Make-It-Yourself Christmas

by Dian Thomas

A homemade gift at Christmastime says that you care enough to give of your time, not just your money. It sends along a little of your personality, and it includes a lot of your love.

Good-bye Goodie Roll out 10 to 12 feet of plastic wrap and place cookies, decorated side down, lengthwise down the wrap, about two inches apart. Fold the wrap in from both sides. Using red or green Christmas ribbon, tie a bow between each cookie and at the bottom of the last cookie. Hang the string near the front door. As holiday guests leave your home, invite them to snip off a special treat.

Christmas Tree Box If a friend or family member will be away from home for Christmas—on a mission or in the military—send gifts in a box that includes its own Christmas tree. If the box you’ve chosen has a separate lid, fasten the lid to the box with masking tape “hinges” so that it opens in only one direction. Cover the box and lid with Christmas wrap. Cut a Christmas tree shape from green paper and paste it on the inside of the lid. Decorate the tree. Arrange small gifts inside the box. When your friend opens the box, he or she will enjoy both the gifts and your special Christmas tree.

Something for the Birds Decorate trees outside by stringing garlands of nuts, berries, bread cubes, and popcorn on thread or dental floss. Sprinkle birdseed over the entire tree. You’ll enjoy watching the birds feast on this special holiday present.

(December 1982, pp. 30–33.)