christmas present(s)

You might remember me telling you about our families' secret person gift. Some time in the second half of the year we put all our names in a hat and everyone draws out one person and tries really hard to keep it a secret until Christmas! Mostly it works! 

This year there was no awesome fairy abode, rather a whole swag of small items that were just as gladly received and admired. That part of the evening is always my favourite - we sit in a circle and pass the gifts around, one by one, waiting until that person has opened whatever delight was created for her/him. Oh, the oohing and the laughter, the congratulations and the awe, it's so wonderful to see, but what is especially uplifting to my mother-heart is the thought that goes into each gift - everyone takes the time to think about what the recipient really likes and creates accordingly. 

Of course it helps that we have a big list on the wall with likes, wishes and wants but secrets are kept and wonderful, thoughtful gifts are the result!  

Here are a few that I remembered to take a photo of......

Created by sand and waves at the beach, finished by Master 12 - a rustic tea light and incense holder.

From one sister to another, a wise old owl! A few years ago, my Golden One requested a cushion each birthday from her sister but this year it was a Christmas cushion! 

This gift was pretty spectacular though unfortunately the photo is not too great - a very small hand crafted dagger! Nina's partner is a jeweller and a very good one at that..... this tiny little weapon was his handmade gift to one of our female contingent..... she was impressed. It's only about 3cm long and will have a holder on a necklace, which he didn't quite finish in time. 

A gorgeous leather belt from my daughter-in-law-to-be to one of our girls. She did such a great job, all by hand, and it looks even better than a bought one!! 

This one was from me but once again I made it too long and part of the hat bit is showing when the rib is turned up...... oh well, keep trying, Ev! 

For Master 12 from his older sister, there was a zippered pouch to keep his journal in...... as well as a few coloured pens for inspiration! 

And another cushion, gifted to a sister, admired by the boys!! 

Sewing and fabric type gifts have always been a mainstay here - after all there is a large stash of fabrics to be had and I do sew a lot! When the children were younger there was always a drawstring bag or two, often some pillowcases, and sometimes even a garment! Sadly I didn't document those sweet child made gifts in the early years, not even with a photo, so they are now lost in the mists of time or perhaps tucked in the memories of the maker or recipient. I do notice that the variety is becoming greater now that they are older but, for the girls especially, sewn gifts still reign supreme! We also used to allow IOU's but sometimes they weren't followed through by children or parents (yes, that would be me!) so they are no longer a viable gifting option! 

This is probably not a highly exhilarating post, unless you are Grandma and Grandpa, who read here too - hello, hope you like these, Mum and Dad!!! 

Ein paar Foto von selber gemachte geschenke. Jede Weihnachten muss jeder für jemand anderen etwas selber gebasteltes machen aber mit aller Heimlichkeit. Und jedes Jahr sind etliche interessante Ideen hergestellt. 

Heuer war von oben - ein Kerzen Halter, ein Polster mit filz Uhu, ein 3cm langes Messer als Halskette Anhänger, Leder Gürtel, gestrickte Mütze (hab ich gestrickt!!!), eine kleine Tasche und noch ein kleinen Polster. 

Dieses Jahr waren mehr Kleinigkeiten, nicht so was einmaliges wie  dieses Feenhaus, aber immer noch macht es mein Mama-herz so froh wenn ich sehe wie nett alle denken auf den anderen.