The Most Wonderful Time of the Year: Christmas

Some say that Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year. Sometimes, we start to change our minds about that. It can be difficult to decide what to get for your family and friends. From personal experience, I know it isn't necessarily the gift itself that counts, but the thought behind it.

Growing up, Grammy Joan would make some sort of crocheted or sewed item for each of her grandchildren. We always looked forward to opening that one special gift every year. Of course, that was after we realized how much time and effort was put into each item. When we were younger, we were disappointed when it wasn't that fancy doll or remote controlled truck that we wanted, but was actually a handmade sock monkey. Now that I think about it, I still have that sock monkey to this day.

That is what I want with my crocheted items. I hope to find that years down the road, my family members will still be using the hats and scarves I am giving them for Christmas this year. I know they realize what all goes into making the sets. To make a complete set, it can take up to 6 hours. Multiply that for a minimum of 25 people. I've been working on the gifts for this year since February in between various orders and attending school.

There are many different patterns for dolls, stuffed animals, and various types of apparel that are free online. Making these for your friends and family is a good idea because they are homemade with a lot of love and care. If you've ever received a handmade gift, think of that feeling you get when you think about what that person went through to make that item for you. Now doesn't that make you feel special and loved?

So show your friends a family a lot of love this year and make them a handmade gift!