Wanna Be a Steader!

Homemade CHRISTmas

Several years ago ~ mostly for economic reasons (which means that we couldn't afford anything else!!) ~ we started making homemade gifts for family and a few friends.  Now...we make some of our gifts simply because we enjoy it and...you must know that I absolutely LOVE giving AND receiving homemade gifts.  I love the thought of not only thinking and praying for the people our gifts will go to...but knowing that when we receive homemade gifts, that those people were thinking of ~ and possibly praying for ~ us. 

It's also lovely to have friends and loved ones who ALSO APPRECIATE the giving and receiving of homemade gifts.  Unfortunately, we do have those relatives who don't appreciate the love and hard work it takes to make the gifts they may receive ~ even if it's a couple dozen cookies ~ and wrinkle their noses up at ANYTHING that's NOT store-bought.  Even though we still give those gifts out of love, it still pricks our hearts that some don't understand that, depending on our finances, that they are lucky to get anything at all!! 

Well...all that to say this...we DO have several wonderful friends and a few family members who also enjoy giving/receiving homemade gifts.  And to one of those dear friends my dd#2 has made the most precious gift ~ I just HAD to tell you about it.  If I got it, it would bring tears to my eyes...and I dare say that the sweet friend who it's for will probably be just as touched.

Both of our dd's, myself and several of their friends just love the story of "Little Women" (if I had thought of it sooner I would have had my girls call me "Marmee"...however...there are STILL those grandkids in my future!!).  My dd#2 has made a "Little Women" gift for one of her best friends.  She went to Hobby Lobby and bought an unfinished wooden box, about 10" x 10" square, with antiqued brass corners, hinges and latch.  She then stained it an antique-looking dark burgandy and inside she has glued a note on the inside lid (I'll tell you what is says in a minute), a pear, a snowflake ornament, the words to the 3 Christmas carols sung in the LW movie and slips of paper with various quotes from the movie/book.  The note on the inside of the lid says:

"In token of my gratitude and as a means of promoting communication between adjoining nations, shouting from windows being forbidden, I shall provide a post box in our hedge, to further encourage the bearing of our souls and the telling of our most appaulling secrets.  I do pledge never to reveal what I receive in confidence here."  {Laurie}

Have you guessed it yet?!  It's Laurie and Jo's "post box" that they passed notes to each other in through the hedge adjoining their properties!!!!!!!!!!!!  Isn't that just the coolest?!?!  I was just so touched that she put such thought and work into this gift for her friend that I just had to tell you!!

Blessings from Ohio, Kim Wolf<><

Just to let you know...

11:38, 2007-Dec-3 .. Posted by SuperHorseSteader

Hi Kim,
This was a really great post. I thoroughly enjoyed it. So much that I included it in The Homesteading Carnival #27: Newness Edition.
Please come by and see.
Thank you,
As Always,
Amanda

That is sweet!

12:59, 2007-Dec-3 .. Posted by Anonymous

I like this idea.
Christi
antsonafarm.blogspot.com