Home made Christmas Finally

Christmas has always been a fabulous family event in our home. This year the snow changed that. We were unable to get together around Christmas because of the weather. Finally today the weather, although wet and rainy cooperated. We drove up to my brother's house, he still has almost a foot of snow on the ground and we did need to stick the SUV into 4 wheel drive to get turned around in the drive way, but we made it. We had a quiet day together just talking, and catching up with everyone. Many of the gifts this year were homemade, they gave the celebration a close feeling. I believe that this is what is meant by losing the meaning of Christmas. We no longer give things that we ourselves have worked over. We give things that the stores have put on the front page of a glossy flier. Not that I don't think that a purchased gift can be personal and special but I think it is time that more weight be given to what went in to the gift rather than what the price tag said. My children now have beautiful hand made wooden art boxes. No price tag can explain what went in to the creation of these boxes and no tag can explain the excitement these boxes filled with colored paper has brought to them. Now they are not only art boxes but desks in pretend school, counters in the store, and much more. The next time you hear yourself saying " I have no idea what to get whoever" ask yourself instead what do I have, or make that I could share with that person. It can be as simple as a copy of your favorite book or something you like to cook. In the same way when you are given a handmade gift. Look closely so you can see the love and spirit that went into the gift. These things are harder to read than a price tag but worth much more when you take the time to read them.