Most of us are operating on a more limited budget than in previous years, and we’re far too familiar with the anxiety and depression that accompanies the holidays. Christmas was never intended to be a time to go into debt to give everyone you know a gift. Traditionally it was a time of close family gatherings, returning home, cooking a delightful meal and taking care of those nearby who were in need. It was a time to give something special to children, like candy or oranges, and occasionally a doll or new bike.
Children in the last century began not expecting gifts from parents, but something simple to be left behind by Santa. Before the Dear Santa letters began, children would never have dreamed of demanding which gifts they got. It was a genuine thrill to receive anything, because life was hard and work was necessary. Cash money was something rare, as most families worked on farms or bartered and exchanged food and services.
Times have certainly changed, but we CAN change time backwards and take control of our lives again. We can make Christmas and everyday meaningful by having a purpose and family goals, and by focusing on what’s most important in our lives.
There are some people that you must give a gift to, and there are certainly many that you want to give something to. Here is a list of free and low cost gifts that you can give to make this year more meaningful and your anxiety level low.
Tape recorded journal.
For family members, use a simple cassette recorder, make tapes that list relatives and where they live, family history at each location lived, and special anecdotes/thoughts/memories that you’d like to preserve for the next generations.
For children, make special tapes with messages unique for each child. How you love them, are proud of them, - list their accomplishments and your thoughts on their future. Recite their favorite bedtime stories or memories of when they were young, that they might like to remember throughout their lives. This tape will keep your voice and your spirit alive long after you have gone!
For anyone, record books or songs on tape! Even if you don’t have trouble reading, many people enjoy books on tape that they can listen to while riding in the car, or when there is nothing good on TV to watch. Children love bedtime stories told on tapes that they can listen to more often than you have breath to repeat!
For a special friend, make a tape of affirmations and praise for all the good things about your friend. Boost his self esteem by listening to your praise and declarations of faith in his abilities on the way to work in the mornings. Or tell your best jokes!
Your favorite recipes, crafts projects. You can make a gift as elaborate as a cookbook with photos to show steps, or as simple as handwriting on 3 x 5 cards. You can enclose the pages in a 3 ring binder, or for about .50 cents each you can have your special collection put in a spiral binding at a print shop. Laminate the pages to protect them from spills if you like. Add your own artwork, borders, and pictures from your family album or handwritten messages of wisdom and wit on each page. Make multiple copies for aunts and siblings!
Services. Almost everyone has a house to clean and dishes to wash, yards to cut and kids to babysit. You can make a heart happy without spending a cent. Write out a “coupon book” as simply or as fancy as you like. List what you are willing to do, one item per coupon, and let the recipient turn in the coupons when needed.
Coupons. Many people have difficulty making ends meet. You might be the type of person who pours through sale ads and newspapers gleaning coupons, while not all of us have the time for this. You may also be able to inquire at every store you do business with, if they have coupons they could give you to hand out at Christmas. Gather all your coupons and match them up with the people on your gift list. Tuck them into a Christmas card and if you like, offer to drive them to the store when they want to shop. The best coupons are ones for free items or almost no cost ones.
Comics and humor. Collect comic strips cut from the newspaper, and one-panel jokes from magazines. Cut them out and either photocopy several onto a sheet or send the actual newspaper clipping. These make great pick me ups to add in get-well cards.
Old Cards and Pictures. Do you have old cards and pictures lying around that you aren’t going to use? Would someone you know enjoy the pictures (like a family member)? You can use a hole punch and colored yarn to lace together cards and photos into a hanging room divider, or mobile. I have even seen a bowl made from Christmas cards, laced together and bent into the bowl shape, then shellacked to make it sturdier. It was mostly for decoration or to hold lightweight things.
Magazines. I have stacks of magazines that have arrived throughout the year and taken over my desk. This year I sorted them by category and am giving bundles of them to family members that I know haven’t had the money to buy their own. This is a great gift idea, and would be appreciated at nursing homes and schools, hospitals and anywhere people gather.
Portraits. Do you have a camera? Offer to take pictures of your friends and family, or their beloved pets. Perhaps they would like a picture of their home or boat blown up to hang on a wall. Using your computer, you can scan the pictures in (or order them on disks from the developer), and using Paint Shop Pro or some other photo program, you can alter the image to look like a vintage photo, or embossed, etc.
Plants. Do you have a garden, or some flowers growing? Dig up some of your bulbs, or make cuttings from camellias and rose bushes. Almost everyone loves plants. If you want to add a little money to it, buy your friend some seeds for next year’s garden.
Intimate moments. For your spouse, plan a few quiet moments together. Make a hot bath, give a massage or take a walk at sunset holding hands. Perhaps there is something that your mate would like to try in the bedroom that you never quite got around to.
Start a Savings Account. For children, knowing that they have something from the adult world and the responsibility and trust that goes with it, is a big thrill. Set back a little pocket change until you have enough to open the account with.
Newspaper Ad. To show your love, take out a small add in the classifieds, personals section. Tell your spouse or your children, or even your parents, how much you appreciate and love them. Tell the world how great they’ve been.
61 Fantastic and Almost Free Crafts Ideas
Are you someone who loves to make things with your hands? Are you really strapped for cash, and would love to give something elegant and really unique that will cost little more than your time?
I have your ideas, in fact 61 of them that you can begin today and create in your own special way. Most use items that you already have around your home, and even your children can lend a hand and be a part of the giving. Great for kids who are bored or need more of your time and attention.
You've just read 12 free gifts and all of that information was free to you. I'm asking for a small donation for the crafts plans, to give my children a brighter Christmas and share with those in town who have very little.
Please email me for instructions on how to pay $4.50 with Paypal to Lisa Tyler (chastityrose@yahoo.com) for these plans. I will send the crafts/gifts plans to you by email upon confirmation from Paypal of your payment.
Thank you so much for your purchase, and please realize that the information you are getting is worth a small fortune. It will last for years, because you can make these things over and over, adapting and changing the patterns as you go. It will most likely be the most valuable $4.50 you've ever spent on Christmas!
God bless you and keep you all safe during the holidays!