Some Homemade Christmas Fun!

I love being crafty! Christmas is a great time to make things you know others will love! Here's all but two of the projects I've done this year (I'll add the last ones once I complete them!). 

Christmas Countdown Plate

Lighted Nativity Scene

Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh Gift Baskets. (The crosses are cut vinyl.) 

Lighted Cross

Small wreath

I may try to sell at some festivals in the fall. 

It Smells Like Christmas!

I've started hosting a little Christmas party each year for my kids (this was my 3rd year doing it). Nothing real fancy. I pick a "theme" (this year was The True Christmas Story, last year was the Grinch) and then come up with a simple ornament for them to make and a treat to decorate. We always make reindeer food from the reindeer food bar and read a story that fits with the theme. Simple and quick. Really. Lasts about an hour. This year I wanted to do one of those simmering potpourris on the stove so my house would just smell like awesome Christmasness. ;-) After a quick Internet search I decided to go with this "recipe" as it was the most common one I came across. 

1 orange, sliced

1 cup of fresh cranberries

3-4 cinnamon sticks

2 Tbs cloves

Put all ingredients in a pot on the stove, add water to within about an inch of the rim, and simmer on low. 

It truly smelled amaze-balls. I started it about 1ish for a party that started at 5. Everyone walked in and commented on how awesome it smelled. I will say I was a bit surprised at how expensive the cinnamon sticks were but it was worth it and I've got enough left over to make more on Christmas Day. 

Enjoy and Merry Christmas!