While thinking about my Christmas presents this year, my eyes fall on a calendar saying: "Time we give and spend together is something that lasts". Absolutely! Time spent with loved ones is wonderful and, for me personally, the most important thing about Christmas. And yet, for me, gifts are just as much a part of Christmas as home-baked gingerbread, candlelight and cosiness.
Because behind every gift I give, there is a lot of thought. I take time for another person. An African proverb says: "It is the heart that gives. The fingers only hand over." And that's 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 for Christmas, my mother is getting a new headband, the Headband LIV, after her old one was stolen the other day along with her bicycle helmet. She was so sad about it that I am sure she will be very happy about this one.
My sister will also receive something I've knitted myself: a pair of Nola wristwarmers from Paulastrickt's pattern. This will keep her hands much warmer during long walks in the woods with the pram and the dog, without her having to give up the feeling in her fingertips. I only needed 60 g of Cheeky Merino Joy for this model - you might still have that in your stash.
I knitted cute mittens for my little nephew following this free pattern. So that he can be out and about with his mum in a partner look, I matched the cuffs to her wristwarmers. They were knitted in no time and are a great way to use up scraps. The pair only weighs 20g.
My mother-in-law keeps supplying the whole extended family with home-knitted socks. This year, as a thank you for all our warm, colourful feet, I'm giving her the Sophie Scarf from PetiteKnit, a slim, lightweight scarf that is quick and easy to knit and will be a great everyday companion.
Well, and my husband? I wanted to secretly knit him a sweater. But Christmas always comes so suddenly... Now I'll probably give him the aforementioned time together first... and a voucher for something I knitted myself - a tried and tested gift. Last time, he only had to wait about two years until he actually held the sweater in his hands. But better a late gift that comes from the heart than a last-minute mistake just to avoid being empty-handed.
After all, giving presents should not turn into stress. As lovely as handmade surprises are, there is often not enough time. And that's not such a bad thing because there are wonderful alternatives that are no less heartfelt. Lovingly selected books and vouchers, for example. I have a few creative people in my circle of friends who are happy to receive materials and inspiration.
So this year, my favourite knitting friend is getting a Rosy Green Wool gift voucher. I can easily buy it online and make her very happy with it. Giving her a skein or two would also be an option, of course, but this way, she can choose her favourite colour and yarn herself.
Last but not least: My children. I knit for them all year round, and if there were new sweaters under the Christmas tree, they would probably be less appealing to them than colourful toys. Besides, the presents don't come from me, but from Santa. However, he did some thorough research and found a wonderful book that also appeals to the knitting-enthusiastic mother: A Christmas Sweater for Nina.
"This lovingly illustrated picture book tells a story of friendship, compassion and the value of cosy, warm knitted jumpers in clear, expressive pictures", according to The Knitter's review. I couldn't have described it better - it absolutely is a recommendation for big and little knitting fans and those who ought to become one. My daughter is already a fan: She has asked me to knit her a Christmas hat like the Bullerby children have if I still had time. Of course, the Oslo Hat Christmas Edition by PetiteKnit is already in the making.
I wish you much joy in giving and receiving presents. And, of course, time together with your loved ones - and for cosy knitting.
Merry Christmas!
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