Sandra Magsamen

Photo: Mark Barry

Make a holiday that celebrates believing in magic, kindheartedness and love.

This year, create a Christmas that is thoughtful, relaxing, comforting and satisfying. It's not about doing more; it's about doing things with meaning.

You can add renewed warmth and sparkle to the season and surprise friends and family by getting creative. When you keep in mind that the best gifts of the season are family and friends, you embrace the true spirit of the holidays.

Memory book

Photo: Mark Barry

Create a Meaningful Memory Book
Fill a small journal with photos, memories and quotes that celebrate the person you are making it for. Decorate the book with colored paper and ribbon. Give one book to each family member or friend; they will all cherish them.

I love you because box

Photo: Mark Barry

Make an "I Love You Because" Box
Fill a box with pieces of paper, each bearing handwritten messages about why you love the person you're giving it to. Decorate the box lid with buttons, beads and things you think are beautiful.
Handmade cards

Photo: Mark Barry

Design Handmade Cards
Make your own stationery to give to friends. Purchase a set of blank cards and envelopes and then sew scraps of fabric, word ribbons and buttons on the card. These easy-to-make cards look like a million bucks, and they are treasures to share. Wrap each set with a ribbon and a sewn gift tag.
Homemade pins

Photo: Mark Barry

Sew a Pin
Homemade brooches are a great gift idea. Cut small circles of out of recycled fabric and sew them all together, creating a layered flower. Sew on word ribbons or buttons for embellishment. Attach the pin to a tag and stamp a favorite word on it. These little beauties are easy to make and fun to wear. You can also pin a few to a scarf for a stylish accessory.
Homemade jam

Photo: Mark Barry

Make Homemade Jam
Make a jar of homemade jam. On the jar, create a personal tag with a picture and the words "Wishing you a 'berry' nice holiday." This gift is a sweet reminder of how much you love your family and friends.

These are just a few ideas to get your own artful and creative spirit flowing. Most importantly, have fun as you make your seasonal celebrations your own. Remember to always bring your heart, your warmth and your style to everything you do. Create gifts with meaning and focus on spending time with the people you love. Remember, there is no right or wrong, just what you think is beautiful.

At the end of the day, the best gifts are not found under the tree or in a store—they are found in the love we share with the people in our lives.

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