Green Christmas / New Year DIY Eco Christmas Gifts from A -Z
| DIY Eco Christmas Gifts from A -Z |
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Try to picture a world without gifts. There would be no colorfully wrapped presents, nothing under the Christmas tree or in Santa's stockings. Christmas gift giving is a tradition that has been passed down for countless generations. It's not merely about spending money; it's to do with the time and effort you put in that makes gift giving so special. There really is nothing like making a presant and putting a bit of 'love' into it and watching the recipient break into a smile as they discover what is behind the recycled paper and ribbon. To help you produce the perfect gift for everyone on your list, we have found a wealth of wonderful things to cook, sew, craft or grow for 'Green' Christmas giving. Knitted tea-cosies and add some organic tea, embroided napkin holders, serviettes and tablecloths. Patchwork placemats and table runners, beautify any table setting. Things that are less practical, such as hand-stitched dolls for the little ones, or a Christmas stocking or combine craft and cooking... home made organic cakes, jams, sauces, biscuits and treats are always welcome with those who are too busy. You can pick up boxes and baskets at the local thrift stores to turn your culinary delights into hampers. And, the baskets are reusable! A
APRONS are always handy for the busy cook, or a serviceable one in strong calico or canvas for the gardener or handyperson. Appliqued aprons for the barbeque (his or hers). A WHOLE CASE of your own grown / from your local organic farmers market fruit or veggies. ALOE VERA Healing in a plant. Give a friend one of your 'pups'. B BEADS There are many ways of making beads and many materials that are suitable. The following are a few methods that work equally well. Don't limit your thinking or use of beads just to make necklaces and bracelets, their potential is quite diverse. Use beads in place of buttons on homespun woolies or handmade clothes, make into toys like rattles and counters, use in pre-school learning, as decorations for craft. Bead making is a family affair, and lots of fun when it is too wet to go outside. BISCUITS bake your own Christmas shape cookies and sprinkle with chopped organic dried fruits and nuts (cranberry / goji berries for a nice red Christmas touch).Present in a repurposed glass coffee jar or basket trimmed with ribbons and sprigs from the garden. We gave Grandma a "Biscuit of the Month" certificate along with one dozen cookies. Come the BREAKFAST IN BED Complete with herb tea, poached organic eggs, muffins, blueberry smoothies, bircher berry muesli and fresh fruit from the garden. BONSAI TREE in shallow handmade pottery container. BIRD SEED for those who enjoy bird watching. BOOKMARKS for those fond of reading, a personalized bookmark would just be apt for the occasion. There can be distinctive types of bookmarks like bird bookmark and greeting card bookmark etc. BASKETS Grapevine baskets made from own grapevine / coiled grass, and fill with special homemade Christmas treats.
BATH SOAK in the centre of a hemmed calico square place 1 cup oatmeal, 1/2 cup almond meal and 1/2 cup cornmeal. Tie up into a ball with a length of lace. The mixture will diffuse into the bath water. BAGS DIY bags make the perfect Christmas green gift - shopping, library and gift bag etc. BEER MAKING C
Evoke Christmas traditons, by making and giving traditonal decorations and handicrafts. Handmade decorations are a simply way to add the kind of charm that just doesn't seem to come with store-bought ones. Keep your kids active and creative with these simple holiday craft ideas. Have them experience making their own contribution to the day and watch how proud they are when they see their projects on display! Remember - busy little elves are happy little elves. Decorating The Eco Christmas Tree C You can really make any craft eco-friendly by choosing papers and supplies that are environmentally friendly. Such as, Use what you have! We all have bits of paper, odds and ends everywhere - use them to create fun Christmas gifts. Not all have to match, so let your kids get creative and create different ones for their friends. Also just use recycled paper or paper, ribbon etc bought from Thrift shops. CARDS Buy recycled cards or make your own from recycled card or items from around the home and found from mother nature. A handmade card is always extra special. Make a beautiful Christmas card from a brown paper bag / any old paper/ board and some ribbon. DIY Eco Cards Do-it-yourself Eco Christmas Cards
Use old beeswax candles which are nearly used up and re-melt them into new! Try pouring them into small canning jars, mugs, tins or any pretty container. Paraffin candles are made from petroleum residues. Neither are good for your health or the environment. Soy, beeswax or natural vegetable-based candles are preferable because they biodegrade, are smoke-free, and are so more eco-friendly. CHRISTMAS CERTIFICATES to be reedeemed each month for one year. Baked bread, muffins, cakes, chocolates, preserves or a monthly dinner if you live close by. CHRISTMAS COUPONS Make up coupons that can be redeemed for everything from a hug to weeding the garden, babysitting and taking out the trash, whatever comes from the heart. Use a hole punch and ribbon, a stapler, or paper brads to hold your coupons together. Breakfast in Bed Coupon, Walking the dog Coupon, An hour of silence Coupon, One hour control of the remote control, Big hug Coupon, Washing the dishes Coupon. Ask the recipient what they would like added to the coupons. Once you have the requests, all you have to do is make them a reality! COLLAGES These collages look wonderful hanging in windows, worn as pendants and used as an eco-friendly card. Let your imagination run wild and create a range of different craft items including a mobile, cards, etc.
