A couple of careers ago, I spent almost a decade working as a magazine editor. Because of our publishing calendar, I was always living six months ahead of the rest of the world – planning Christmas-themed articles in June; thinking about summer activities in winter. It wasn’t a helpful mindset when I was trying live in the moment, but the crafter in me sure learned to appreciate that schedule.

While I may bemoan seeing Christmas decor in stores before Halloween candy is off the shelves, I know I have to start making Christmas gifts long before then. Handmade gifts take time and there’s little I enjoy less than rushing through a craft project when it’s intended as a gift. I recognize that these projects are as much about me as they are the recipient. It’s like making a prayer shawl – I want to think about each person as I make their gift, what I love about them and all the reasons I want to gift them with something extra special at Christmas-time. I have so many people who make my life better and that kind of prayerful crafting can’t be rushed.

This year, one of my gifts will be these Nordic-inspired ornaments. They remind me of Christmas decorations we had when I was growing up and have been a great way to use up my stash of red, green and white felt (some of which is older than my children!).

In a few weeks, I’ll pull out my stash of Jasmati rice containers (saved all year long) to cover with holiday scrapbook paper so they’re ready to fill with Christmas cookies. I may not be a great cook, but I can bake!

Above is a picture of last year’s baking/gifts. The tags tied to these containers (and on all the gifts I give) are made from used Christmas cards, an upcycling tradition I started years ago. Alas, fewer and fewer people send Christmas cards these days, so know that if you send me one, it will live on.

And the rest of my projects I’ll have to wait to share until after they’ve been given (I can’t reveal all my surprises). For now, merry November!