Inside this post: Exploring Homemade Christmas: Decor, Crafts, & Culinary Delights for Your Holiday Home. This collection offers inspiration, projects, and useful advice to help you create a personalized homemade Christmas experience for your family.
Homemade Christmas
Beginning Thoughts
I certainly am not a Christmas expert in every single aspect.
However, I bring the wisdom gained from 50 years of experience on this subject.
Furthermore, my mother cultivated a truly magical holiday season for me.
I cherished it, looked forward to it, and even now, I continue to feel that way.
As I considered the approaching Christmas time, my thoughts turned to Mom. When I was a newly married woman, she didn't reside nearby.
She lived in a different nation (I was in Canada; she was in Montana, USA), separated by 4,000 miles. I felt her absence keenly when preparing my initial turkey dinner and steaming the first pudding.
I wished I could simply visit her home for her Christmas meal, and crucially, have her carve the turkey!!;)
Lacking her physical presence, I utilized the telephone. We secured the finest international calling plan available in 1990 and made full use of it.
I consulted her about every small detail I had.
- Should I cover the steamed pudding?
- What weight of turkey should I purchase?
- How does one prepare stuffing?
- What is your bun recipe?
And many other questions followed.
Gradually, I managed to figure out how to celebrate Christmas independently.
This process helped me embrace my role as a homemaker.
I recognize that the term “homemaker” is somewhat dated today.
Yet, this is who I am, and it is what I wholeheartedly love to do.
Mom showed me that being a homemaker transcends merely being “a housewife”; it is a true calling ~
And with deep affection, I dedicate this Homemade Christmas guide to her.
What Defines a “Homemade” Christmas?
Homemade Christmas is filled with links to ideas, inspirations, and practical tips for creating a customized holiday home that works for you and your family.
When I started brainstorming ideas, I tried to think of questions I had as a new bride, and asked my readers what questions they had, too.
I wanted, as part of this series, to introduce my long-time readers to new bloggers and friends who have taught me so much in my own homemaking journey.
So, I sent out e-mails to some of my friends asking if they’d be willing to be included in this series as “guest speakers”. And, they said yes!
I’m beyond thrilled to be able to ask my burning questions to some ladies who are amazingly gifted and wise! They will be the Christmas “stars” (see how I did that?;)) on this series, and I think you’re going to love them and learn so much.
**Update: Here are the interview articles that gave me/us amazing tidbits of wisdom:
- Christmas Organizing Tips: Interview with Abby from Just a Girl and Her Blog
- How to Decorate for Christmas with Nature: Interview with Stacy from Not Just a Housewife
Homemade Christmas Recipes
Many traditions for Christmas seem to revolve around food! I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to spend ALL my time in the kitchen. I try to balance out what I can make ahead of time to put in the freezer, and then simplify if I can’t get all the things done.
Would you like to plan the simplest Christmas dinner ever? You can! Here’s some super easy Christmas dinner shortcuts. Or, if bacon is a favorite thing in your house, you might just want to give these bacon wrapped stuffing bites a try. They would be a perfect appetizer for a party – or as a side dish to Christmas dinner.
My mom loved to make all kinds of yummy holiday treats to tuck in the freezer for parties, gifts, and family. Here are some yummies that can be made ahead and freeze well:
- Christmas Chocolates
- No Bake Cathedral Windows Cookies
- Rolled Sugar Cookies
- Swedish Tea Ring
- Fresh Apple Cookies with Vanilla Glaze
- Old Fashioned Steamed Pudding
Homemade Christmas Decor
The decorations and twinkly lights are one of my favourite parts of Christmas! I sometimes like to sprinkle in a few homemade decor pieces to add to the mix. Here are some ideas that fit in with the Farmhouse style:
- (Hobby Lobby inspired) Burlap Wrapped Gift Shelf Decor
- Wood Slice Christmas Tree Sign
- Wood Block Gift
- DIY Farmhouse Sign + Free Printables
- Painted Antler Decorations
- Small Flocked Christmas Trees (Dollar Store Craft)
For festive decorations, I frequently utilize complimentary printables; check out these Free Christmas Printables.
Creating Handmade Christmas Table Settings
Making the table ready for dinner guests adds a special touch to the Christmas custom. Simple details, such as cloth napkins folded like a Christmas tree or paper napkins shaped into a silverware pocket, can make guests feel truly valued. Alternatively, to enhance their special feeling, consider crafting a unique diy place card holder for everyone. Here is a suggestion with a farmhouse aesthetic.
If you admire Joanna Gaines' style and seek Christmas table setting inspiration, find the Best Christmas Farmhouse Tableware in this list.
Hosting Homemade Christmas Gatherings
I must admit that I am not naturally inclined to host parties, yet the Christmas season always prompts this desire.
I have found that inviting friends to a My Favorites Things party is a delightful way to connect with new people and enjoy quality time.
Since we have significantly downsized, I have gathered useful advice on how to entertain and host in a smaller dwelling. People are quite accepting of our smaller home!
Crafting Homemade Presents
The tradition of 'gifts' is central to many Christmas customs. Whether you prefer creating handmade items (like these ideas for ladies) or buying them, it encourages thoughtfulness towards another person.
Should you be lacking inspiration, these gift guides can spark your ideas:
- Top Gifts for Ladies (Including selections for Cooks, Techies, and Farmhouse Decor enthusiasts)
- My Amazon storefront features gift guides tailored for Young Men, Men, and Ladies.
Enjoy the Joy of a Homemade Christmas!
I trust these resources and suggestions will aid your holiday planning and preparation. Wishing you and your loved ones a Merry Christmas!
