"HARVESTING CHRISTMAS GIFTS"


by Diane Rawls



It is a beautiful autumn day here in Texas, the temperature is 70 degrees with a light breeze blowing. I have been in the backyard all day harvesting my Christmas gifts to give to loved ones. The presents this year will be all homemade gifts which I enjoy doing with a love and special purpose for each person.


All summer I have enjoyed my lovely morning glories, which are still blooming sparsely, the marigolds in bloom and seeding, and the Four o’clocks that have multiplied through the summer. They endure the worst of Texas summers with their bright fuchsia flowers attracting the hummingbirds and butterflies. They bloom and go to seed quickly and reproduce throughout the year. Hollyhock seeds by the hundreds will be shared among all. The seeds harvested from all these flowers will go into brightly decorated, small containers and envelopes . . . knowing they will be planted in the early spring and enjoyed in yards of the special people in my life for a long time to come.


My herb garden has produced an abundance of rosemary, basil, chives and lavender this season.


I have started drying the herbs and collecting the flower heads and seeds. The dried rosemary is tied in bunches and I will add a bright red bow of raffia. The basil leaves are drying and will be put in small jars and as well loose rosemary for seasoning delicious comfort foods throughout the winter. Flower heads of the herbs will be made into sachets and bath bags for the sweet ladies I know . . . to soothe and ease tension of the busy lives they lead.


The lavender is my favorite fragrance and will tie up in pretty tulle or in dainty floral hankies to use for linens and clothing’s storage. I love the old-fashioned aroma of clean sheets and lavender . . . brings the era of vintage times to mind. The simpler days, filled with patience, calmness and endurance through hard times. We all need to step back- in-time sometimes and savor all the senses of days less stressful.


Just before Christmas I will make wreaths with fresh rosemary and decorate with the ‘popcorn’ from the Chinese Tallow trees in our front yard. These tied up with festive ribbon in small bunches add a special touch to our Christmas tree and wreaths of rosemary that will fill the house with a delightful aroma.


I am also compiling several recipes I have used for years for my grown, married daughters. They have requested these to be passed down, step by step, just the way I make soups and chili especially! Oh, and I cannot forget the cookie and candy recipes from grandmothers and great aunts.


To make these gifts even more economical, I use little containers I have on hand such as sugar bowls and creamers or antique bowls that need to be passed on that are stuck away in cabinets! I also go to flea markets and garage sales looking for whimsical and little items to use and decorate packaging.


Several of us know what it is like to live on a limited income and these little things we do to save us money, but most of all, they are made with love. Besides . . . who has the energy to go to the malls! Not I, that is for sure. I’d much rather be gathering seeds and herbs in the beauty of my backyard, listening to the birds and wind chimes.



So, as I pull my little Garden Buddy cart along with me as I use my quad cane, I find it a much more pleasurable ‘shopping trip!'


Those of you who are able to do sewing and handwork, these sorts of items are cherished treasures to give also, even if the young people do not think so right now, when they get older they will appreciate the love and special gift from you. I will be making small pillows out of grandma's salvaged worn out quilts, and embroidered pillow cases especially for the little ones in the family. Old tea towels with the colorful crocheted borders can be cut and framed or to add finishing touches to other items made. Even old linen napkins and vintage tablecloths can be used for sachets and small pillows. What a fun way to “recycle” and let the memories of days gone by live on a little longer.


Last Christmas my husband and I went through several hundred old, family photos and compiled them into photo albums for his grown children. Since we have only been married three years, this was a neat way for me to “know” all the members of his family . . . living and the deceased. The kids loved them and we knew they will be shared with their children.


I am collecting items I have of relatives passed on and want to begin making shadow boxes of each person’s life. This will be a good winter project while waiting for gardening time again!


Happy Holiday planning to all!

All materials published in LivingMS™ are protected by copyright laws.