It's
that time of year again - and many people may not be in much of a mood to celebrate. Spending anything for most of
us requires a second, even third, thought, which could put a damper on the holidays. Don't let it! For years, we've all been
complaining about the commercialization of Christmas, here's our chance to take the holiday back.
In the
Murphey household, we have agreed that our gifts must be made, found, or cost no more than $20.00. We started last year and
not only were our gifts thoughtful, quirky and unexpected, but putting them together was really FUN!!! So I have a suggestion:
send me your ideas for made, found, or inexpensive gifts to sjm@sallyannmurphey.com and I will publish the best here for everyone
to share.
Here are ten of my favorites to start the
process off (recipes/instructions to follow soon in the recipe section).
1. A
PowerPoint collection of family photos, with stories about each generation, burned on to a CD.
2. A
recipe box filled with your best recipes on index cards.
3. A tin of fudge.
4. A
wreath of dried herbs.
5. A subscription to a magazine (under $20.00).
6. A bottle of flavored
olive oil with a loaf of home-baked bread.
7. A newly designed letterhead and envelope printed
off as a set.
8. Homemade dog biscuits for your favorite pet owner.
9. Gift vouchers to clean
the house, mow the lawn, cook a meal, or do the dishes.
10. Two tickets to the movies.
You
get the idea! Now it's over to you and let's start turning this terrible pressure into the pleasure it was meant to be : )