I am SO excited to once again be asked to participate in the Adornit Blog Hop This time the hop focus is Christmas. Blogs will be sharing Christmas gift ideas, neighbor gift ideas, recipes, home decor, scrapbooking and more!
I have to admit, I am not a HUGE fan of Christmas. Shocking... I know. I LOVE the spirit of Christmas. I LOVE the spirit of giving. I LOVE being with my family. However, I quickly become overwhelmed with the hectic schedules, the constant shopping and society's focus on gift giving. PLUS.. to add to my issues, loosing my Mom only makes the holiday more difficult since it was her absolute favorite holiday. When I walk into a store dripping ceiling to floor in Christmas decor it takes everything within me to not start crying. :(
Now that I have depressed you... sorry... I AM excited for this hop. Simply because I need to be INSPIRED. I need fresh new ideas. I need to be reminded about why this holiday is so special and need to spend some time learning from each of you.
PLUS! I am always on the look out for quick, easy and amazing gifts so let the hop begin!
The first idea I want to share with you is a quick, easy and inexpensive ornament. Again, my thoughts turn to my Mom. I can't begin to describe the amount of ornaments she had. She had at least a dozen trees and each year she would decorate a different tree with a completely different theme for the tree. Her trees were breathtaking. I have so many memories of our Christmas tree growing up. A tradition I have tried to continue with my family.
For this ornament, simply purchase a clear glass ornament from your local craft store. They usually come 12 to a box for about $3 or so. Cheap! Start sorting through your stash of buttons, ribbons, Christmas paper and glitter. Carefully remove the tip of the bulb. In the above sample, I inserted buttons and red glitter. To finish the bulb I added a rub on to the front of the bulb and tied ribbon through the hook.
For this bulb, I cut pattern paper into 1/2 inch by 6 inch strips. I rolled the paper around a pencil to create a curl. I then inserted the paper into the bulb and added glitter. I also added a rub on to this bulb.
These bulbs are perfect gifts for school teachers, neighbors, church groups, friends, families, you get the idea. Tie a bulb to a gift sack of holiday treats and you are set!
My NEXT idea to share is my absolute FAVORITE neighbor gift. We receive so many plates of goodies that by the time the holidays are over I have gained at least 5 lbs! So.. I like giving a gift that they don't have to eat!
You will need clear cellophane bags. Christmas printed bags are adorable but I usually use clear bags.
Add to each bag 2 of these:
Then add two of these:

Add two of these to the bag broken into two pieces for a total of four pieces:
Finally.. add several of these:
Note: The above spice is whole cloves. Several gals have asked below. Sorry for the confusion!
Once the ingredients are in the bag I tie Christmas ribbon and add a tag. On the tag I type instructions. You can word them as you would like but they will need to slice the oranges and lemons then add all ingredients to a small sauce pan. Cover with water. Let simmer on the lowest setting on your stove through out the day. Continue to add water as needed.
Your home will quickly fill with the most amazing, comforting, warm, inviting aroma.
Now.. as always, it is time to end this post with a contest. YEAH BABY! I know you have several blogs you are visiting today, but take a minute and share with me one your favorite holiday gift ideas. I need to be inspired!I will randomly pick one WINNER on Sunday. YOU will win a FREE goodie from me featuring all NEW Christmas products from Adornit! GOOD LUCK!
Don't forget to visit the next blog on the hop!










