How I adapted the "Christmas in a Can" idea

 

Detail from an embroidered table runner

 As I mentioned yesterday, I was really taken with that "Christmas in a can" idea -- packing a clean, unused paint can with all manner of Christmasy objects as a family gift. But I knew my own adaptation of it would need to involve a box or a large sack rather than a measly gallon can!

I really wanted to give my kids and grandkids some things that I had made, things they could bring out every Christmas season even after I’m gone, and say, “Mom (or Grammy) made these special things.” I also wanted to give these things to them near the end of November, so they could bring them out at the beginning of the Christmas season.  

I also wanted to add in special treats like popcorn, hot cocoa, Christmas napkins and more that they might not purchase for themselves.

So I actually did do this for a couple of years, though I can no longer remember which things I gave them in which years. But here are some of the things I’ve done:

* Handmade advent calendars
  

* Gooseberry Patch Christmas books

 

* Children’s hardcover Christmas books

* Christmas craft or idea books

* Microwave popcorn with handmade Christmas wrappers

* Packets of hot chocolate, with handmade Christmas wrappers

* Holiday teas
 

* Handmade Christmas fabric table runners
 
* Handmade ornaments
 
* Hand-crocheted personalized stockings
 

* Mr. T’s old work socks, embellished with holiday fabric patches and buttons
 
* Cross-stitched bread cloths and hand towels with Christmas motifs
 
* Personalized Christmas address labels (designed and printed by me)

* Cookie cutters

* Christmas paper napkins

... and more!

You could probably think of even more ideas that you could do that might suit your family.  Have fun with it!  

And if you like to make things, I encourage you to plan ahead for next year to craft some special Christmas items that will one day be heirlooms for your loved ones.