Christmastime helps

Today I'm on a roll so I'm keeping the writing trend going! I was reading up on one of my fashion sites I follow and they wanted to know what you plan to do for presents if you have little or no money this year. How I understand this all too well! The best thing about this generation is the wealth of information at our fingers. The internet is chock full of how to's and you've also got me! (Not that I'm trying to boast but I do know a few things about being creative!) If you want some great ideas, then the internet is full of them! Youtube is full of videos of people giving tutorials. If you already know how to create then here are some good ideas!

Firstly, if you know the people you are giving gifts to, and they have no problems with sugar, then give cookies! Cookies are simple to bake and there are thousands of good cookie recipes online. The ingredients are also cheap and can be purchased anywhere. You can get fancy with the wrapping if you like. Oriental Trading Company has pretty bags that come in packs of 12 that are inexpensive and the receiver can use them again! They come in a variety of colors or you can choose to get a solid color pack. If you don't want to go that route, then here's another simple tip. Colored saran wrap! At this time of year you can find green and red at the grocery stores and then what you do is buy some ribbon in the gift wrapping section. If you can spend a little bit then pick up some adorable tins. Hobby Lobby and HEB have some great ones. If you don't want to bake cookies, then candy or fudge recipes also are numerous! No matter who you are, people always appreciate food.

Next, for those that can knit or crochet, Walmart may have knocked down their crafting areas but they still have the best prices for yarn. They may not have a huge selection, but they do have enough colors and types that you can find what you need. Hats, scarves, hair ties, socks, the possibilities are endless!

For a bit of fun, I adore the dollar section of Target. They have great smelling body products like soaps, lipglosses and lotions, socks for guys and girls, pet toys, candy, Christmas decorations and wrapping needs. They change this section constantly to adjust to the season, but this is a joy for me. They even have little goodies for children too. You can select small gifts for everyone this way!

Why all the fuss? Well, it's a bone of contention right now between my siblings and I over this. They want to draw one name and get one person a $20-$30 gift. I don't want to do that because I want to give everyone something. I'd feel awful for only getting one person instead of all of them something. That's just who I am as a person and that's why I'm writing this entry. For those that want to give small gifts, you can! I actually have tons of ideas and if you'd like my help, write a comment here, with your budget and the people you need goodies for (parents, siblings, boss, friends, etc). I'd be glad to help!

Lastly, help one another. Food pantries and homeless shelters are the busiest this time of year. They need food or money or time. Whichever you can donate is greatly appreciated. My way of giving back is using my crocheting skills to make blankets and hats. This speaks volumes and let's these people know that someone out there took the time to make them something. People need to be loved. This is the best time of year to show it (though it should be shown all year!). If you want to donate yarn, I'd be glad to turn it into something great! I use everything b have, meaning there are no leftovers. This makes for interesting looking .stripes and colors but to someone who is cold, lonely and homeless, this means the world to them.There are many things you can do to help. Donating money or time to charities. Donate clothing to whichever organization is close (Red Cross, Salvation Army, a Christian ministry, homeless or battered women's shelter, the list goes on...) Donate food to shelters or even volunteer and cook at the Ronald McDonald house. Offer to read stories to the children's ward at the hospital. Make clothes or blankets and donate them (I have a good list of charities such as caps for chemo and afgans for afghans- blankets for American soldiers who have no family). There is so much we can do.

Good luck with your presents and have a happy holiday season!

<3