So mad at myself!

[Mama~Love]

I had wanted to do a lot of homemade gifts this year, and I did make *some*. But not as much as I'd like, and I gave into the pressure of getting store-bought gifts as well (from DH). I think we spent way too much, and now that guilt is eating me up! I want to take it back, but DH says no. *Sigh*

I'm vowing right NOW that next year will be different, that everything will be homemade! I have a whole year to get it done!

[rere]

I know that feeling.Uhg!

This year I made almost everything and it was great!You can absolutely do it.My best advice is that you can't start too early.At first you may feel a little silly making Christmas presents in August but it really helps.

[norasmom]

That is exactly how I felt last year!

This year we made about 1/2 of the presents, but I still bought more than I wanted. Next year I'm going for closer to 90% of handmade. I finally have dh on my side, (he didn't get there till the middle of December this year) so I think that will make things a lot easier.

Now my challenge is to do hand made for birthdays, those always sneak up on me!

Jesi

[AllisonR]

I think it depends on your planning abilities and being flexible. For example, I know that every project I start is going to take me 3-6 times longer than I expect. So I am realistic about timing, and accept making less, or simpler gifts. This year I wanted to make silk painted scarfs, an advent calendar, homemade cookies and homemade liquor gifts, something homemade for my DH and for my dad. I did the scarfs over the summer. I did the advent calendar when the kids were in bed, and I didn't bother with the rest. But I don't feel bad about what I did not do, because I look at it this way: I can spend 4 hours (will be 16 hours really) making XYZ, or I can buy a gift and instead spend the time with my kids. My kids are more important, so most often they "win."
IMO, it also depends a lot on the age of your DC(s). Last year, with a 1 yo and 3 yo, neither of whom would be into "helping" me with projects or playing on their own for more than 10 minutes: NO WAY. This year, much better. The difference a year makes.

[rere]

Originally Posted by AllisonR

I think it depends on your planning abilities and being flexible. For example, I know that every project I start is going to take me 3-6 times longer than I expect. So I am realistic about timing, and accept making less, or simpler gifts. This year I wanted to make silk painted scarfs, an advent calendar, homemade cookies and homemade liquor gifts, something homemade for my DH and for my dad. I did the scarfs over the summer. I did the advent calendar when the kids were in bed, and I didn't bother with the rest. But I don't feel bad about what I did not do, because I look at it this way: I can spend 4 hours (will be 16 hours really) making XYZ, or I can buy a gift and instead spend the time with my kids. My kids are more important, so most often they "win."
IMO, it also depends a lot on the age of your DC(s). Last year, with a 1 yo and 3 yo, neither of whom would be into "helping" me with projects or playing on their own for more than 10 minutes: NO WAY. This year, much better. The difference a year makes.

Yes,planning is helpful.And I'm sure you're not saying that the kids of people who make all their presents are "loosing".My daughter(and the kids I take care of) definitely wins my time but that's all because of planning.My house tends to be the looser.

I use nap time for things that aren't as easy to pick up and put down.And I pick other projects that I can easily put down after 10 min. to work on while my daughter is awake.I did a lot of planning of projects while playing on the floor with the twin babies I take care.My husband thought I was little crazy for talking to babies about gift ideas but since they smile at whatever I say I used that time to "brainstorm".

For me it's a lot of work(I have a long list of people to make gifts for) and I have to really make it a priority in my life but it's worth it.Plus I'd rather make something than clean my kitchen floor.

[Mama~Love]

Thanks, glad to know that it can be done! I'm hoping next year can be at least 75% homemade, if not more. 100% might be too high of a goal right now, but we'll see. I'm starting to plan now, along with birthdays. I have a few months until the next one.

[ellemnop]

I'm there with you

[Stephenie]

I only did about half the projects I planned... but I know I put it all off way too long. It resulted in me being up until 4 am on Christmas to try and finish my son's gifts. Never again! I really need to plan better next year.

[Mama~Love]

Originally Posted by Stephenie

I only did about half the projects I planned... but I know I put it all off way too long. It resulted in me being up until 4 am on Christmas to try and finish my son's gifts. Never again! I really need to plan better next year.

That was my problem too, I just kept putting it off. Maybe we can start a new thread to get ready for next year.