December 14: Make beautiful packages

Many of us love to receive packages where you can see that the giver has made an effort and has given some thought to the packaging. It is also really nice to be the one who wraps and gives a beautiful gift. Long before Christmas, you can start gathering together and coming up with new ideas. Be on the lookout for things in the woods or at flea markets. You can possibly wrap the presents continuously and collect them in baskets or piles as part of the Christmas decorations.

We make a virtue of thinking a lot about recycling, and of course this also applies when wrapping gifts. You can use fabric, because maybe the wrapping should be part of the gift? How about a scarf or tea towel? You can also use a nice shopping net that can subsequently be used by the recipient when he or she shops. You can find old boxes or save the paper from gifts that you have received yourself. Keep a small stock of various knick-knacks for creative projects or for gift wrapping. A small sprig or pinecone branch is just really nice for the packages and will certainly make the recipient happy.

You can also easily make to-and-from cards yourself. Again, all sorts of recycled paper can be used, including old cards and sheet music, or you can reuse cards you've got yourself by gluing a new piece of paper on top. Layered cards are very nice and you can personalize them in a completely different way. Besides, it's so nice to sit and make them.