Christmas Cards and a late entry

My co-authors did a great job last week of giving you ideas for homemade gifts. I had my idea typed out but it was on the computer that isn't working so well, so you're getting my suggestion this week....PLUS we will be talking about Christmas cards this week.

First my idea for homemade gifts: So many times, especially for young couples, money is in short supply. And this year, many are in the same bank vault--the funds just aren't available.

I read the following tip from one of Emilie Barnes' books, famous for her home tips, teas and hospitality hints. Emilie had a friend who had suffered a great loss. Emilie could have invited her friend to lunch. She could have invited her to her own home for a meal, but she chose a route that provided an outing with a twist. She invited this friend to go to the park, telling her she'd supply the snacks.

Emilie made a simple tea party to take to the park. It wasn't elaborate, but she did just enough to make it an outing. She put hot tea into a thermos and few things to accompany the tea. I don't remember all she packed in the basket, but I'm thinking a few finger sandwiches, whole fresh fruit and scones with lemon curd might be nice, but don't focus on the food too much. The whole idea was to get her friend out into the shunshine, "Out in the Fields With God," like our suggestions for getting your family outdoors at Christmas Time., chapter three in A Scrapbook of Christmas Firsts.

Emilie's compassion and hospitatlity aided her friend's healing as she took in the vitality of God's green work, the natural world where cycles are evident in growth, leaves falling and leaves sprouting again. Do you have a friend who would benefit from one on one time with you in the great outdoors? Phone them, make a date, and pick a serene inspirational view. Pack a basket with hot chocolate and comfort food, and go by and get your friend. Who knows you may just help restore their soul.....

Second, this weeks topic Christmas cards: If you have a copy of A Scrapbook of Chirstmas Firsts, you'll find a history of Christmas greeting cards and a story about a fatherless girl which involved seasonal cards, and there's a great suggestion for ways to help your family connect with the folk who send you cards and family newsletters.

In our home, I display the cards we receive on a bought holder. It's circular, with wire circles overlapping which allow me to slip the cards underneath the wires. Mine has a metal cut-out angel at the top. When it's filled, it makes a wreath of cards from all the well wishes from our friends and family.

How do you display your cards? Do you send out a newsletter or cards? Have you decided to leave off mailing out cards? Share your traditions or a story about a special Christmas card.