CHOCOLATES After-dinner treats such as chocolate-covered organic brazil nuts and organic strawberries – just melt some organic (like Green & Blacks) dark chocolate in a bowl over just-simmering water, skewer your nut, strawberry (or organic dried fruit), and dip into the melted chocolate. Then lay it on greaseproof paper to set. Place in decorated jars, baskets or homemade boxes. Chocolate Lip Balm 1 teaspoon beeswax Slowly melt ingredients in a double boiler or in 30-second spurts in microwave. Cool slightly and fill recycled containers. You may like to adjust the ratio of ingredients to suit your liking. DIY ORGANIC CHOCOLATE It is possible to mould your own chocolates, and fill them with nourishing centres.A box of your chocolate creations makes a delicious personalised gift for the chocolate lover. Plus, easy to make yummy raw chocolate. CHRISTMAS CAKE Wheat-Free ‘Eggless’ Celebration Cake D DRIED FLOWERS Gather leaves, tortured willow prunings, pine cones, everlasting daisies and proteas. Do an arrangement in a basket or jar, or glue to a woven placemat and use as a decorative wall hanging / or for a placemat for the tray for breakfast in bed. DUFFLE BAG made from hessian or calico with recipient's initials in bold colors. DOUGH CRAFT Gifts the kids will love to make. Everything you need is readily available from the kitchen, and you can quickly and cheaply produce a range of gifts to please everyone. The basic recipe is 2 cups of plain flour + 1 cup salt + enough water/apple juice to make a firm but pliable dough but this can be varied by kneading in a few drops of coloring from beets etc / spices (cinnamon). A deeper brown shade can be obtained by mixing coffee into the water before adding it to the flour and salt. DONATION in his or her name to your eco-oriented non-profit of choice. Make Christmas the opportunity to make a difference. At the end of the celebration, your friends and family will have a smile in their hearts, happy memories, and the confidence that comes from helping others. That's worth more than anything money can buy. Give to those who really need it. How about making donations to worthwhile charities instead, or giving to the plight of the beautiful Orangutans. http://www.thetithingtree.org.au/ How about buying school books, fresh water or health care for a person in a developing country? You receive a photograph gift card of your special purchase to fill in and give to your friend. Sponsor an animal or give a membership to a charity or environmental organisation for Christmas. http://www.tear.org.au/giftcatalogue/page2.htm#work DIY Prepare an organic meal and pamper with a hand massage or a day of pampering from homemade beauty products. For new parents - babysit + clean the home with homemade green cleaning products prior to Christmas.
Make your own Christmas decorations DIDGERIDOO To make a didgeridoo is simple. All you need is a few found items from the local dump's (tip) recycling area or from your hardware store. E ENERGY (in the form of ECO JOB VOUCHERS), ie. 'I promise to mow the lawn for one month' or 'I promise to tend the compost heap for one month' or 'I promise to rake the leaves for one month'. REDUCE for children - maybe a promise not to pester for toys, trainers or clothes for the next three months and to make use of what’s in the household already? RECYCLE maybe a promise to sort out cans, bottles or newspapers for refuse collections or for taking to a recycling centre for the next three months? Or perhaps a promise to sort out (good quality) unwanted books from around the house; and sell them for example via green metropolis. Green Metropolis will also sell childrens’ books. EMBROIDERY Embroidered tea towels and pillow cases. Stitch grub roses and leaves in simple stitches to fancy up hand towels and face washers. F
These lovely loaves are shaped like stollen, the traditional German holiday bread. But it's a quick bread, not a yeasted one as stollen is, so you can make it in just a fraction of the time. If you'd rather not use the port to soak the fruit, simply use organic apple,citrus (orange), mango or apricot juice. FABRIC AND PAPER Covered books, calenders, diary etc. Fabric Paper Party. Run out of ideas for Christmas presents? Pick up a copy of Michael Miller Memories, Fabric Paper Party for some great ideas and homemade gifts. Fabric paper sheets are the hot new thing in crafting and the book has 69 projects for you to enjoy. Published by C&T Publishing. FLOOR CUSHIONS with bright screen print designs, or appliqued designs. FLOWERS fresh bunches from your garden of... tied up with pretty fabric and a big bow, or pressed flowers framed, or glued to notepaper, cards or a bookmark, will be sure to please. FLOWERING POTTED PLANT FLOWERPOT A simple-to-make flowerpot from an unglazed clay (terracotta) flowerpot Using eco-friendly paints, decorate a clay paint pot. Butterflies, plants, or polka dots or hearts or Christmas themes are nice, simple decorations. If you will be adding a plant to the flowerpot, a painting of that plant is a nice touch. Let it dry completely.Optional: fill the plant pot with potting soil and plant the seed of a fast-growing flower (like marigolds) or put in a small plant (herbs like chives are a nice choice). FLEECE is a great gift. Look for sales and thrift stores. You can do a scarf pretty easily as well as a blanket, mittens, hat, Christmas stocking, and pillowcase. Fleece does not fray at the end, so you needn't worry about sewing the edging because it won't unravel. To make a nice finished edge, either do a yarn blanket stitch, which loops from one side to the other, hooking the last stitch as you go so there is a line going along the top. Experiment because it's easier than it sounds. Easier still is to cut in from the edge about three inches and 1/4 inch apart and you have a fringe. To get fancy, put two different fleece together, two solids or one pattern other solid color, sew them together or blanket stitch on the sides, then on the ends of the scarf cut the fringe. Take one fringe from each side and tie them together. It looks great! Working with felted wool is fun and makes great Christmas gifts.
GIFT WRAPPING IDEAS use your imagination to present your homemade Christmas gifts in baskets (check out thrift shops, and decorate), decorated jars for cookies and treats, shells for small soaps, decorated clay pots or painted tins for plant cuttings and herbs.Wrap Christmas gifts in something useful - tea towel, scarf, chamois cloth or pillowcase and Eco reusable shopping bags that will be appreciated for itself. Place several small gifts in an attractive little basket that will have future decorative uses. A large awkardly shaped object may be best packaged in a cardboard box, so you just decorate the box. Paint it, stencil it, cover with different colored paper or magazine cutouts, write messages - by the time you've finished they'll want to keep the box too! Give a gift in a gift A home made scarf with matching sash ribbon, a set of canisters, an organic cotton towel, an organic sheet, a cup or mug, mixing bowl, bucket, kitchen compost bin, child's silk or muslin play cloth, a hat or box, Santa sack or even a shirt all hold gifts without contributing to landfill problems. Visit a garage / yard sale for more container ideas. Make your own gift boxes from cereal and tissue boxes. Juice cartons (in quart or half-gallon size or juice boxes) These make interesting containers if you're giving small size gifts (vouchers or eco promises in juice boxes) or bigger gifts. Have the kids take any recycled board or paper and glue to decorate the cartons with a solid color and then they can cut out Christmas shapes, hearts or flowers etc. Or they can glue on buttons, fallen leaves or anything you have around the house to personalize it for that special touch. GIFT BAGS For some really fun bags, start cutting up some of that worn out clothing and sewing it together into rectangular pieces. You choose the size bags you want and then sew up the fabric on three sides like a pillowcase. I've found a bag that is 18 inches by 24 inches is the most useful for giving everything from clothing to books. Turn right side out put in a gift and tie at the top with some ribbon or yarn. Embroider initails on the bag to make it more special.
