Old Fashioned Christmas

Pendulum. A weighted object that swings from side to side until it eventually loses energy and settles in the middle.

It’s hard to tell how long it will take for the weight to stop moving (without extensive calculations that are about fifteen pay grades above mine…LOL). Variables such as how much weight, how wide the swing, and environmental factors can all affect the length of time it takes to stop swinging. But one thing is certain…the pendulum will always swing from one side to the other while in motion. It can’t swing only one way.

For a brief moment though, it might seem that way. When a pendulum swing is at it’s height on one side, it almost appears as if it stops. Especially, if you record the swing and then play it back in slow motion. Eventually, gravity works it’s magic and the weight starts to swing back the other way.

Did you know life swings much like a pendulum? A few years ago the world was swinging toward one direction. Then, in 2020, the world seemed to almost come to a halt. Ever since, the pendulum of life has started swinging the other direction…and people are starting to take notice. It’s never been more evident than while talking to others this holiday season.

Jokes about wanting gas and groceries for Christmas have taken the internet by storm. Other people are sharing quotes about a “less is more” holiday mentality. Requests for experiences, gift cards, and homemade items are at an all time high. People are recognizing the Christmas pendulum has swung too far in the direction of commericialism and is starting to backslide into the days of old fashioned gift giving and quality time.

Where To Start

Even though many people want to drop the weight of pricey gift giving expectations, not many know where to start. The average daily life of an American family is go-go-go-go-go. There isn’t much time, or energy, left to put into making extensive and complicated gifts. But that’s where I come in…

I have scoured the internet and made a list of my top favorite 25 old fashioned gift ideas. There is something for every price tag, skill level, and God given ability on this list. These gifts not only come from the heart, but are useable items your loved one are sure to appreciate. And bonus…they won’t clutter up counter space or junk drawers.

For easy navigation, I have broken these gifts down into categories. Don’t let yourself get overwhelmed when reading the headings though. There is a range of difficulty in each group. Start small and have fun!

Breadmaking

#1 Loaves of bread

These can be anything from plain, to flavored, to stuffed. My family’s favorite, and easiest loaf to make is this one.

#2 Croutons

Did you try to make bread and it failed? Do you have bread that needs to be used? Make croutons! Easy tutorial here.

#3 Frozen Bread Dough

There’s nothing better than a fresh baked loaf of bread. Gift your loved ones the gift of fresh bread without the mess and hard work.

#4 Sourdough Starter

Do you already have active starter laying around? Gift your loved ones with the art of sourdough baking by sharing a jar of your starter. Give it a funny name to share the laughs as well (mine’s named Mrs. Doughfire…lol).

#5 Breadmaking supplies

Bannetons, fabric liners, bread lames, or cotton bread bags are all relatively inexpensive, yet useful gift ideas for the baker in your life.

Jars & Mixes

#6 Homemade Jellies, Jams, & Preserves

Do you have a plethora of fruit leftover from harvest? Is fruit on sale at the store? Making jelly is easy and flavor combos are endless. Easy tutorial here.

#7 Canned Sauces & Soups

If you enjoy canning your own foods, then you already have your Christmas shopping started! Pick a sauce or other canned item, toss in the rest of the needed ingredients, and turn them into a meal basket.

#8 Infused Oils & Baking Extracts

These items are actually VERY easy to make! Find out how to make your own extracts here and oils here.

#9 Homemade Butter

Do you have a milk cow? Do you have a favorite flavored butter? Whip up a batch of fresh, homemade butter and share the flavor love!

#10 Spices & Mixes

Custom seasoning and baking mixes are seriously underrated! Measure, mix, pour. Voila! Instant gift. Get spice mix ideas here and baking mix ideas here.

Spa & Herbalism

#11 Homemade Soaps

This gift idea is for the more experienced crafter. Soap making is an art form and makes for awesome, and customizable, gift.

#12 Body Scrubs & Face Masks

Much easier than soap! Anyone can make scrubs and masks! Check out the MMB post “New Year, New Me Time” to get started.

#13 Candles

The Spruce Crafts has a great DIY candle guide for beginners. Not only do candles make excellent gifts, candlemaking is a great “back to basics” skill to learn.

#14 Herbalism & Holistic

Elderberry syrup and fermented garlic infused honey are easy gifts ideas that help keep your family and friends healthy! But before venturing into more complex tinctures or tonics, be sure to consult a trained herbalist or holistic doctor so you don’t make your family ill on accident.

#15 Custom Playlists

I can’t be the only one that misses burning custom CDs, right? Well, bring back the tradition by creating a custom playlist to share via your favorite music streaming service. Create playlists for when your loved one is stressed out, needs to pump themselves up, or just wanting to bring back favorite memories.

Other Food Ideas

#16 Farm Animal Products

If you own egg laying or milk giving animals…you’re in luck! With the price of groceries skyrocketing and nutritional value of food plumetting, homegrown milk and eggs make phenomenal gifts!

#17 Dried Pasta

Homemade pasta is ridiculously easy to make and looks super cute packaged up in gift bags. Learn to dry your own pasta for gift giving here.

#18 Freezer Meals

Extra freezer meals are easy to make and don’t require much added effort. For example, if you’re already making lasagna, double the batch and make one for the freezer. Slap a bow on it and say “Merry Christmas!” Your friends and family will thank you for a night off from cooking. Get more ideas here.

#19 Goody Boxes

Candies and cookies and clusters…oh my! Make a few batches of your favorite Christmas treats. Then mix and match them in cute boxes. Even better! Shop thrift stores for pretty serving dishes to package them in. Check out the MMB post “Christmas Treat Exchange” for goody ideas to get your started.

Other Non-Food Ideas

#20 Handwritten Recipes

Nothing warms my heart more than making one of my grandmas recipes from her one of her smudged, handwritten recipe cards. Keep the legacy going, or start a new one, with a personalized recipe box of your own making.

#21 Beeswax Food Wraps

For the trendy crafter, make your own plastic wrap alternatives using this easy guide.

#22 Fire Starters

These are an easy, kid friendly craft that re-purposes materials like lint, leaves, and spices into cute and useful gifts. Easy tutorial here.

#23 Soup Bowl Cozy

These are one my most used DIY gifts I’ve ever received. If you like to sew, please gift these to everyone you know! Easy tutorial here.

#24 Homemade Ornaments

Just Google “homemade ornaments” and you’ll be bombarded with ideas. Everything from sentimental, to crafty, to classy.

Last, But Not Least…

#25 Quality Time

No matter your skill level. No matter your budget. The gift of quality time is one of the most special gifts you can give.

In a world full of virtual relationships and high “friend” counts that don’t mean much, dare to be different. Follow the pendulum the other direction. Practice being present, not just giving presents. Spend time making memories with the ones you love most.

And let us never forget that the true meaning of this holiday season is not a “what”, but a “who.” Jesus was the ultimate gift to this world. Nothing we buy, or make, will ever come close to the value of His life.

From our home to yours, Merry Christmas! May your walls be filled with love, laughter, and memories that last a lifetime. – Messy Masterpiece