Christmas Successfully Done!

The run up to it was rather exhausting, and I woke several mornings at silly o'clock panicking about getting everything done and prepared, but I managed to do it, and it all seemed to go down rather well.

The children got their wish lists, as usual.  That wasn't really my worry.  What I was most concerned about was that I was making homemade gifts this year for the first time in about 20 years.  Last time around I had been saving for my wedding, and did paintings for family members, which seemed to have been well received back then.  This year, I had planned to make some hampers full of goodies, and foodie treats.

Here are a few of my makes:

Covered Diary & Notebook

 Snowman Soups, in Cath Kidston Mugs

 Mini Christmas Cakes

 Melt in the Mouth Vanilla Shortbread

 Fruity Christmas Biscotti

 Autumn Tomato Chutney

Another Notebook & Diary

 Melting Middle Truffles

The Hamper put together before wrapping

I am delighted to say that they were very well received.  I also gave out smaller gifts of mini Christmas cakes, shortbread & biscotti.  Next year I think I'm going to include more preserves, and have a go at the flavoured vodkas.  I'm not a drinker, but the rest of my family make up for that more than a bit!  I got good feedback, and as much as they had enjoyed the treats to eat, they'd also thoroughly appreciated the time and effort that had gone into making them.  One sister even asked if I wanted the lovely lined willow basket back that I'd put them in... I think she felt guilty for getting so much!  I guess on balance it cost me at least £20 to put the  hamper together, but with more foreward planning, and picking up items throughout the year, I could do it for less than that (depending upon how I want it presented, the baskets were £4).

So, now it's a case of planning next year's gifts, as well as continuing with my baking throughout the year.