Perhaps you’re thinking, “Christmas? Diane, why are you talking about Christmas? It’s only July. JULY!
I know, but hear me out. Well, I mean, keep reading. 🙂
I love, love, love making and giving homemade gifts. It might be a quilt, a household item, or handmade ornaments. Don’t get me wrong, I love buying gifts, too. But, there’s just something about making a gift that really appeals to me. Maybe, it’s the fact that I can personalize the gift. Make it in that person’s favorite colors, or with a theme of something that I know is special to that person. It’s unique. One of a kind. And made with love.
Last year I posted about making the holidays less stressful by preparing leftovers first. I have used this “leftovers first” method for preparing holiday meals for the last few years and it gives me more time to enjoy the family.
Until a few years ago, I didn’t do any Christmas shopping until after Thanksgiving Day. Then I’d really get into the Spirit of the season, and buy or make gifts to give. I’d think, “I have a whole month to get it all done!” Sometimes,(rarely) I’d get everything made that I had planned. Most often though, I’d end up buying a gift because I just didn’t get the homemade gift finished (or even started in some cases) in time.
Maybe, you’ve gone shopping for a holiday gift, only to be told “Sorry, we’re sold out.” Or “It’s on back order.”
I’ve learned a great deal about holiday shopping from my daughters. There have been many years when they’ve finished their Christmas shopping by October!
“How?”, you ask. They are on the lookout all year long. If they are out shopping and see something they think would make someone a great Christmas or birthday gift, they buy it right then. Smart. They don’t have to HOPE it’s still around at Christmas time.
How many of you reading this blog post have ideas of gifts you plan to make for loved ones? I have several things I’m planning to make. Some, I’ve already started. Some, I’ve actually finished.
If you haven’t already, now is the perfect time to start making gifts.
That’s why I wanted to give you a heads-up in July about how many days are left until Christmas. Just in case you might need a jolt to get creative, get planning, and get busy!
Lately, I’ve been ending my posts with “Today is a good day to make a quilt.” But, today I’m going to change it up. 😉
What kinds of things do you like to make as gifts? Leave a comment and share some ideas.
Today is a good day to make a gift!
Diane
P.S. Tomorrow, I’ll have a tutorial on lookoutmountainquilter.com about how to make my Easy 123 No-Sew Ornaments.
