“I made this for you.”

Those are the words I want to say with every present I give this holiday season. Why do I bother, when there are stores 24/7 where I can purchase anything, at any time?

I bother because:

Time is a precious commodity. We all have 24 hours in a day and I choose to spend some of those hours creating gifts for others. It satisfies my soul.

The world is a chaotic and complicated place. By making a gift, I understand the ingredients and ultimately simplicity of melting wax and making candles; growing fruit and preserving jams and jellies for family and friends; buying fresh ingredients and baking a pie.

Hand-powered production is becoming a lost art. Hands-on learning (literally, folks) is becoming a lost art. Last Christmas, my daughter painted a beautiful portrait of the nativity scene and gave it to my father. He displays it above his mantle, which reminds him of the hours she spent creating it for him.

Here’s the beautiful nativity scene my daughter made.

Working together is both fulfilling and fun. Turning the mad-rush-buy-this-buy-that into a time you connect with family and friends, builds memories and relationships.

This holiday season, create, satisfy and fulfill your soul, by doing it hands-on… So you can say, “I made this for you.”

Editor’s Note: Here are some how-to videos to get you inspired – enjoy!