Comments on: Fantastically Frugal: Conscious Christmas part 3

By: Michelle Ventress

Michelle Ventress — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 00:50:26 +0000

I happen to know that the next column will be discussing that very same thing. I’d like to suggest the gift of brownies. They’re always a hit in our house. Always.

By: Geoffrey Sakala

Geoffrey Sakala — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 00:49:20 +0000

Brandy, thanks much for the great articles and sparking such a lively chat.

By: Geoffrey Sakala

Geoffrey Sakala — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 00:47:43 +0000

Cookies, lots of cookies.

By: Geoffrey Sakala

Geoffrey Sakala — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 00:46:25 +0000

Go ahead, comment every day please.

By: Brandy Barris

Brandy Barris — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 18:22:40 +0000

Thanks Michelle! I completely agree. I have 3 kids at home, and I know that some of the things we do as traditions will make their way into their families as well. Boy, mine sure did. We try to recreate traditions from both sides of our families. As children their was very little money so we made ornaments to give out with our baked goods. We would make cookies and fudge, put them on trays or baskets we found at garage sales, and include homemade ornaments. My Mom’s bread dough ornaments we a hit and used for many years. Very little cost involved and made with love!
Looking around my house…there is child art everywhere! What a self esteem boost for your children to see their work displayed as proudly as you would display a collectors item. Great stuff everyone! Keep it coming please!

By: Brandy Barris

Brandy Barris — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 18:12:48 +0000

Yea! We love all of your comments! Rick the coffee sleeve is great. We have seen them made with thrifted sweaters. No knitting required. It will be in today’s post #4. We seem to be on the same wavelength!
XMiranda thank you for the info on the Harvest Festival it definitely sounds like frugal family fun, and a way to get some gift buying out of the way at the same time.
Becky, we could not agree more about homemade gifts. Out of all the gifts we received growing up, the ones we have really held onto are the homemade ones!
Jillian and I are so happy you are enjoying the columns. We are very much enjoying bringing them to you! There is so much more to come!

By: Michelle Ventress

Michelle Ventress — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 18:01:47 +0000

I also think making home made gifts are a great example for children. In a society where Christmas and other holidays are so commercialized it’s easy for anyone, especially kids, to forget the true spirit of the holiday. The gifts my parents have kept and treasured over the years aren’t the little nick nacks my sister and I purchased for them as children, it’s the home made Santa Claus my sister created and the ornaments we made from clay in 2nd grade. While my painting of Rudolph painted with clumsy 4 year old fingers might not be distinguishable to anyone other than my mother, she beams every year when she discovers it among the other Christmas decorations.

Does anyone have any home made holiday traditions they practice with their kids?

By: Becky Gabourie

Becky Gabourie — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 17:43:46 +0000

thank you so much for your article. I think that a handmade gift is so much nicer to receive. If the person made it for you, they were thinking about you the whole time that they worked on it, that is a very good thing! We all need good thoughts sent our way. I am also in the process of starting a relationship with etsy.com, I have a craft that I will be selling on the website, necklace scarves. Look for them soon. Becky G. Rancho Cordova

By: XMiranda

XMiranda — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 17:37:55 +0000

Hello Rick! It’s totally awesome for you to comment… Thats a great thing you got going with ur coffee sleeve. And I can also agree that these articles are awesome.

Well, this weekend Rosemont High School is having their harvest festival. Which includes crafters and a car show and lots of other family-fun! Its Sat. from 9a.m-2p.m. Should be a total ride!

By: Rick Boyd

Rick Boyd — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 05:23:41 +0000

I’m trying not to comment on these everyday, but I am getting so excited reading your articles! I think they are awesome. I don’t know how to knit but last year one of my FAVORITE Christmas gifts I was given was a “green” knitted item. A close weave knit Starbucks style coffee sleeve. Now I dont have to throw away an extra piece of cardboard twice a week when I get Starbucks. I know, I should use a Travel Mug and have them fill it but I can’t leave that in my car so I don’t forget it like I do my sleeve. I’m making progress…