Christmas is without a doubt our family's favorite time of the year, but for most moms (me included), it's the most stressful. I have found the way to minimize the stress (not eliminate because that is simply NOT possible), is to try to plan WAY ahead with all of your holiday activities and traditions.
For instance, I already have the Christmas card mailing list in order. In January, after I took the cards down from the doorways where we hang them, I went through every card, making sure that I had the addresses correct on my Christmas Card spread sheet, being careful to add those names that might be new this year to our correspondence collection. I also note from whom we did not receive a card, so next November, I can consider whether that name needs to stay on the list. Forget handwriting the envelopes. We have too many names and most of my friends would rather get a card from me -- as they will with a typed label -- than have it end up in the dead letter office, thanks to my poor penmanship!
As for crafty gifts -- as I have been working up some projects for my Deborah Norville Yarn collection, I have also been pulling together some holiday gift giving ideas. A couple of years ago, I knitted up lots of cozy hot water bottle covers. You can download the free pattern from me here. Be sure to use size 10 needles. They are a one skein wonder that will be much appreciated. You can take care of your entire gift list with this if you like.
This will probably be the year my husband gets an afghan, since all three of my children have now received their -- though knitting it will be a challenge as he's always nearby!
The best gift ideas are the ones you can do ahead and they decide to whom they should be given. I think the cable twist scarf pattern on the label of Deborah Norville Chunky yarn is a winner. I have made it in dark masculine colors for guys and happy light colors for kids and gals. Because it is chunky yarn, it works up super fast and you can turn your yarn stash into a gift stash long before the holidays. Mittens and caps are good alternatives, but sizing can be an issue so I prefer to work up scarves. (Find more of Deborah's projects here).
Feeling crafty - but not in love with yarn? I did a piece for the Today show on other gift ideas that are inexpensive and much appreciated. What do you get your child's teacher? Well -- they don't want cookies. As my friend the nursery teacher explained, I have seen where those hands go -- and I don't want to eat anything those hands have touched!" That's why my cookie mix idea is a good one. Click on this link here and you can see the video: http://dnorville.com/video.php?id=132
The main thing is plan ahead. It's like what they say about tree planting. When's the best time to plant a tree? Twenty years ago. The second best time? Now. Get started ladies -- Easter is practically around the corner!
Thanks Deborah!
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