This year, we are doing as we have often done as we have trimmed our budget to the bone; we are making most of the gifts and decorations. This is not a new thing for our family. It actually began years before the kids were born, but has become a tradition as they grew.
We make many food gifts (Holiday Eggnog Bread is my NEW favorite) and use a lot of natural decor around the fall and winter holidays. Cookies, candies, brownies and breads line the counter for weeks in December. Knitted or crocheted items are always in the works once August hits in preparing for the end of the year gifts.
I also vacuum more than normal because we have pine branches, holly, cypress and pine cones hanging from light fixtures and on shelves (not to mention what fire wood does to a carpet). For more decor, we made snowflakes out of aluminum foil and white paper and stuck them to the windows around the house.
We have not bought any new decorations for years, but each year the house seems newly inovative with fresh greenery and old favorites sprinkled in. Our boxes are a testament to all the home made items of years gone by like wreaths from our own grape vines, gold sprayed magnolia 'cones' and 'birds nests'.
Hoping your Holidays are filled with frugal and loving gifts from the heart.
Best Blessings!
Donna
