This christmas...

This year, as Christmas comes along, my plan is to make lots of home made gifts. I got a really super cute book from the 25 cent book sale shelf at my college library. It's called 'Pretty Little Patchwork'. It's mostly for beginners, but as I consider myself to be a beginner, that was just perfect for me.

I already have a couple little things picked out from it, I just have to bring my sewing machine to school and buy the fabric. Since Wal*Mart made the decision to stop carrying fabric (very depressing as there's one right near me at home), I'll have to journey to a Jo Ann's fabric, most likely.

Another book I'll be using is:




There are some super cute ideas in there, too.

The idea, basically, is to save some money while also giving some really thoughtful gifts. I have already found gifts for my sister in both of these books, as well as for my mom.

I'm really trying to scope out the deals and keep my holiday spending to a minimum.

Everyone seems to be conscious of holiday spending this year. This is the first year in the history of ever it seems, that we have put a spending cap on the Kligerman family secret santa gifts. This year, we're to spend $30 on our gifts, and no more. I think this is a fantastic notion, as people really tend to get out of control and forget the real meaning of the holiday.

I'm not a religious person by any means. I've grown up to actually despise the Catholic religion that I was brought up to follow. However, Christmas is still a time of the year I love. I don't celebrate it because it's Jesus' birthday, and maybe that's wrong. To me, Christmas is a wonderful tradition that involves family, friends, good food and giving. These things are important to me.

So to me, the true meaning of Christmas is giving, and getting together with friends and family. Maybe I've got it wrong, but that's why I celebrate Christmas every year.

I'm sure I won't be able to make gifts for everyone, but I'm starting to compile a list of things that can be made. I've already purchased my secret santa gift, but I might also add something home made to the package.

This year I'll be painting, crafting, burning christmas cd's for some friends, or even regular mix cd's, and framing meaningful pictures.

I have a great inexpensive idea for my mom, too, that I'm very excited to get started on.

All of that said, Happy Christmas Crafting! I can't wait to get started and watch some Christmas movies while drinking hot cocoa and crafting!