You can make it a happy Christmas


You can make it a happy Christmas

by Angela Kelly
1/12/2006

CHRISTMAS and expense seem to go hand in hand - gifts, food, trees and decorations can quickly mount up to make you and your bank manager feel decidedly unfestive.

But, why not take a tip from our frugal grandparents and great-grandparents and have more of a DIY Christmas in 2006? You'll not only save pounds but find that creating your own seasonal items gives you particular satisfaction.

And you can make recipients feel extra-special when they unwrap that unique gift knowing that it has been lovingly made, just for them.

Paint a picture, bake a cake or give home-made fudge in a decorated box - perhaps with some personalised message or a favourite photo like a picture of grandchildren or a scene from a family holiday.

Give spring bulbs in a decorated clay pot, or a cutting from an admired houseplant in a fancy plant-pot tied up with festive ribbon. Buy plain oven or gardening gloves and use coloured fabric markers to create individual designs or funny sayings to make a friend smile. Or customise a plain key-ring with pictures or images that have special meaning to someone else.

Rather than have a Christmas tree in the house, why not decorate an existing garden tree with festive lights? It's better for the environment and you share your enjoyment with neighbours and passers-by.

Or, decorate your indoor Christmas tree with home-made items. Let the children or grandchildren create some special shapes and balls for you - they may not be perfect but they will be unique and offer both them and you endless pleasure.

Make paper decorations rather than buy expensive tinsel ones. You'll save money and you can turn the creative session into a fun time for all the family to enjoy.

Create special Christmas cards rather than buy them. If you like to support a charity, give it a donation from the money you save by making your own.

Home-made cards are special because everyone knows that they have been made with particular thought.

Craft and hobby shops have all sorts of materials and advice to help you out. And, of course, the more unusual and individual the cards the better.

There are also all sorts of creative kits that you can buy to get you on your way, and to help you make everything from paintings and photo albums to rag dolls and dishes for family pets.

Nature is also happy to give a helping hand with gifts and decorative ideas. Your garden or the nearest rural spot can yield a wealth of items like pine cones, ferns, leaves and twigs, which can easily be made into table decorations, wreaths or even pasted onto cards and sprinkled with glitter for a really festive feeling.

USEFUL WEBSITES:

www.Familyfun.com

www.kidsdomain.com

www.makingfriends.com

www.waitrose.com/Christmas

www.familycrafts.about.com

www.allfreecrafts.com


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