Tie the parcel with a piece of ribbon or braid, loop an attractive belt around it, make a plait from multi-colored wool and attach pompons to the ends, slip sprigs of dried herbs or flowers through slits in the paper - use anything that the recipient will enjoy or find useful. GIFT BOX filled with hand-written letters of all your fave memories. GOURDS for useful and decorative objects from the garden. GARDEN miniature, of herbs and vegetables in assorted pots. GINGER BEER homemade of course and carefully bottled. GREEN GIFTS Give Christmas gifts that teach. Show your loved ones how they can contribute to helping the environment. Many people don’t participate in eco-friendly processes because they don’t know enough about them and worry that they are difficult. Give “green” gifts such as long lasting fluorescent light bulbs or a battery recharging (family) pack for Christmas. A household compost bin or a worm farm to dispose of Christmas food scraps. Give gifts that help someone else live sustainably, such as organic seedlings for a veggie patch / organic seeds / fruit and local native trees / herb garden / trolly bags / reusable shopping bags / water tank / sustainable living books. Teaching your friends and family how they can do their part, is a Christmas gift on its own! H HANDMADE GIFTS Many ideas for things start from items you might see at Ecobites, in magazines or elsewhere, add your own touch, and you have an original gift. HAND MASSAGE The loving touch! HAND AND BODY BUTTER 2 oz Cocoa Butter,1 oz Olive Oil,1 oz Coconut Oil,2 oz Shea Butter,1 oz Jojoba Oil,1 oz Beeswax (grated). Melt all ingredients, and mix well, while cooling, if desired, add essential oil. A drop or two of Rose Geranium Essential Oil is a nice addition.
HERBS FOR HIM It is hard to find herbal gifts for men that are not flowery and overperfumed but this recipe for ginger liniment is great especially for the athlete! Bundle these herbal remedies with a reusable ice pack, a natural sunscreen and some homemade lip balm for the active folks on your list. Ginger Liniment
2-inch piece fresh ginger Grate ginger and combine with oil in a small, nonmetallic saucepan. Cover and simmer over low heat for 1 hour. Remove from heat and steep for another hour. Strain oil to remove bits of ginger. Using a nonmetallic funnel, pour liniment into a four-ounce glass bottle with a tight-fitting screw top. Attach the following instructions on a gift tag: To use, gently massage the oil into affected area twice a day until symptoms have disappeared. HERBAL AFTERSHAVE SPLASH This is an ideal gift for a man. A refreshing, mildly antiseptic and delightfully aromatic aftershave lotion. 10 drops rosemary essential oil 6 drops bay essential oil 6 drops lemon essential oil 5 drops lime essential oil 2 drops sage essential oil 1/3 fl oz (10 ml) tincture of benzoin (friar's balsam) 1/2 fl oz (15 ml) witch hazel 2 fl oz (50ml) rosewater 2 fl oz (50 ml) cider vinegar. Dissolve the essential oils in the tincture of benzoin, and then mix with the witch hazel, ensuring that the mixture is well blended. Mix the rosewater and cider vinegar together, and then thoroughly blend the two solutions together. Store in a glass bottle with a tight-fitting, non-metallic lid. HERB MINI GARDENS These small gardens are very useful in the kitchen so a few extra for friends are an idea. First you need a few clay pots, short, wide pots are best. Use a good quality organic potting mix to give them a good start. Now you need some fresh herbs, obtain five to six different kinds for variety. All you need to do is to plant the herbs so they look great and water them in. HAT crochet, fabric, knit, whatever is your thing. HUGS GIFT BOX Get the children to help make a tiny box from scrap board and gift wrap with ribbon etc. Attach a gift tag which reads ... This is a very special gift Whenever you are lonely You never can unwrap it HERBS freshly picked in bunches, dried, or pots. Make bouquet garni bags containing parsley, thyme, bay leaf and peppercorns tied up in scraps of muslin or gingham to flavour Mum's soups, stews and casseroles. HERB PILLOWS are easy to make with fabric scraps and ribbons etc. Air dried herbs work best. You may cheat a little with some pure essential oils if stocks are low in the garden.Try Rosemary, Basil, Scented Geraniums etc. HERB-SCENTED STATIONERY Any of the sweet scented herbs can be used to decorate and perfume recycled or fair-trade note paper and greeting cards. A slit can be made at the back of a card and a sprig of herb attached to the card. Boxes of stationery can be decorated with pressed, dried herb leaves or flowers, and a little bag of the same dried herb placed in a box to perfume the paper and envelopes. HANKIES tie a cake of homemade soap in a pretty bundle with a ribbon bow or roll a cake of soap in a handkerchief and tie with a pretty ribbon. HOMEMADE CARDS Cut out suitable pictures from old cards, or use an old photograph of yourself (baby pictures are good to use, if you have some) and stick onto recycled paper to make a card. Or else make a homemade card using your very own artwork (and verse, or quote). Check out our Words of Wisdom. Reuse Christmas cards that you’re given by cutting off the front picture and gluing to a folded piece of recycled cardstock thus making a brand new card. You can even reuse the wording inside by cutting around it with pinking shears, pasting it on a piece of recycled decorative paper and then on the inside of your homemade card. Or check out our Words of Wisdom. HANDPRINT especially nice for Grandma's. Add the child's handprint, name, date and poem to a homemade card.
