Making and Giving Gifts

I had a goal this Christmas, to really involve the kids in the gift GIVING and to try and keep things simple. I planned to do as much as I could ahead of time, so that I wouldn't be so busy and stressed, that I didn't enjoy the time with them, of have a good Christmas Spirit. As it turned out, I'm glad I did do a lot in advance, because we were all so sick. Still, I think even with all our maladies, it worked out well. The kids really got excited about the things they were doing, and I didn't feel stressed out at all.

I decided not to host the cookie exchange that I do every year, and instead had a cookie party for both Emily & then Rebekah. It was great for them to have their friends over, and we did it early in the month, so it started our "season" well.

I joined the NY Botanic Garden, and took Jacob & Jane twice a week to the train show. We've been too sick the past couple of weeks, but it's still on until the 13th, so we'll go a few more times before it ends.

My calling at church is compassionate service leader. You can imagine that this is busy but a lot of fun in December. I had the kids help me with a few things, and then Rick and Rebekah shopped for several items that we needed for the giving tree, food boxes, etc. It provided an opportunity to talk about how much we have, and those less fortunate, and our moral obligation to help them.

Back on the home front, Emily and I planned to make a mini version of the baby towels I give everyone as baby gifts, for the Bitty Baby we knew Jane would be receiving. Emily loves to do crafts, and was very exited to make one.

One night she stayed up late to make it. When I said "The first thing we have to do is iron this fabric" she squealed "I get to iron!" I hope that excitement lasts - in a few years she can do all my ironing!

She did a great job with the sewing machine.

She tried it on her Bitty Baby to check the fit.

It was perfect.

I sewed on the bow at the end - that part was a little too tricky for her.

What Emily didn't know was secretly, Jane and I (OK, mostly I) had also made one for her Bitty Baby.

I was so pleased with how they turned out. Perfect little miniatures of the real version.

For Jacob, we decided to make play dough for his friends. He loves anything we do in the kitchen and got SO into it.

Jane loves to cook too - but generally has to wait to get a turn. Poor kid. He was delighted when we added the hot water and it turned to red.
Like all good cooks, Jacob tasted his work - then quickly decided it hadn't been a good idea. Sometimes no amount of being told by your Mommy is as good a lesson as experience.
The best part is kneading.
Such cute little workers.
This was such a positive experience for Jacob. We packaged them up in cute little tubs. He woke up the next morning, and asked "Where's my play dough for my friends?" We talked about who we should give them to, and he was so thrilled to give it out to each of them. He really caught the spirit of giving through this, and was later so excited to help get gifts for his siblings, and a Yankees cap for Rick. He loved helping me wrap them, and even spontaneously got one of his balls and wrapped that himself to give to Daddy. It was so cute to see, and gave me so many warm fuzzies!

The kids also helped me make cookies and peanut butter balls to put treat boxes together for our friends and neighbors. I was ahead in doing a bunch of these too - then got sick before I finished them. Rick to the rescue. For 2 nights in a row he came home from work and baked cookies for hours to finish. Then he helped box them up, and took the kids with him to deliver a bunch. I have such a great family.

Rebekah didn't make her gifts this year, but she did go shopping entirely on her own (took the train and everything), and used all her own money (which she has done for a few years.) She was thoughtful in her choices, and had a generous spirit.

Illness hit and we didn't do as much as I had wanted to. Still, we did a lot and I really felt like we made good memories, and taught them some of the joy of giving. I love planning gifts, and wrapping them, and thinking of the happiness it will bring the recipient. I loved sharing that with the kids this year, I'm excited to be able to expand this as they get older.