Affordable Handmade Christmas Gifts: Jar Gifts and More

All I want for Christmas is peace on earth & good will toward all!

It is difficult to imagine a happy holiday this year with so much fighting going on in the world. It may be a bit corny, but my Christmas wish is to have peace on earth and good will toward all. Far too many of our brothers, sisters, mothers, fathers, cousins, aunts, uncles, and other relatives are spending their holiday time abroad fighting a senseless war with no real enemy. Not only are our soldiers missing holidays with their families, but also innocent Iraqi people are suffering as much as everyone else is.

Since the economy fell into such disarray, Santa's gift list will be rather lean this year. The economy is ruined. Few can afford to travel to meet with family and friends due to the high cost of fuel. Worst still are the families who depend on fuel to heat their homes, water, and even their stoves to cook.

Until we are finally able to remove the puppet warmonger sitting in his dictatorship-mode in the White House, everyone will have to make do with what we have, no matter how little it is this year. Here are a few homemade ideas to bring some holiday cheer into your home. We must create our own holiday magic for children and for adults as well.

In a time when Santa's gift-giving list will be extremely lean, here are some things we can create to make this holiday a bit brighter despite all the war and hate spreading across the globe this year. It is this writer's way to bring some holiday cheer to the masses.

Jar Gifts: Everyone loves jar gifts; here are a few that will put a smile on the recipient's face.

Required Supplies for Project

Quart-size jars with lids Index Cards with lines (Cards in Christmas colors add a bit of holiday cheer)
Scrap fabric Hole punch (Decorative punch designs work great)
Cotton balls Christmas bags with colorful tissue paper large enough to hold jar
Plastic wrap (Christmas designs are excellent) Candy Canes
Ribbon
Glue (craft glue works well)

Required Steps and Ingredients

Wash & Dry jars, lids, and rings thoroughly
Choose a series of recipes and ingredients
Fill each jar with specific ingredients