Homemade gifts part 2

My Family started giving homemade gifts years ago when I was just in Junior High. It has become my favorite tradition. People are always amazed that we still give to each person in our family, we don't draw names. I have five siblings, three of which are married, so I usually make 12 gifts. Sometimes I'll make stuff for nieces and nephews as well. I love it.

The part that I love the most is the anticipation of waiting for everyone to open the gifts you've spent hours slaving over. When I was younger I wouldn't be able to sleep Christmas Eve. I was too excited about the gifts I was giving not receiving. We have had a lot of teary Christmases over the years. There is just so much love that goes into each gift.

Sometimes we don't finish gift or even give gifts that's okay. No one has been banished from the family. We only do what we want to. If all you have time for is a nice letter, that's fine. Sometimes a letter is cherished more than anything else.

So, onto the presents here are a few of the things that were given this year.

My sister in-law put together kits to help us force bulbs in the Spring.

My older sister made me a book of homemade cards and envelopes.

She also made all the boys quilts. Each was made with their favorite team's logo.

My little brother silk screened PaPa Jerry Pancake shirts for everyone. My dad aka PaPa Jerry is famous for his pancakes.

My little sister made every family their own Guess Who Game featuring all our family. My kids are loving this one.

She laminated everything so it can be used for many years.

For another example you can look at this one from Obseussed.

My youngest brother gave us all this...He's planning on putting all our home videos on DVD.

My dad gave everyone a leather journal for our most special thoughts. He had pieces of metal engraved with our initials then attached them to the front.

My dad started this last gift ten years ago and just finished it this year. It's a personalized game of Acquire, one of our families all time favorite board games. The money bears family faces and all the properties are named after properties in his life.