Sometimes you get discouraged HAMMOCK one made in macrame or fish-netting is a real labour of love. HAND printed / batiked fabric. HOMEMADE The nicest gifts are always those that have been handmade, fashioned by the hands of the giver and full of warm vibrations. Making your own need not be expensive or difficult. It just requires imagination and a little skill. The varied ideas we have included here should start you on the absorbing and productive path. I IOU write out IOUs on recycled paper or card. Offer gardening, seasonal meal prepared, day out at the library, museum, art exhibition, etc. Inexpensive Herby Ideas - herbs for the kitchen, bathroom everywhere! IKEBANA arrangement. ICE BUCKET in handmade pottery - with a bottle of homemade or organic local wine. Ice bucket made by using two sizes of plastic ice-cream containers one inside the other with foam for insulation and the exterior camouflaged with leather, woven cane or fabric. INDOOR GARDEN Make up a terrarium in a glass bowl. INCENSE aromatic gift with a difference. J JEWELS fun jewellery handmade from sea-shells, pottery, beads, and found items from nature. JARS decorate empty jars with simple flower designs or colorful patterns. Fill with treats made with love and organic ingredients. Make a Christmas memory jar. Write out some of your best memories (a dozen or more) on small pieces of pretty paper. Include things you've done together, favorite family traditions, things that made a difference to you. Fold them and put them into a jar so that they can be "munched on over time". A "best memory" note can also open dialogue in a strained relationship. People are often surprised at your best memories of them. You'll be surprised at how much sharing these memories mean. Share with your family memories of Christmas past. What meant the most to you? Was it the presents or something else? JARS FILLED WITH HOMEMADE JAMS of every description are always pleasing. Present two or three small jam jars (use baby food jars) in a basket. To make jam jar covers, cut circles of colorful fabric saucer size. Pink the edges and secure to top of jar with a small rubber band. Finish with a thick coloured wool, raffia,string or twine and a bow and tie a personalized label or glue a label on the jar. A dash of the right organic pick-me-up turns a humble conserve into a gift suitable for the most discerning recipient. Who would guess that Black Grape and Port Jelly was once Grandma's humble grape jelly or that Vintage Whiskey marmalade began life as Great Aunt Mary's staple conserve - jam made with bush lemons from the backyard. Even the man who appears to have everything does not yet have a personally-labelled pot of homemade Drambuie Breakfast Marmalade. Variations to basic jam : 2 tablespoons organic orange-flavoured liquer. JIGSAW BOARD K KEEPSAKE FOR KIDS Buy a small wooden jewellery-type box at your local thrift store / second-hand store. Decorate the box with the child's name and fill the box with unique coins, polished colored stones, or anything the child might like to collect. It can be their special "keepsake" box, and kids love it! KIDS IN THE KITCHEN Thrift stores are great places for picking up old rolling pins, aprons, beaters etc. Add biscuit cutters etc and place in a bowl with a big ribbon tied around. KIDS CRAFT LESSONS A "Saturday morning Craft making session/lesson" coupon or invitation. This might, for instance, mean giving all the 9 - 12 year old girls the same gift with varying color choices, so that when the cousins get together, it is fun for all. Another idea is to make a heavy duty tote bags and add items like wool felt, pipe cleaners, recycled construction paper, etc. Give the kids their own craft kits and let their imaginations run wild. KNITTED slippers, socks or Christmas stockings. KITCHEN GIFTS If you're talented in the kitchen, you could make chutneys, preserves, cakes, puddings, herbed vinegars, pies or chocolate truffles as presents. Or make your own flavoured organic oil, adding dried chillies, garlic or herbs to a pretty bottle and filling it up with best-quality organic oil. L LIQUEUR in fancy bottles (lots of homemade recipes around for Tia Maria and others). LUSCIOUS Lip Gloss - 1 cup organic coconut oil + 1 cup beeswax + 1/2 cup caster oil / cocoa butter + fragrant oil of your choice (peppermint) + beetroot juice, as much as you need for color. Place the coconut oil and the beeswax in a pan over hot water. Stir until melted then add the caster oil. Stir well to combine all the ingredients then add your fragrant oil drop by drop until the perfume you require + the beetroot juice. Remove from the heat and pour into small containers or jars. Before giving as a gift add a pressed and dried flower to the top of each lip gloss, replace the lid and wrap with rice paper. Decorate each gift with a little of your LAVENDER SPRAYS These make nice gifts, especially for the elder members of the family. Collect the lavender just before the flowers are entirely opened, make sure you cut a long stem on each of them. Tie a ribbon around a small bunch just under the neck of the flowers. Now comes the tricky part, you must gently bend back the stalks over the flowers themselves, one at a time. When all the stalks are over the flowers tie a ribbon around to secure them. These are unusual gifts and will last for ages. Place the sprays in a dark cupboard for four weeks or until they are totally dry. You might like to add a few drops of pure essential lavender oil to enhance the aroma. LAVENDER AND LACE dry lavender from the garden amd make up handy bags and sachets from pretty scrap material with lace and ribbon trims. LEMON SACHETS all you need is 2 cups lemon or orange peel (dried and cut into bits), 1 tablespoon bruised caraway seeds, 1 talespoon bruised coriander seeds, plus a few drops of oil of lemon. Mix together and package in bags of muslin, gauze etc, decorated with ribbon. Ready to keep a drawer fresh. LEMON OIL is speedy to concoct and is great in the bath. Swirl together 2 tablepoons glycerine, 1/4 cup castor oil, 1 dopper oil of lavender, 1 dropper oil of rosemary and 1 dropper oil of lemon. Pour into bottles of your choice with a ribbon around the neck, with a lemon sachet dangling from it. M MONEY Save it by making your own Christmas gifts this year, such as a marble bag for a little boy, matching coathanger and soap bag for Grandma, and a mobile for baby. The whole family can have fun making cards and Christmas decorations for your tree and home. MOBILES made from found items from nature and around the home, to hang in the gentle breeze. MOCCASINS MAIDENHAIR FERN in hanging pot. MARMALADE HONEY 1 cup sliced citrus, 2 cups organic honey. Heat both together until honey is runny. Take off the heat. Leave for an hour. Reheat, strain when honey is runny. Pour the still runny honey into a jar. (Honey will thicken as it cools). Keep honey in the fridge. N NUTS organically grown, if you are fortunate enough to have a nut tree in your yard and place in a decorated jar, bag or basket. Nuts, seedpods, pine-cones or gumnuts glued to a lidded basket, or to a woven placemat to use as a wallhanging will be a unique gift. Arrange in a pleasing pattern filling in any gaps with smaller nuts, seeds and grasses.The bigger variety of material, the more interesting the end result. NIBBLE DISHES made from pottery or woven grasses and fill with organic or homemade Christmas nibbles or organic nuts. NO COST GIFTS lovingly crafted from homemade or recycled materials. A great gift for children is a library card. It's free and can be used over and over for life. Make the library visit a weekly advent. O ODDMENTS of fabric, ribbon etc for a craft basket. Thrift stores and recycle stores at your local dump / tip are great places to make a gift box of useful oddments - nuts and bolts, screws, timber offcuts etc. for the handyperson. ORANGE RINGS spiced and bottled. OLIVES home grown and preserved. ORGANIC HAMPER Indulge with a local, organic hamper made up from your own grown or the local farmers market or give gifts of homemade or locally-brewed beer or organic wine. Let your family and friends indulge guilt-free with the huge range of organic wine, beers and spirits available, which are kinder to the planet