Home for the Holidays

This year, we will be staying local for the holidays. That means we wont see much of my family, because they all live in different states.

We will have Turkey with Buzz’ parents and spend Xmas Eve at their house (or his sister’s), but I would like this year to make time to do some fun stuff with just us, and with some of our friends, too.

The whole “presents” thing about Christmas is a little strange for us…we sort of give presents all year-so there is no false build up or manipulation or waiting game to be played. Getting gifts absolutely does NOT hinge on being good or well behaved or anything like that. No one is threatened with punishments or lumps of coal if they spaz out or have a fit. Thank god, cuz *I* have fits *all the time*.

Anyway. Last year, it was actually kind of a chore to get Zibby to open all her presents. I caught myself pushing her to just keep opening up another and another, when she was clearly not only getting overwhelmed, but truly interested in exploring a specific present. This year, I’d like to keep my mouth shut and let her go at her own pace and keep the pressure off. Part of it is because she really doesnt have a sense of scarcity or lack, so she isnt ripping into all the gifts like a hungry lion. Not that she gets everything she desires, whenever she wants it. But we say yes when we can and we find ways to say yes later when we need to.

We freecycle and shop craigslist and ebay and etsy and thrift stores and make stuff and trade and get creative, too.Last year I researched the type of indoor mini trampoline I wanted, and then found one on craigslist, practically brand new and for less than half of retail. And, it turned out to be sold by a fellow homeschooler who I knew! I got a glider rocking chair for 40$ on craigslist for my birthday last year too. I love to find my niece a whole wardrobe for the current season in thrift stores and spend less than 30 bucks.

This year I am making a lot of my gifts. I hope they turn out to be the kind of homemade gifts that are appreciated and not mocked I think they will be good. I cant post about them here, or else it might spoil some surprises.

Last year a friend hosted a birthday party for her daughter and in lieu of a goody bag, the kids decorated cookies and ornaments. The ornaments were colored balls, and you could put stickers (foam puffy ones) or glitter glue on them. It was really fun and so I ended up buying some more myself and writing peoples names on with glitter glue and gave them as gifts. In the past I’ve also made earrings and jewelry, which is fun.

Im not sure handmade gifts are always less expensive than store bought ones, but they certainly are more personal. I love to hear the words, “I made it!” or “my friend made it for me”, it always gives the item more of a story, a background.

This past year I made clothes for most of my friend’s kids birthdays.

Those pants I made with this easy pattern I found online. I made at least a dozen of these over the summer for my kids and other kids. I made some super adorable ones from pillowcases from the thrift store. Two pants from one pillowcase, which I bought for 50 cents!

It was SO MUCH fun to go pick out particular fabrics for each child, and then to get to see them in my clothes, which I think they all really liked. I am definitely one of those people who like to give gifts- I dont need an occasion! Last year I made fleece no-sew ponchos for all Zibby’s friends. It was so easy and inexpensive. This summer I made a tutu for a friend-super super easy and way less than any storebought gift would cost.

Over the summer I took some of our old queen sheets and tie dyed them and gave them to my step-father for his birthday (we have a king now and so they werent getting used anymore) The sheets plus my mom’s birthday present, I wrapped in “>tote bags I made from fabric I thrifted.

I do love the holiday season. Maybe because its a great excuse to make and give things to those I care about. But I always feel a sense of magic and thrill in the wintry air. Its not so much about gifts or anything specifically religious. Its more about festivities and change and gatherings and rekindling relationships.

This year I would like to go to more parties and find more ways to celebrate with those I love.I am hosting an ornament trade online, but I think I may have an ornament party, too, irl. I’d like to do another sewing party to make more totes (to wrap prezzies in!) I’d like to have a cookie party. Party means, probably, having a few moms and kids over Zibby says she wants to make cookies. I guarantee she will be making holiday cards for people well, off to send this post to Ren for the blog carnival.

Happy Holiday-making!

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