Handmade Christmas Eve Gifts

The highlight of our Christmas continues to be the handmade gifts on Christmas Eve. Most of the gifts were actually surprises this year which can be hard to achieve between needing secret spaces to work, needing the occasional helping hand, and needing to actually keep one's work a secret. The gifts get more exciting each year as the girls' abilities grow.

Nels is wearing pajamas made by Helen and a bathrobe made by me.

Helen was absolutely thrilled to get a plaid scarf made by Lou and a buckwheat hull/lavender sleeping pillow made by me. She'd been asking for one of these pillows for a long time.

Here is Lou wearing the pajamas from Helen, holding a pillow from me, and displaying a writing desk made by Nels. Lou as well has been wanting big pillows to decorate her room.

Here's Hels with her writing box.

Lou and Nels made me this Advent Spiral. Wow.
Nels describes how he made it at his blog Proud Hands.

Lou made Nels this book of coupons arranged in categories:
  • "baking"--1 free batch of homemade chocolate chip cookies, 1 free batch of homemade brownies
  • "helping hands" --1 free hour of help with something that has to do with wood, 1 free 1/2 hour of a home improvement job
  • "other stuff" --1 free of strife practice session & 1 1/2 hours of any help you need
Lou made us all these beautiful hanging stars.

Nels and I have really noticed over the years how much this emphasis on making gifts for each other has changed the energy of Christmas for the girls. It truly is all about the joy of giving and I think there is more excitement about this handmade gift exchange on Christmas Eve than the anticipation of Christmas morning.

sarah  – (December 26, 2009 at 3:08 PM)  

what a lovely tradition. These gifts are amazing! I specially love the writing boxes, but also the pyjamas - wow! Happy Christmas to your wonderful family.

Linda  – (December 27, 2009 at 12:23 AM)  

What beautiful gifts you have all made for eachother, how very special. The wooden Advent spiral is amazing... Wishing you all a wonderful New Year ahead.
Warmly
Linda

kristin  – (December 29, 2009 at 3:14 AM)  

it all is so lovely Sarah!! everyone looks so cozy :)

i love the handmade tradition in your home...i have noticed in my home (and at my preschool) when i make something FOR the children in FRONT of them, they truly appreciate the gift so much more. watching it being created in front of them, knowing the time and the care that went into it is really such a gift for the children.

i love that your girls make for eachother too...such a great thing for siblings to care for one another in this way.

sounds like you had a very Merry Christmas :) Blessings in the New Year!! xxxxx

Anonymous –   – (December 29, 2009 at 8:01 AM)  

how did you make the beautiful lavender pillow?

Suzanne  – (December 29, 2009 at 8:45 AM)  

Every handmade is truly amazing! Thanks for sharing:-)

Tammy  – (December 29, 2009 at 10:43 AM)  

These are all such thoughtful and lovely gifts. I love it!

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