and kinder to them. Organic wine is produced using a natural system of farming and limits the use of sulphur to control fungus. Organic regulations also limit sulphur dioxide which is added to wine as a preservative. On average organic producers use just one quarter of the legal maximum of sulphur dioxide allowed for non-organic wines, which may even lessen the chances of a hangover. Organic beer is made from organic malt and hops. The average non-organic farmer is estimated to spray hops up to 14 times each year with an average of 15 pesticides. Organic spirits are available through specialist suppliers and some supermarkets. The main difference lies in the use of organic raw materials, non-organic vodka is made from grain produced in systems usually reliant upon multiple applications of pesticides and artificial fertilisers. ORGANIC DIVA'S Make the pre-teen girls a basket of organic nail polish and lip gloss, beading supplies, hanging things for backpacks, etc. OLD TOWELS - for new tea cosies and other household uses. ODDMENTS of fabric can be cut into 15 cm by 15 cm (6 x 6 in) squares with pinking shears. Place a dessertspoon of lavender in centre. Gather up in your hand and secure with a rubber band and tie with a pretty ribbon. Makes a pretty lavender sachet to hang in a wardrobe or tuck into a drawer or handbag. P PLANT HOLDERS made from bamboo. PICNIC BASKET fully stocked with organic and homemade treats. PHOTO FRAME insert a favourite photo and decorate the frame.Write a message on the back of the frame. Try making your own wood picture frame for the perfect gift, just slip a photograph or a painting that you or your children have painted. PERFUMED herbal pillow. Pressed flower gifts. POTPOURRI have always been a favourite and are apt to win difficult Grannies' hearts. Early one morning gather together 1 pint of rosemary leaves, 1 pint lavender leaves and flowers, 1 tablespoon powdered orris root, and 2 drops oil of rose geranium. Place in a box to dry out, occasionally mixing, stuff into pretty glass jars, preferably with a cork stopper for a quick release of vapours. POMANDERS Pluck a small orange and gently stab it with a skewer so that the cloves can be inserted without aerating your thumbs. Once completed, leave it in a dim spot to dry out but first sprinkle with 4 teaspoons orris root powder, 2 teaspoons allspice, 2 teaspoons powdered cinnamon and 2 teaspoons powdered cloves. Decorate with ribbon and simply let Mom, Grandma or Aunt Mary hang it for a great fragrance. PAMPER and melt worries away with relaxing DIY botanicals and other soothing stress busters. Potions and lotions - homemade holistic beauty. PAPER Step 1: Cut junk mail into small shreds, soak it in warm water for about 2 hours, and blend it in a blender. Step 2: Add small quantities of flowers, grass, and leaves for fun, color, and texture. Step3: Spread it out on a flat, fine-holed, wire-mesh screen—use a rolling pin to flatten it. Step 4: Smear a tablespoon of cornstarch over the paper to increase its strength. Step 5: When it dries, you can use this paper as stationary, to decorate used boxes, or even to make Christmas Cards. (For an even prettier look, glue dried flowers on top of the paper). PATCHWORK can be colorful for aprons, carry bags and bed quilts. Try a puff patchwork quilt for a new baby. You need lots of cotton pieces - 8 cm (3 in) square for backing each puff and 10 cm (4 in) square for the top of each puff. Use 13 strips with nine puffs in each strip for a cot size. PEN OR PENCIL HOLDER Rinse an empty can out and smooth away any sharp edges around the top. Let the children decorate with cut out motifs or left over scraps of material or found items from nature. Fill with recycled pens or pencils. PEN STAND Sand the edges of a piece of scrap pine ( 14 x 6 cm is a handy size). Rule a line down the centre and mark off the holes. Carefully drill holes wide enough for pencils or pens to fit it. Paint or decorate with the children's help! PLANT a tree that will last a lifetime. PLACEMATS made from old calendars or magazines are easy. Just cut out the pictures and lay down on clear laminate. Then put a layer of laminate on top making sure to smooth it out to prevent air bubbles or wrinkles. PICKLES in jars will be gladly received by the gourmet chef.
Q QUICHE baked to your favourite recipe. QUILTING placemats to serve a special Christmas breakfast. Make scrap quilts to use up unused fabric scraps. QUESO BLANCO goats milk cheese and other simple variations. R RAIN GAUGE made from suitable mounted bottle with measurements marked up one side. RECYCLED THREADS This is one of the great joys of thrift-shop-crafting - it's the chance to make truly original crafts. Apart from the savings for your pocket and the environment, you are helping a deserving charity. As well as avoiding the commercialism of Christmas. Choose garments that are cut straight and gathered rather than shaped or gored, although these can be used for small items. Sale items (yes, thrift stores have sale bins as well!) are just perfect as you can cut around any holes, stains etc. Any zips and buttons are bonuses and can be put away for future projects. From a velvet or silk dress or skirt you could make cushions, pincushions, jewellery boxes, eco bags or patchwork items. From adult dresses make herb pillows, aprons, place mats, patchwork articles, handbags, shopping bags, coat hanger covers. Denim jeans make eco bags or peg bags. Wool jumpers can be unpicked and knitted or crocheted into new gifts. Make sure the garments you buy are not matted. Wind the wool into hanks, wash and steam to remove crinkles. From this wool you can make gloves, caps, bags, tea cosies, golf club covers, cushion covers and Santa stockings. To make a toy bear or doll from an old jumper is largely a matter of guesswork, depending on the size of your jumper. As a general rule, make the arms about half as wide as the body, and about as long as the lower half, from neck to where the legs join.Make the legs a little wider and longer. The lenght depends on your own taste. Re-incarnate old sweaters and jumpers These are just a few suggestions for starters, the possibilities are almost endless. RUG crochet or knit a cosy rug. Crochet granny squares or knit squares to form a knee rug, or a larger rug for a chair or sofa. RIBBON handpaint simple flowers or patterns on ribbons. S SECRET SANTA Organise a Secret Santa for all the adults, where you buy only one quality eco-friendly gift / homemade - you nominate the value,if desired write down your choice of gift and each pull out of a hat and christmas brings happy smiles, alternatively write a list of food supplies for the Christmas celebration table. Support charities by buying presents from charity shops and shops selling fairly traded goods, such as Oxfam. Buying fair-trade goods means more of the price of the item goes directly to the producer. SANDALS SCENTED SACHET tie dried lavender, jasmine or orange blossum into small fabric squares to hang under the hot tap for a special bath! SACHETS Herb sachets are useful little pillows filled with an assortment of herbs. They are ideal for the linen press and they can make anywhere smell fresh and different. Pick some fresh herbs and dry them well. Any herb that appeals to you can be used. Simply make a little pillow and decorate them how you like. Handpainted ones would be lovely. Crumble the dried herbs and place them into the pillows, a little orris root powder will help retain the smell longer. Sew the ends and you have a nice gift. SEEDS A selection of seeds saved from your garden, in marked packets with comical sketch on packet. STRAWBERRY PLANTS STOCKINGS Make stockings out of spare material or your old and wearing out clothes. An old top can have a new life as a Sew the stockings with bright, thick cotton or wool (e.g. from an old jumper). To decorate the stocking cut out a shape or design from material and sew or staple it to the stocking. Add buttons, scraps of material or ribbon, etc, to make a design. (e.g. cut a Christmas tree shape from green material and put sequins or coloured small buttons on it for baubles; or some green material and two red buttons can become holly. Or a square of material with ribbons and a bow is a gift.)
