I put out a plea for your holiday tips, tricks and recipes. I received a few so I went looking myself for lovely ideas also! If you find anything you'd like to share please leave a comment.
blossom had this to share:
Okay, I am starting off VERY basic in mindset, almost too obvious in my book. Times are hard now for most of us. Personally, I have been unemployed now for 11 months. Things are going okay. Please remember this basic we all should keep in mind.
If we choose to give a friend a gift, it should ALWAYS be appropriately for the individual. I have always despised receiving gifts that have no relevancy at all. I'd rather have a heart-felt hugg (I always spell it with 2-Gs, tighter & bigger!) than a generic gift that will go unused. It's a waste of your money (even if $5.00) and shows HUGE insincerity. Example... inexpensive or expensive, bubble bath... I don't take baths, I shower (and worse, I am highly allergic to many soaps and perfumes). Yet, because we are being so careful and frugal with our funds, we often forgo our personal needs to do for others. SO, think of the receiver and gift appropriately. Maybe a good nail polish (dang, it runs $7-10. for a bottle) in a color your friend likes and maybe nail files (you can pick up inexpensively at Sally's!). This says... you KNOW me and you pay attention!! Or a gift coupon to her nail salon. Maybe you can only pay for partial treatment but every penny counts! When I have only a few extra dollars to spend, your gift may be the enabling balance!
I have always felt, with friends or even dates... that the most valuable gift you can give me is your time and attention. Especially now-a-days when we all rush to get our day managed and done... and truly never stop to smell the roses, hugg the child or lover. So a gift of a lunch TOGETHER (I-O-U) is so much more meaningful and enjoyable. It's the time spent together not the cost of the gift. Plus, the presentation card made in YOUR style, says SPECIAL to the receiver. A couple of months ago I came across a box of blank white cards (folded) and envelopes in the Walmart discount isle. I began to pick up stickers, stamps, writing utensils... whatever I happen to find on sale and put it all in a craft box. When I need something made-for my special friend... I go sit with my box and let those juices flow. (No... LOL, not with Master!)
There are many times our friends need a special nudge that says they are special and we are thinking of them. Listen to your intuition... if it speaks to you... react! There have been occasions where I just sent a tiny inexpensive card to a friend and months later I was told that it arrived at a time most needed by the receiver. I was so pleased to have hugged them when they needed it most.
One thing I have noticed and so appreciate with submissives... we have this heart~felt love and we are not afraid to show or share it!
thisgirl gave me a link to her homemade snowmen:
Lenore sent pictures of Christmas Boxes she's making:
Craft stores often carry small wooden boxes, for very little. I'm using a wood burner to put my own designs on them, and then finishing them in different wood stains. I made one a while back with special symbols, and celtic knots... in which he now keeps all his tiny keys and locks. :)
The inside lid of the box says...
I pray I never lose sight of my obscurity, Genuineness, only thrives in the dark. Like celery.
They are fun, look really nice, and don't cost much to finish.
The boxes start small at about a dollar, and go up with size. A woodburning kit, runs about $10. And they have the wood finish in nice handy paint pens... with tips to go in the tight corners. They are about $3 each. And some clear acryilic spray if you want it shiny. You can hand draw or stencil designs on with a pencil, then just go over with the woordburner. They can be made as personal as you like.
elle sent me a link to some DIY Christmas cards she will be making this year:
Trimming the Tree Christmas Cards
What I found:
Holiday Recipes from FoodNetwork
Free Quick Easy Homemade Christmas Crafts
Popular Christmas Carol Lyrics
What family traditions do you have? What day do you open presents? Who are you spending the holidays with this year?
