Christmas gift baskets

The holidays conjure up all sorts of feelings in people. For families that have experienced happy harmonious celebrations the holidays are something to look forward to. For families that have a history of being dysfunctional the holidays my mean sad memories and dread at getting together again. For families that do not celebrate the holidays due to their belief’s it may be a time of feeling excluded and even alienated. No matter where you fall in this continuum the holidays are quickly approaching and gift lists and shopping needs to begin.
I have been fortunate to have wonderful memories of Christmas’ past. My family had many wonderful traditions involving gift giving, baking, visiting relatives and friends and of course attending religious services. Now that I am an adult I continue to see Christmas as a magical time. I rarely stress about what I am going to give people on my gift list because I make the majority of my gifts. Through the year I make several different craft items which I include in Christmas gift baskets along with goodies that I make in my kitchen. I originally started giving the Christmas gift baskets when I was a college student and could not afford a great deal for gifts. Now I continue to give them because the recipients look forward to the homemade goodies they contain. Because not having funds is not longer a factor for me I use the best ingredients in my food items and high quality materials in the craft items.
Through the year I look for different containers to use for the Christmas gift baskets. Most times I do use baskets however depending upon the likes and personality of the recipient I may use another type of container. One year my nephew was just getting into fishing so I used a tackle box for his container. There are also times when I come across beautiful hat boxes that make a great alternative to a basket. Although each of the gifts I give is unique the standard fair for the Christmas gift baskets include something knitted or crocheted, either socks, slippers mittens, scarf or hat, a piece of beaded jewelry for the women, a loaf of bread, homemade jam, caramels, fudge and a specially made candied apple. It really makes me feel good when I hear people cheer when I show up with the Christmas gift baskets. I feel like I am giving part of myself in each gift that I give. Also I do not have to fight crowds and full parking lots. The making of the gifts are my year long past time.