SERVIETTES Sew simple squares of fabric with all edges turned under twice and hemmed to form serviettes. Make large squares in bold prints and smaller Christmas print serviettes for an extra special Christmas dinner table. SUGAR AND SPICE Making potpourri and other scented delights is enjoyable, easy and doesn't necessitate owning an old-fashioned cottage garden. You can beg, borrow or buy most of the aromatic flowers and leaves and with the addition of a pinch of spice, a little orris root powder and a few drops of essential oil, create a nose-twitching mixture. Packaged colorfully and artistically you have a beautiful and unique gift to cherish. SCENTED DELIGHTS Solid perfume 1 2/3 pt beeswax + 10 g (1/3 oz) each of lavender oil + oil of rose + oil of lemon. Melt the beeswax and then slowly pour the oils into whilst stirring. Pour into small jars or small chocolate moulds or found moulds around the home, plastic lids etc. When the perfume blocks are solid take them out of the moulds, wrap in cloth and tie with ribbon. These perfumes are ideal for carrying or keeping in the drawer to scent clothes. Attach a gift card suggesting to rub some on the corner of towels or drapes for a fresh fragrance. 1/2 oz cocoa butter + 1/2 oz beeswax + 1 tablespoon glycerine + 1 tablespoon rosewater. Melt the cocoa butter and beeswax slowly in a double boiler. Remove from heat and add the glycerine and rosewater slowly, drop by drop, stirring all the time until the mix reaches room temperature and is the consistency of cream. Now add several drops (let your nose be your guide) of one or more of the essential oils - calendula, sage, rosemary, eucalyptus, lavender, thyme, lemon. Store in a clean jar, can use as a deodorant or a solid fragrance for pulse points. SCRAPBOOK PAGES Get everyone in the family to help make a few scrapbook pages to send, especially nice for Grandma's. These could be made on standard 8 1/2 x 11 cardstock and then covered with clear page protectors and put into a nice 3-ring binder. This way siblings from far away can send pages without having to match a particular scrapbook page size. Keep on sending pages for special celebrations. No wrapping, easy to ship, a surprise from each family involved! SOLAR COOKER T
Here are some great ideas for activiities and gifts that align with anti-consumerist values. Spend time together. Activities need not be exotic. A trip to the fire station, a performance, museum, art gallery, nature park, produce and local craft markets or a trip to the swimming pool. Encourage hobbies. Give a child a plant pot, some heirloom seeds and soil so they can grow their own herbs or small veggies. Talk to the children to discover what they would like to do. A class in martial arts, yoga, trapeze, gymnastics, music or hula dance might be a perfect gift. Choose toys that have no real end point, or winners and losers. A box of scarves from a thrift store, or irregular handmade building blocks, would be great. These are surprisingly satisfying to children. Choose a toy you remember from your childhood-such as a hula-hoop, wooden aeroplane, or red wagon. A story about you as a child using that toy would be a great thrill for your children. A wood toy train, purchased from your local craft market will do less damage to the environment when it gets thrown out than a plastic toy. Give something really useful. Age 1: small silverware set / stainless steel water bottle with sippy spout Age 2: flashlight. Age 3: step stool. Age 4: bowls, baskets, sewing kit. Age 5 and up: accessories to encourage the child's natural interests swim goggles, a basketball, eco-friendly art supplies, gardening tools etc. Toddlers LOVE bubbles. Send them a HUGE bottle. If they're really little, include a small container and tell the parents to put a little bit of the solution in the container. That way, they have very little spillage and the child is thrilled that he/she can blow their own bubbles! Make wands from pipe cleaners. Little girls LOVE dress-up stuff. Make them up a box of flashy garage sale / thrift store fancy dresses. Dance clothes work well. Add some costume jeweller and some shiny shoes (find them at thrift stores). Little boys also love dress- up stuff and little tea sets for fairy parties. A box of dress up clothes may include old halloween costumes (pirates, ghosts, firemen, tarzan, suits, etc.) which many children of any sex would love to have in their closet. The Thing Box One of the best gifts we ever received from our uncles was a "thing box". They had made a simple box from balsa wood with a hinge lid and some rope handles. Inside the box was a variety of art and craft bits and pieces. Each box was painted in a bright color with matching colored items inside where possible. Collect items for the box during the year. My two uncles also had a homemade gift policy. We were only allowed to give them gifts that we had made ourselves. This policy encouraged us to be creative and put time and effort into our gifts making them unique. It also taught us that you don't have to spend a lot of money for a gift to be appreciated (our parents also appreciated not having to pay for the gifts we gave). Childrens gifts which include teaching something such as cooking, gardening, carpentry, etc. are truly good for both sexes. One of the best gifts I received as a child was a carpenters tool kit and some lessons on how to make a bird house and some other simple projects. This has translated into being handy around the house. I guess what I really want to say is that many skills people can teach benefit both sexes and often lead to a well rounded and capable individual, so keep an open mind when giving gifts. Education and imagination are two cornerstones to a good life and something I can't imagine living without. If the child has something that they are very interested in, buy them a book about it. Give something alive. Bulbs, seeds, or a houseplant, cactus, or herb garden or terrarium. Make - a hat, a kite, a checkers