| Christmas is such an infectious time of year. Even | | | | made into great work of art or something useful. |
| if you are slow to get into the spirit of joy and | | | | If you are resourceful, you will find many items in |
| merriment at Christmas, many times you will | | | | your home that might have been destined for the |
| catch it from someone before the season is over. | | | | garbage bin, but has the potential of being |
| If you are one of those who is experiencing | | | | something more. You can also use some creative |
| financial difficulties during this season, the | | | | ideas to make your own Christmas ornaments. |
| Christmas spirit can be harder to catch. Why is | | | | Stringing popcorn still makes great garland for the |
| that? Christmas is the time of year where family | | | | tree. |
| is important. There aren't too many people who | | | | If you have the knowledge of how to sew or |
| don't enjoy giving gifts to members of their | | | | make things whether it be needlepoint, plastic |
| family. It is difficult to stretch a tight budget to | | | | canvas, knitting, crocheting or embroidery, you |
| the point where it can afford gifts and the | | | | can also find something you can make that |
| traditional holiday meals. | | | | someone in your family can use. If you can follow |
| There is hope. All is not lost. Since most of us | | | | a recipe, you can always find jars and layer the |
| were not alive during the time of the Old West, | | | | dry ingredients for muffins, cookies., etc.; |
| when many families were pioneering their way to | | | | decorate the jar as you see fit and shazam! You |
| a new beginning and a better life. We weren't | | | | have a gift for someone that came from your |
| even around for the years of the Depression. I | | | | heart and not your wallet. |
| am sure you have heard stories told by your | | | | Christmas is not and should never be all about |
| Grandparents or even Great-Grandparents who | | | | money. There is nothing wrong with the basics. |
| lived through those times. | | | | Who knows? You may even start a new tradition |
| Just because money is tight there is no reason | | | | in your family. Every year at least one gift must |
| you cannot enjoy the Holiday Season. So, how | | | | be homemade. Many times the handmade gifts |
| are you going to provide gifts for your family? | | | | are the ones most cherished. |
| Why you make them! If you have school age | | | | Whether you are having financial difficulties or not |
| children, chances are good that you have little | | | | there is nothing wrong with going back to the |
| things around your home you can use to make | | | | old-fashioned Christmas' of the past. Christmas is |
| Christmas gifts. All you need is some glue, | | | | all about family and the giving of yourself. Let's |
| scissors, maybe construction paper and whatever | | | | don't let the true meaning of Christmas slip away |
| else you can find around your home that can be | | | | from us. Happy Holidays! |