Tupsy Turvy Xmas Gift Guide - Follow the stars

Guest Blogger - Tupsy Turvy

madeit.com.au/TupsyTurvy

Music for me sparks emotions and it is especially so at Christmas time. I love hearing the carols that play, and join in with singing the words, telling the story of Christmas. I have a simple carol in my memory from Christmases past, as a child participating in a Nativity play, about the three kings following a star. Even many years later I can still remember the words and the tune. Music has that effect.

My favourite carol is ‘O Holy Night’. It not only tells of the Christmas story, but the tune lilts and seems to build in reverence. The carol begins with ‘O Holy night, the stars are brightly shining…’ The ‘star’ is a symbol of Christmas and part of many gifts and decorations at this time of year. I thought I would peruse the lovely handmade items and find some starry products. Follow these stars…

Click the photos below to visit the madeit items.

enchanted creations by narelle Xmas Gift Guide - The Christmas Tree

Guest Blogger - enchanted creations by narelle madeit.com.au/enchantedcreationsbynarelle

A big part of Christmas for me is the traditions that take place. A tradition I have always loved at this time of year is putting up the Christmas Tree. It has always been a family event. With Christmas carols playing the background and everyone taking turns putting on the decorations, it is a time to relax and just enjoy the moment. The youngest in the family has always had the honour of putting the angel on top. This was how my parents always put up our tree and this is how I have always done it with my children.

So in honour of the Christmas Tree, here are some tree themed items I have found.

Click the photos below to visit the madeit items.

creative wishes Xmas Gift Guide - Celebrating with Food

Guest Blogger - creative wishes

madeit.com.au/creativewishes

December for my family is full of fun gatherings with friends and family, get togethers with work collegues and end of year break ups. The one thing all these occasions have in common is food. I am always trying new recipes at this time of year and love it when I can share a plate with friends. My in laws are Greek so their gatherings are very food focussed (you would never starve at a Greek get together) and feature dolmades, spanikopita and a lamb cooked on the spit. I love a traditional turkey with cranberry sauce, Christmas pudding and trifle. The kids love to help out in the kitchen too making gingerbread men, white Christmas and rum balls. If your family is like mine then I am sure you will be inspired with all the wonderful food related items to be found on Made It.

Click the photos below to visit the madeit items.

Bella Stationery Studio Xmas Gift Guide – For Santa and his Reindeers

Guest Blogger - Bella Stationery Studio
madeit.com.au/bellastationerystudio

Every year on Christmas Eve my three younger sisters and I would leave a plate of food out for Santa, and some carrots and fresh water for his reindeers. Santa was always treated to a slice of Mum’s homemade fruit cake, some shortbread or gingerbread cookies and of course an ice cold beer.

On Christmas morning after opening our presents we would run outside to find a half eaten carrot and, depending on how hungry Santa was the night before, a few crumbs left on his plate.

Here is a selection of beautiful handmade treats that you might like to leave out for Santa and his reindeers.

Click the photos below to visit the madeit items.

cloud love baby Xmas Gift Guide - My favourite parts of Christmas

Guest Blogger - cloud love baby
madeit.com.au/cloudlovebaby

Growing up, Christmas was never about how much money was spent or who had the most presents - although on any given day you could find my brother and I under the tree tallying who had how many presents but we grew out of it. When we 28 and 25 respectively ;) - it was about family and traditions and the things that your tiny little band of people did that made you felt like you belonged. I love being a mum for so many reasons, but being able to be the instigator and keeper of traditions for my family now would have to be one of the things I love most! Christmas is the perfect time to build routines, rituals and traditions into your family. Those same ornaments you look for every year, the decorations, the ritual of preparing Santa's snack, the art of wrapping the perfect present with a matching tag, your family's own elf on the shelf to look for each morning… These are some of my favourite parts of Christmas. From my family to yours, Merry Christmas!! xo

Click the photos below to visit the madeit items.