There’s a very good chance that by the time you’ve polished off the last bit of pumpkin pie, mashed potatoes and stuffing, ready to slip off into a nap, you’d be happy to just sleep your way through the next four weeks.
Not because you’ve heard that sleep can burn calories, but because you think that if you hear one more annoying “holiday shopping” commercial announcing all the wee-hour insane “early bird sales” or Christmas classics caterwauled by various pop singers that sonically trail you from the car to the lobby of anywhere, you think you’d rather choke on the wishbone.
Graphic, no?
Well, why has this whole season become so much about what we can buy, buy buy people? Where is the spirit in that? And, what about this: some people are getting their lights turned out on them, they don’t have an extra $50 to spend on the Barbie Jet Plane, thank you very much lady in the commercial who buys one for her kid who has been so good.
The point is this: gifts are nice. Who doesn’t like a gift? But let’s keep it in perspective this year. Don’t blow the budget or break the already-broken bank. There are plenty of things, and not just pipe cleaner ornaments, that you can make with your own hands that will be cherished by the lucky recipients.
Here’s 25 examples courtesy of Care2.com of great homemade gifts, but get a jump on them so you can do them right, and feel good about giving something that comes from the heart. And not, say, for example, the mega mall.
Why not try one of the following:
Ginger Syrup
It keeps in the refrigerator for up to six months, and can be used on ice cream, fresh fruit, French toast, waffles, or with sparkling water to make an all-natural ginger ale. Not only is ginger delicious, but it is a true healing food that has been used for millennia to treat everything from stomach distress to arthritis and heart conditions. Combine 1 1/2 cups water and 1 cup honey in a small pot and bring to a simmer. Slice 6 ounces of ginger root into thin pieces (no need to peel) and add to mixture. Simmer uncovered for about 45 minutes. When the syrup has reduced to about 3/4 cup, remove from heat and strain. Discard the ginger, let cool, and refrigerate in a clean, recycled jar or bottle.
Lavender Salt Glow
Grind 1 cup dried lavender buds in a blender or food processor. Add 3 cups Epsom salts, grind until fine. Store in a glass jar, tightly capped. To use, rinse yourself off in the shower, then turn water off. Pour a handful of bath salts into your palm, and massage gently into your skin all over your body (not your face). Use more as needed. Rinse off, towel dry lightly, and moisturize.
And… cat treats!
Photo courtesy of G&A Sattler@Flickr.