the label, whoops! |
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| This recipe was sooo easy! Vanilla instant pudding, tang, more vanilla pudding, lemonade! |
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| Mocha hot cocoa mix was super fun to make! We just mixed cocoa powder, dry milk powder, chocolate chips, Starbucks Via coffee and sugar (and a couple other small ingredients). Then we divided it into jars. :) |
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| White-Chocolate Raspberry Dessert Spread - made with real vanilla beans, raspberries, pectin, sugar, white chocolate and a few other yummy ingredients. This was a BIG hit! |
I did make some blankets for my dad, step-dad, and brothers, but I spaced on taking pictures of them. They were pretty easy, though: fleece + embroidery floss for the folded edges + 15 hours of sewing. :) I chose Dallas Cowboys fabric for my step-dad, gray, white and black plaid for my dad, blue & brown for my younger brother (to match his room), and black with white trim for my older brother (since he lives in San Diego, and I have no idea what his room looks like, lol).
We also framed some pictures for moms and dads and grandparents as well.
Anyway, that was our homemade holiday in a nutshell. We had a lot of fun working together to make special gifts to give to everyone, and I'd say it was a successful Christmas! (We spent less than $100 on gifts for about 25 or 30 people).
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