In my family, the arrival of fall — and especially the month of December – signaled the beginning of a special time of holiday traditions, one of which included making hand-made Christmas presents for our friends and family. Sometimes the gifts were knitted sweaters or mittens, or scarves made out of pretty fabrics. There were clay figurines kneaded by eager little fingers, and brightly colored fishing wobblers that probably scared the fish more than they lured them to bite. We spent weeks preparing them, always amid a sense of suspense: What are you making? Who is that for? Me? These small, but genuinely special things felt just right and reflected all our love and knowledge about the people who would receive them. To this day, my family celebrates the holidays with little presents like these — and they mean so much more.
If you are willing to try your hand at meaningful hand- made gifts this holiday season, there are numerous websites that can help you get started — and stay green at the same time, such as www.craftingagreenworld.com which provides ideas for gifts made entirely from recycled materials. Looking for a charming gift to bring to Hanukkah or Christmas parties? Make little paper braided hearts and stars that are always a hit for the tree or table.
If you are not handy and have never learned to knot, crochet or sew — much less carve wood or sculpt with clay — consider unique gifts by local or global artisans. One of my favorite local designers is Judy Ross who makes embroidered pillows, rugs and scarves, as well as beautiful Christmas stockings. But you can also lend your support to global artisans by doing your holiday shopping at tenthousandvillages.com.
To see more works by talented and inspired artisans all in one place, visit the One-of-A-Kind show this month in Chicago from Dec. 3-6. To shop from home, there are websites for inexpensive little stocking stuffers, such as Abe’s Market and a new line of creams and balms by hand model Ellen Sirot that make perfect hostess gifts.
Some of my most treasured gifts have been those that have a unique feel to them, such as beautifully crafted books. Small publishing houses with limited editions on arts, culture and travel are favorites of mine such as Assouline and Aperture.
When it is time to wrap your treasures, use newspaper, color it brightly and add lots of ribbon. Or use guilt-free gift wrap from Fish Lips Paper Designs, Gift Bags Gone Green or Modern EcoHomes. Whether you make your own gifts or carefully choose items that will have extra special meaning for the recipients, I wish you a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah – and all the best in the New Year.