While I was thinking about my Christmas presents this year, I came across a calendar saying: "Time spent together is something that lasts". Absolutely! Spending time together with loved ones is wonderful and for me personally the most important thing about Christmas. And yet: for me, presents are just as much a part of it as homemade gingerbread, candlelight and cosiness.
After all, a lot of thought goes into every gift I give. I take time for another person. An African proverb says: "It is the heart that gives. The fingers only give." And that's exactly what I'm all about: giving something from the heart. Whereby my fingers don't just hand over gifts - they often knit them themselves.
So my mum is getting a new headband for Christmas, the Headband LIV, after her old one was stolen the other day along with her bike helmet. She was so sad about it that I'm sure she'll be very happy about this one.
My sister is also getting something knitted by me: a pair of Nola hand warmers based on Paulastrickt's instructions. This will keep her hands much warmer during long walks in the woods with the pram and dog, without her having to sacrifice her "fingertip sensitivity". For this model, I only needed 60g Cheeky Merino Joy - you might still have that in your stash
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I also knitted cute mittens for my little nephew using these free instructions. I matched the cuffs to the mittens so that he could wear them with his mum. They were knitted in no time at all and are a great way to use up leftovers. The pair weighs just 20g.
My mum-in-law always provides the whole family with home-knitted socks. As a thank you for all our warm, colourful feet, this year I'm giving her the Sophie Scarf from PetiteKnit, a slim, lightweight scarf that was quick and easy to knit and will be a great companion for every day.
Well, and my husband? I actually wanted to knit him a jumper in secret. But Christmas always comes so suddenly... Now I'll probably give him the aforementioned time together... and a voucher for something knitted - a tried and tested gift. Last time, he only had to wait around two years to actually hold his jumper in his hands. But better a late gift that comes from the heart than a last-minute bad buy just so you don't end up empty-handed.
After all, gift-giving shouldn't turn into stress. As nice as homemade surprises are, there's often not enough time. And that's not a bad thing, because there are wonderful alternatives that are just as heartfelt. Lovingly selected books and gift vouchers, for example. I have a few creative people in my circle who are happy to receive materials and inspiration.
This year, my favourite knitting friend is therefore receiving a Rosy Green Wool gift voucher. I can easily buy it online and make her very happy. Of course, giving one or two skeins as a gift would also be an option, but this way she can choose her favourite colour and yarn thickness herself. And as she's expecting a baby, I'm giving her my book "Naturally, Baby". It is lovingly designed and contains lots of great knitting ideas made from organic yarns in sizes 50 to 92.
I'm going to give the book "Naturally Knitting" to another good friend who is very keen on sustainability and recently learnt to knit from me. It contains instructions for clothing in sizes 36-44 and for home accessories. It also includes an informative excursus on the subject of fibre science, which explains yarn production in more detail using our organic Merino wool as an example. A great book with a foreword and design by Melanie Berg.
Last but not least: my children. I knit for them all year round, and if there were new jumpers under the Christmas tree, it would probably be less appealing to them than colourful toys. Besides, the presents don't come from me, but from the Christ Child. However, she has done some thorough research and found a wonderful book that the knitting-enthusiastic mum also likes: The Christmas jumper.
"This lovingly illustrated picture book tells of friendship, compassion and the value of cosy, warm knitted jumpers in clear, expressive pictures," says the review by The Knitter. I couldn't have described it better - an absolute recommendation for big and small knitting fans, and those who want to become one. My daughter is already a fan: she asked me to knit her a Christmas hat like the children from Bullerbü, if I still had time. Of course, the Oslo Hat Christmas Edition from PetiteKnit is already in the making.
I hope you enjoy giving and receiving presents. And, of course, time together with your loved ones - and for cosy knitting.
Happy Christmas!
