Happy Christmas! This week in the cottage, Christmas has finally arrived as we are busy decorating, baking, and creating just a few more lovely gifts. I am diligently knitting almost every night to complete cozy goodies for my family.
There are so many reasons to give handmade and local gifts this (and every) year! I have been writing about handmade and local gifts for weeks now because of how strongly I feel we need to distance ourselves from the overconsumption and waste the season can often bring. December is such a warm and festive month that it can be easy to buy and eat more than we need.
Anyone who knows me knows that I am far from puritanical in my love for festivity, coziness, and celebration, but that doesn’t mean I am not mindful of my spending and waste. Creating handmade gifts is not the only way to be mindful this year: buying locally or high-quality, long-lasting goods are also great ways to give. I say this because not everyone on my list wants a hand-knitted hat!
This blog is one of my favorites all year because I am gathering a few of my most popular blogs for a Christmas crafting and gifting guide. We will be talking about everything from knitting patterns to special sourdough!
Fisherman’s Cap Knitting Pattern
This pattern makes such a gorgeous and simple hat for anyone. I love making these with a stripe to add a pop of color or a pom-pom for a flourish. This hat can be given to almost anyone because everyone needs a cozy cap for winter. I find that using colors or styles which suit the recipient is the best way to personalize this as a gift.
Rosemary Lotion Bars
These lotion bars are nourishing and healing for dry, cracked winter hands. Everyone needs lotion this time of year, but those who enjoy it the most are people who work with their hands, like gardeners, construction workers, woodworkers, handymen, climbers, and athletes! These bars are also incredible for those who suffer from dry skin, like me.
Cranberry Walnut Sourdough
I love giving freshly baked bread for Christmas! This festive sourdough is perfect to give as a hostess, co-worker, or teacher gift. I can also imagine giving this loaf in a basket with other handmade/local goodies. I love this recipe because it combines some of the best flavors of the season in a warm and nourishing loaf for sandwiches, toast, or snacking! Cranberry walnut sourdough also pairs well with seasonal cheeses for a Christmas happy hour.
Braided Crown Headband Knitting Pattern
I couldn’t keep from including this unique and feminine knitting pattern in the lineup! While I have now knitted it as a gift several times, I have never seen anyone else with a headband like this. Not only is this a warm and cozy seasonal gift to give, but you can also create it in any color for any style. This is a perfect gift for ladies who need a warm and unique headband for spending lots of time outdoors this winter. I gave this last year to a friend of mine who likes to wear it while working as a nurse in a chilly hospital. My grandmother wears one to cover her ears as she walks her dog on windy coastal mornings.
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