board, pottery. Children sense the difference when someone cares enough to make them something. For girls, you can make a simple dress by getting a sweatshirt (a size or two bigger) and then sewing a skirt onto the bottom. To make the skirt, just cut a straight strip of fabric and gather a bit as you sew around the dress. Hem the bottom and you are done! You can also include a matching scrunchie (fabric and elastic) for long hair. Make bags out of old small denim skirts, sew the bottom, attach handles and decorate with lace etc. Find some remnants and make a beautiful princess dress or wedding dress complete with a veil or tiara. Take a pair of old high heels and glue sequins and shiny stones to them! Make homemade pillowcases for each recipient. Trace their name on the edge with stencil, embroider and then finish sewing so the back side is hidden. My Grandma did this for us when I was about ten and I loved it! Get all the recipes that may have been handed down through the family and copy these and put in binder and give as gifts. This way your precious ideas from the past will be preserved. Most enjoy the historical ties back to older family members and cherish them. Another idea is to hit the antique stores / charity shops / garage / yard sales. Most have very affordable items that certain members of the family might have collections of, such as decorative cups and saucers, pipes, walking canes, costume jewellery, etc. Put the kids presents in a reusable stocking, pillow case, library bag or a Santa Sack - it will save you hours of wrapping and can be reused. For large, hard-to-wrap gifts, just add a large fancy bow. TIME FOR KIDS First off, try to remember that TIME is an incredible gift. If you're in close geographic proximity, a gift of time is easy and inexpensive. For young kids, a special trip to the zoo with just you is a great gift. It makes them feel very special, is educational and fun, and (depending on where you live) need not be expensive at all. CHRISTMAS CERTIFICATES FOR TIME Make time to spend with the children, certificates for TIME are a great gift. Make colorful "coupons" they can redeem for a day spent with you. You can specify the activity or leave it to their imagination, within reason and the budget. An example would be a day baking cookies, a picnic in the park, a trip to the museum or zoo, a tea party, a matchbox race, or working in the garden. Children love it when adults take time to enjoy being with them and often the activity itself is not important. For kids of any age, teaching them something can be a great gift. Because kids like to have a tangible thing to open, give them the basic tools, and then teach them how to use them. For example,if you have a relative who knits suggest the best gift - knitting wool and a pair of needles and a note promising knitting lessons. TEENAGER TREATS Teenagers are often difficult to make presents for as the group pressure they are constantly under demands that they reject the homemade in favour of all that is glossy and new. One gift that has always been enthusiastically received is a tasty treat to eat.... Herb Dip Mix Pack up this yummy dip mix with a bag or two of organic beetroot, potato, vegetable or corn chips in a colorful basket or box. This dip mix also can be used as a seasoning in recipes. 1⁄4 cup dried parsley flakes Combine all ingredients and mix well. Store in a jar with a tight-fitting lid. Attach the following instructions on a gift tag: Combine 1 tablespoon of the mix with 3/4 cup organic sour cream / yoghurt, 1/4 cup mayonnaise (or blend a block of fetta cheese in blender) and 1 teaspoon lemon juice. Blend well. Cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours. Serve with assorted fresh vegetables. Makes 1 cup. Herbal Popcorn Seasoning This is a healthy alternative to the traditional salt-coated snack. Combine with a bag of organic popcorn and a voucher for a DVD in a bowl adorned with ribbons. 1⁄4 cup dried basil In a grinder, grind basil, marjoram and thyme and mix well with the rest of the ingredients. Store in an airtight glass container away from heat and light. Attach the following instructions on a gift tag: Sprinkle on lightly buttered popcorn. TOOL KIT for the bike or a sewing kit can be made from a strip of heavy material such as denim, with loops to hold tools or cottons and sewing accessories, then rolled up and tied with a strip of material.
TERRARIUM of selected tiny plants set in pebbles. TEA a selection of various dried herbs suitable for tea-making. TELEPHONE BOOK COVER made from leather, fabric or wallpaper. TAPESTRY cushions and wall hangings made from leftover wool.
If you like sewing, it's easy to cut out simple shapes from leftover fabric, the brighter the better, and stitch together with a little padding between the two sides. Felt ti sgood for this too - you do not have to worry about finishing seams and neatening cut edges. Decorate by embroidering with a pretty flower or geometric design, or sew on beads, buttons, lace - whatever takes your fancy. Sew a ribbon tie to the top for hanging on a tree. Another attractive tree decoration can be made by using old pingpong balls or similar. Cover with bright colored strips of ribbon and lace, attached with either glue or pins depending on what sort of ball. Finish with a ribbon bow and loop. Hung singly or in groups, these look lovely against dark foliage. Seashells are an unusual tree decoration. Small ones can be strung on long threads so they add sound as well as color when drapped around branches. Larger shells, polished and threaded with wool or ribbon give an elegant touch. You can insert a few sprigs of fresh or dried herbs or some aromatic spices into the shells for extra effect. Spices such as cloves, allspice and cinnamon sticks can also be threaded onto fine wire in the shape of bells, stars or other festive objects. Other simple tre decorations can be made by cutting stiff old/recycled paper into snowflake shapes and adding eco-friendly paint etc.
