Handicrafts for Christmas: A Family Tradition
In the world of Christmas traditions, some stand out as unique and memorable. For me, it’s the joy of creating beautiful handicrafts that not only bring festive cheer but also keep family heritage alive. I once had the pleasure of crafting some gold lace paper coasters, which later inspired me to create custom Christmas ornaments. My family might seem a bit quirky, but in their own way, we uphold these traditions with pride and enthusiasm.
From Coasters to Christmas Ornaments
While shopping for a 50th anniversary party for my aunts, I stumbled upon a set of beautiful gold lace paper coasters, along with some silver ones for a 25th anniversary. The gold set struck me particularly and I decided to trim and attach them to blue satin balls using beaded pins, transforming them into stunning Christmas ornaments. These homemade ornaments have been cherished ever since, receiving compliments from friends and family who couldn’t believe how they were created.
A Golden Plastic Horse for Christmas
One of my most memorable and peculiar Christmas gifts was a custom-made masterpiece inspired by a plastic toy horse I found in a store. Three years ago, when my sister turned 48 and I was 43, we were no longer 10-year-olds, but I still felt a burst of creativity upon finding a large, plastic toy horse. This horse, about 2 feet long and 1.5 feet tall, had a fake mane and tail, similar to a doll's hair. I couldn't resist the idea and knew it had potential to become a Christmas surprise for my sister.
It took me about two months to transform this simple toy horse into an artistic masterpiece. On Christmas morning, I concealed my masterpiece behind a beautifully gold-wrapped box, making sure it was 4 feet tall, wide, and deep, and placed a big red bow on top. I was filled with nerves as I headed to my trembling sister, who was surrounded by the family, eagerly awaiting the discovery. When she opened the box and saw the golden, glitter-covered plastic horse attached to a wooden box, it was a sight to behold. The horse, fully painted in gold and covered in glitter, shone brightly and made the room sparkle like a winter wonderland.
A Christmas Legend: The Sand Dollar
Someone once told me about a lovely legend found in a sand dollar—what struck me the most was the symbolism behind it. According to the legend, a sand dollar contains five symbols that represent the life story of Jesus Christ. On one side of the shell, you can find four nail holes and a fifth, representing the Roman spear wounds. On the other side, the Easter lily in the shell hints at the Star of Bethlehem, which led the wise men to Jesus. Breaking open the center of the shell reveals five white doves, symbolizing the spreading of goodwill and peace. This simple little shell holds a powerful message of hope and faith. The next time you see a sand dollar, take a moment to reflect on the beautiful story it carries with it.
While I initially didn't appreciate the religious connotations, it has since made me think twice about the meaning behind Christmas presents. I decided to honor this legend by adding a bronze plaque to the front of the golden box, inscribed with the message "Merry Christmas" to encapsulate the spirit of the legend and the joy of sharing these special gifts within my family.
These unique and handmade Christmas ornaments and gifts are not just treasures but a celebration of creativity, family, and cherished memories. Whether it's a set of gold lace paper coasters or a golden plastic horse, the joy they bring is immeasurable. These handicrafts serve as a timeless reminder of the warmth and love nurtured within a family's traditions.