three pairs of mittens, two knit cowls, and one Waldorf doll...

It is amazing how swiftly time flies, particularly during the holiday season!  I took an unexpected break from this here space which lasted nearly two weeks...but here I am, feeling a wee bit more relaxed now that the bulk of the holidays are behind us ~ though we are still putting the finishing touches on a few projects.  While they weren't completed for Christmas day, we will give them to the intended family members on Three King's Day in a week's time.

By far, this was our most productive elf-making year.  Between the two of us, we made most of our gifts and I am amazed at it all.  Each holiday season, we try and make a few gifts but this year, my husband and I aimed to spend as little money on storebought gifts as possible.  It was a wonderful challenge that we often spent discussing late at night, side by side on the couch beside the woodstove, as I was stitching or sewing or knitting, and my husband was dusting off the woodshavings after coming in from his shop. 

 made by Sunshine, age 4

I wish more people could appreciate that these treasures are coming from our hearts and minds and hands...that an expensive store-bought gift cannot replace the genuine love that is imbued in a hand-crafted item. 

invitations made by all three children for a neighbourhood party we hosted

Together, Josh and I managed to make :

~ three pairs of mittens,  two knit cowls, one Waldorf doll, a twin-sized quilt, one knit hat, a necklace, a night-time blessing wall hanging, three sets of pajama bottoms, a dozen jars of salve, half a dozen jars of facial cleanser, (not to mention all that canning from the fall), a guitar stool, an ironing board, a chair, a renovated dollhouse, and a hair stick (phewf!) 

(I estimate that if we had bought all these items for our loved ones from a store, we would have paid at least triple the amount we spent on supplies!)

But, really, it isn't so much about saving money as it is about creating the perfect gift(s) for the people we love.  And the fun we had was priceless, as was the expressions on our children's faces.

It gives me such pleasure to see my children appreciate the efforts that were made to bring them happiness on Christmas morning.  And even greater pleasure to read my oldest son's note to St. Nicholas that was left out with some cookies ~ a tradition from my childhood where we would list in detail all the things we hoped Santa would leave for us.  My seven year old only had this to write, "Dear St. Nick, I wish you happy travels tonight!  Love, Forrest". 

That little message to St. Nick tells me all I need to know about where the spirit of Christmas resides in the hearts of the ones I love.

Comments

[Diana]

Oh this sweet little note to St. Nick!!! And this amazing work you did with all this gifts. This is Christmas spirit.

I wish you and your loved ones a wonderful, healthy and blessed new year.

[Elizabeth]

The gifts you and your husband made are so beautiful. I love the feel and look of all things homemade.

I am interested in making a Waldorf doll for my 34 month old son. Did you use a kit or book instructions? I desire to make one myself but have never attempted making one.

Happy New Year.

[Tanya]

Oh Jules, everything is absolutely perfect!!! We also like to make the bulk of our gifts, for both our children and our extended family (some appreciate it more than others, but that is okay with me as I love the process just as much as the giving). My husband wasn't able to make as much this year as in years past due to a rediculous travel schedule, but the kids didn't mind! Many blessings to you and your family in the New Year!

[Melanie]

It's all so lovely, my dear! What a blessing to be able to give your little ones things made with your own heart, hands and soul- my children always tell me those things are "filled with love," and that they can feel it. Indeed they are!
Sunshine's doll takes my breath away!
And there are the mittens!
Andy also makes guitar/cello stools!
Love to you, Melly

[Taisa]

What beautiful treasures, Jules! The doll is beautiful! And the stool, and the dollhouse, and the mittens and those adorable happy kiddos of yours! So inspiring to see what you and your lovely family get up to. Big hugs, dear friend,
Taisa

[Mina]

hi Jules! So many beautiful things that you made with your kids, I really love those Christmas invitations and I admire handmade gifts , they mean so much for me when I get one or give one!
Wishing a wonderful new year to you and your beautiful family!
Mina

[a little crafty nest]

Diana...I wish you much the same ~ though it is over now :) Thank you for your sweet words!
Elizabeth...Thank you! I did make the doll at a workshop in our closest town (45 mins away). It was through a Waldorf store and the owner is a good friend of mine. I was nervous about attempting such a doll as I am a wee bit perfectionistic, but I am happy I did. The whole process was liberating in a way because I had to let go and let what I sewed or stitched be "good enough" and then altogether, it came out so pleasing to me. Please try. I also used a book for the hair because I missed that workshop. A white book on making Waldorf dolls...I wish I could remember the name...Please try. It is soooo worth it!
Tanya...I would love to see more of your creations...you always inspire me!
Melly... <3
Taisa... one for you, too <3
Mina...I'm so happy to hear from you. Many wishes to your family, too! Happy New Year!
xo Jules

[Michelle Z]

I'd love to know more about the salve you made. I just finished the last jar that my late Grandma made, and she would never share her "recipe". I don't even know where to begin.