U UNDERWEAR his / hers homemade smalls from organic / recycled fibre, or sew a pretty silk camisole and french knicker set for a special lady. UMBRELLAS make pretty lavender umbrellas from small print fabric, lace and ribbons. Cut a circle the size of a dinner plate , fold in two and cut in half (makes two umbrellas). Sew lace trim to right side of fabric on outer edge of one semi-circle. Fold semi-circle, with right sides together, into a cone shape and sew seam leaving a small opening at the bottom. Insert a pipe cleaner into the hole, leaving 22 cm (9in) protruding. Secure chenille stick or pipe cleaner to base of cone shape with hand stitching. Turn right side out and half fill with lavender. Secure with rubber band, tie a ribbon bow to trim, and bend hook in top of chenille stick or pipe cleaner to form "umbrella". UNUSUAL POTTED PLANT bromeliad, a venus fly- trap or pitcher plant. V VINEGARS AND OILS make up herbal vinegars and organic salad oils in glass jars with sprigs of rosemary, tarragon, parsley, etc and season with garlic and peppercorns. VIOLETS fresh, dried or potted. VOUCHERS Don’t buy or make a gift for someone just because you feel like you “have” to. Only give to people when you really have something worthwhile to give. Generally when you give a “misc.” gift it just ends up as garbage. If you don’t know a person well enough to buy or make them something that you know they will truly love but must give a gift go for edibles or a gift card of some sort. Try to be creative in the presentation though, that makes a boring old gift card much more fun and interesting. Vouchers for services like massages and gardening have a low eco-impact as do gifts like movie, concert or sports tickets. Also consider giving someone GreenPower or offsetting their carbon emissions. VINTAGE-CHIC handmade apron and peg bag set, made in the prettiest prints. A beautiful wall hanging embroidered with a special message to give with love. When you DO have to buy gifts try to buy used. Vintage gifts that have some meaning behind them as opposed to some bauble or other picked up at the local Super-Mart of choice. Try flea markets, antique jewellery and vintage clothing and re-sale shops for gifts - you'll be giving a unique present, as well as recycling. W WINE home-brewed, in fancy bottle with personalized label. WIND CHIMES made from pottery discs or anything recycled that takes your fancy. WOODEN WONDERS FOR KIDS Look for patterns for wooden toys if you have access to wood tools and saws. For the younger ones, a set of building blocks are great and easy! They are just squares, rectangles, arches, etc. Sand down the edges put them all in a sturdy container or heavy duty draw string cloth bag, to store the blocks. You can leave them natural wood. WORDS OF WISDOM Christmas Quotes and poem extracts to get your creative juices flowing to use in holiday projects. WREATHS make a Christmas wreath from grapevines, wisteria or tortured willow prunings. What better way to welcome visitors at Christmas than to hang a homemade wreath of leaves and fruits on the front door. Or, trim with pine cones, gum nuts and a big tartan bow. The base can also be a circle of strong cardboard or a old wire loop coathanger which may be padded with foam or straw. Materials for completing the wreath could include all sorts of greenery (choose different shades and types that will last), berrries and other fruits, fresh or dried flowers, herbs, pine cones, nuts - even feathers. Attach each with wire or glue and finish with ribbon or lace bows. You can even make a wreath from your organic recycled bread bags cut into strips and tied onto a wire base. X X-TRAORDINARY homemade gifts are also extrremely appreciated by their recipients because of the time, care and love taken in the making. Keep the love alive for another year!
Y YOURSELF there's some of you in every homemade gift, because of the pleasure in the making and the giving. YOGURT CHEESE Z ZANY hand printed organic T shirt for all ages. Make Christmas t-shirts for the kids from organic fibre. Tie-dye, using eco-friendly dyes or decorate with ribbons, buttons etc. ZESTY HERBS hand picked from the garden and turned into culinary delights - pesto, to accompany a fresh home baked herb loaf. ZZZZZZZZ a good sleep after a wonderful DIY Christmas preparation, that helped celebrate your loved ones and the love of the planet! With just a little help, even your children will be enthralled making these special gifts all year round or for unique Christmas gifts. So go on- treat your loved ones - and yourself - with some personalised items. Whether you make a few small gifts, or opt for something larger, give generously and have fun. Indulge in the Christmas spirit as it only comes around once a year, as after all, that's what life is all about. As John Templeton said, "happiness comes from giving, not getting. If we try hard to bring happiness to others, we cannot stop it from coming to us also. To get joy, we must give it, and to keep joy, we must scatter it." Merry Christmas or, as the French say, Joyeux Noel! Related Articles:
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With a little planning anyone can give Christmas presents that are thoughtful, original, recycled and homemade that make a difference to the environment.
A SPECIAL VERSE or poem or make a special book with the childrens photos as heads on animals etc. Keep a special box, add a gift of a poem etc and any special events that happened during the year, like a lock of hair from a haircut and mark the date on the envelope for memories to share for years to come!
beginning of each month, we bake a different kind of cookie. Our four year old son loves getting Grandma's parcel ready each month + we enclose a recent photograph of her grandson.
BATH OILS For centuries we have been using oils in the bath to soften and scent the skin. 1 bottle of organic olive oil + 1 tablespoon castille soap + fragrant essential oil of choice. Combine all together, except essential oil. Place into bottle or jars and add oil drop by drop. Shake to combine. Nice accompanied by a drawstring bag filled with dried herbs. The bag can be hung around the tap while the bath is filling or just thrown into the bath.
RAFT
CANDLES Make (Paraffin -free) beeswax candles, to light Christmas dinner. 
COCONUT BALLS made with organic ingredients and love - dried dates, apricots, rolled oats, carob powder, orange juice and rind, coconut. Add everything blender / vita-mix/ food processor and blend until smooth. Roll in coconut.
DIY ECO-FRIENDLY CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS
FESTIVE FOOD
G 
Finishing touches for your gift wrapping can be as varied as the gifts you choose. Use ribbon, string, rope, wool, instead of stickey tape. Decorate with sprigs from the garden.Consider adding edging, patches, buttons, draw-ties, or recycle other adornments from around the home and found from nature.
HERB BUTTERS And HONEY 
My Handprint
personality.
PINE CONES roll in melted old beeswax crayons or tip the edges with white paint, trim with colorful ribbons to tie in the tree, or nestle in pine branches on a mantle piece.
Christmas stocking, as can old cushion covers - or any old scraps of material. (Material can be painted if it’s the wrong color).
TOYS + Kids Christmas Gifts
Ask children what one gift they want most and a second choice if that one is not possible. When children with a full "love" cup get one gift they really want, they hardly notice what else they do or do not get. Receiving one gift they really want satisfies more than opening ten gifts they don't really care about.
TREE DECORATIONS homemade with love and imagination.
TABLE DECORATIONS plain fabric place mats and napkins can easily be dressed up for Christmas. Just add a little appliqued motif to each - Santa, tree, bell or holly perhaps - in a bright contrasted color. Or cut out a stencil and paint your chosen design. Keep it simple for greater effect. Shells are a good standby and keeps the theme going here too. Large shells make great dishes for sweets and nuts. Polished spiral shells can be made into delightful candle holders provided they are set on a firm base e.g. use glue to attach to a piece of wood, stone or another flatter shell. Decorate the base with holly or other attractive greenery. A striking centrepiece for the table can be made by glueing small shells onto a twisted branch to form a little tree and adding some decorations or treats to complete the Christmas effect. Decorate baskets for a good quick gift.
XMAS CARDS + COOKERY + XMAS DECORATIONS (homemade) Christmas need not be a great drain on your precious time, energy and finances. With a few shortcuts the whole family can enjoy the preparation as well as the festivities in a much more relaxed fashion. After all, it's supposed to be a time of peace as well as goodwill, isn't it?
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It is so great to keep the old traditional symbol going or teach them to our grandchildren
So that their can keep it in there coming future.
Ed's comment - We totally agree and plan to add more ideas in future articles.