a handmade Christmas

For as long as I can remember I have made gifts for Christmas presents, when I say "for as long as I can remember", I seriously mean it. When I was a small child I delighted in pouring over craft books deciding what I was going to make for relatives for Christmas. It was so exciting, creating gifts for friends and family. I spotted this book on my bookcase the other day and lots of memories came flooding back, my sister and I made nearly every project in it. No wonder it's falling apart at the spine.

Over the past few years I've left things to the last minute, I haven't felt the enthusiasm that I had in years past, tending to buy more gifts than I make. This year I'm determined to start out early and turn things around and I hope that you might join me too!

I've asked a number of blogging friends to share a few ideas, traditions and gift ideas to help us along. It should be inspiring! I know a few of you might be ready to stop reading, I mean talking about Christmas in August! (would it help you to know that I had planned on sharing this series in July! Even worse huh!). But I think the earlier we start the easier December will be. This December I'm hoping to spend plenty of time with my kids, crafting and baking and hopefully enjoying some Summer rays, enjoying all those fun festive moments (staying out of those busy shops too!).

I'm not asking for a big commitment, just perhaps an hour a week, knocking one present off the list at a time. Doable right? Handmade doesn't have to mean hours and hours spent on a gift/project, it could also be buying something made by another pair of hands.

Tomorrow I'll be back, bringing you an essential tool to help with all this Handmade Christmas planning, courtesy Stella from The golden adventures of a very dark horse. Stay tuned, I'm excited!