Brucker, Virginia

Gifts from the Heart : Simple Ways to Make Your Familys Christmas More Meaningful

Introduction 13 1. The Gift of Giving 17 Ideas for selecting projects best suited to your family's interests and abilities. 2. Volunteering As a Family 27 Meaningful ways to make a difference in your community through volunteering. 3. Making Time 35 Tips for getting organized so you can find more time to create a caring holiday. 4. The Gift of Gratitude 51 Easy ways to show people we care about them and to encourage children and adults to savor the blessings in our lives. 5. Fighting the Gimmies 61 Simple strategies for combating the dreaded gimmies. 6. The Gift of Imagination 71 Gift suggestions that encourage children to be more creative. 7. The Gift of Tradition 81 Easy, inexpensive ways to give the very special gift of fun-filled family traditions. 8. O Christmas Tree! 89 Loving traditions featuring the Christmas tree. 9. Making Memories 97 Great ideas that help preserve your family's special Christmas memories. 10. Christmas and Divorce 107 Tips to help parents and children cope with Christmas as well as ideas for making a blended family Christmas easier. 11. When the Holidays Hurt 123 Loving ways to reach out to friends and families who are dealing with illness or loss during the holidays. 12. Comfort Food 135 Yummy comfort foods to share with family and friends all winter long. 13. An Animal Lover's Christmas 153 Suggestions for sharing the Christmas spirit with our animal friends. 14. The Gift of a Green Planet 163 Ideas for people who want to be good to our planet. 15. Celebrating with Books 173 Dozens of ways to share the gift of literacy. 16. Remembering Seniors at Christmas 183 Thoughtful ideas that encourage children and adults to be more involved with seniors. 17. With Love from Grandma and Grandpa 197 Suggestions for grandparents who want to connect with their grandchildren throughout the year. 18. Sharing the Joys of Cooking 205 Delicious recipes for Christmas treats and simple holiday snacks children can create themselves. 19. The Gift of Good Company: Party and Potluck Favorites 227 Superb tried-and-true recipes to share with family and friends at parties and potlucks. 20. Gifts from the Kitchen 245 Presentation tips and recipes for scrumptious gifts from your kitchen. 21. Kid-Tested Crafts 269 Inexpensive projects using easy-to-find supplies and recycled materials. All have been thoroughly "kid tested." 22. Handmade with Love 297 Handmade presents that enable children to give their own "gifts from the heart," sure to delight parents, aunts and uncles, and grandparents. 23. Wrapping It Up with Love 311 Easy ideas for personalizing gifts with handmade cards, tags, and wrap. Epilogue 325 Index 327