Home(-Made) for the Holidays

I like giving homemade gifts—especially food gifts; I feel like I’m giving something that stands a better chance of actually being used and bringing joy.  And, let’s face it, I’d rather spend time making something from scratch that I know is good, than spend that same time trying to find and acquire a bauble of dubious usefulness, thereby demonstrating that I spent a requisite amount of money.  Do I sound like a curmudgeon?  Maybe I do.  But, money is an unavoidable issue—especially these days—and I know that I can make gifts that will be of better quality than I could afford to give otherwise.

There’s still a certain amount of research and forethought needed, though.  Not everyone likes sweets, enjoys spicy things, or what have you, and food allergies and other dietary concerns are more prevalent than one might realize.  Perhaps that’s why homemade gifts can sometimes have a bit of a reputation, like the oft-lampooned fruitcake. I’ll confess, ever since I began contemplating a post on homemade gifts, I have not been able to get the Pink Bunny Suit from A Christmas Story out of my head (this is a problem, because I don’t type well as it is, and the giggling isn’t helping).  But, if Aunt Clara had only done a little research, she would have known that Ralphie was neither four years old, nor a girl. Just imagine if her present had been a Red Ryder costume instead.

Some further tips for Holiday food-giving…

• Plan ahead.  Pick up ingredients that you will need when they are available and/or on sale.  Collect appropriate vessels.  Know which things will keep well if done in advance.  Speaking of which…
• The less perishable, the better.  Not only does it buy you more time to prepare your gifts, but then the recipient need not feel pressured to use it in the midst of the holiday flood of food.
• Variety!  Part of the fun is getting to sample different goodies, but also, if you miss the mark with one item, you have still a good chance that there will be others that please your giftee.
• Document: Identify items and basic ingredients (nuts, for example), if they aren’t readily apparent.  Make sure to include any notes as to storage and perishability, or instructions for heating/preparing/use.  Maybe even include a favorite recipe that you think is in keeping with the theme.

Most importantly, choose projects that will be interesting and fun for you to create. If it’s drudgery, you might as well be at the mall.