Countdown to Christmas--Week #3 DIY---Holiday Gifts

I love giving unexpected gifts at Christmas time. There are so many people that make our lives easier through the year we try to remember most of them with some token that lets them know how much we appreciate what they do for us. For instance, we have a new mailman this year who has been awesome, our trash and recycle people I feel are forgotten. They pick up our trash at 6:30 a.m. whether it is raining or snowing, they are here. Our little neighbor girl, is just a life saver when it comes to watering our plants while we are away on vacation. Our priests who are some of the
busiest, kindest men. And the list goes on.

This year Santa's helper stopped by to help me with my gift making. Our youngest daughter was in town and she loves Christmas anything! We decided to make a delicious recipe from Martha Stewart for the Hot Cocoa Mix.  http://www.marthastewart.com/353001/homemade-hot-chocolate  and to make up our own concoction for beautiful little Candy Cane Marshmallows for dipping.

The homemade hot chocolate mix yields 5 3/4 cups of cocoa. We were able to find some adorable small lidded jars for the cocoa and cute mugs in the Dollar General. I should be able to make about 6 gifts from this mix.

For the marshmallows we melted 1 bar of Ghirardelli's dark chocolate, crushed up some candy canes, stuck the end of the candy cane in a marshmallow and then dipped them in the chocolate. We cooled them on parchment paper. So easy!

I also thought a nice Chai tea mix would be delightful for winter days and nights, and maybe a bit more mature for some of the people on our gift list. http://allrecipes.com/recipe/chai-tea-mix/

Whatever you decide to do for those on your list.....whether you prefer to buy a little something, make it yourself or write a simple note of "thanks" on a beautiful card. The idea of showing your appreciation to those people that make our lives a little easier during the year is a wonderful act of kindness.........that comes from the heart!

I hope you have enjoyed this quick and easy idea for those on your list. Happy gifting!

ENJOY!
K