It isn’t a new idea but making your own Christmas Gifts can be fun, rewarding and a budget saver.  Across the globe, people are taking a good look at finances and renouncing credit cards.  While no one wants to be a scrooge, determining what creative skills you have could go a long way in having something other than cobwebs and dust bunnies under the Christmas Tree this year.

• If you sew - you have a leg up on the rest of the world. 
• If you bake or cook - cookies, jams, a pie are always welcome.
• If you are crafty - hand-decorated frames or ornaments are cheery
• If you write - tell the story of the family tree for others to treasure
• If you fix-it - give a gift certificate of your time to fix that annoying light switch or faucet

What handmade gift ideas can you share?

On the somewhat, um, lighter side of things… what kicked this off was an email from a friend that summed up current economic conditions:

My Dear Friend,

Somewhat embarrassing to admit, I’m not getting an annual bonus and
Christmas is tight this year. I will be making bedroom slippers for you all
as gifts. Please let me know your sizes. You’ll most likely agree that it’s
a splendid idea, and should you wish to do the same, I’ve included the
instructions below.

How to make bedroom slippers out of maxi pads:

You need four maxi pads to make a pair.
Two of them get laid out flat, for the foot part.
The other two wrap around the toe area to form the top.
Tape or glue each side of the top pieces to the bottom of the foot part.
Decorate the tops with whatever you desire, silk flowers (this is most
aesthetically appealing), etc.

These slippers are:
* Soft and Hygienic
* Non-slip grip strips on the soles
* Built in deodorant feature keeps feet smelling fresh
* No more bending over to mop up spills
* Disposable and biodegradable
* Environmentally safe
* Three convenient sizes: (1.) Regular, (2.) Light and (3.) Get out the Sand
Bags.