Made with Love

Just some of the girls--gift exchange 2007!

One of my most favorite Christmas traditions is the Haynie family Christmas party! We get to be together as children, parents, aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents, and great-grandparents. It is fabulous company! And the best part (aside from the food, of course) is the gift exchange. There are rules, of course, which makes it a bit exclusive and better! Only women are allowed. And only those who have graduated high school and therefore qualify as an "adult". Also, your gift should be homemade, if at all possible. It is so exciting to pass around the exchange, and to see what everybody has come up with. These are a very talented bunch of girls! And I have come home a happy chick for many years.

However, the stressful part is coming up with what to make each and every year. But as I do, and as I think about the possible receiver (it could be anybody) and what they would like, I get so excited. Not because I ever think that what I have to offer is fantastic, because I fall way low on the crafty pedestal at this party, but because it bonds us all together. I know that while I am working on my project, everybody else is too. And then we all meet to celebrate, and everybody has their gift all wrapped up, and we laugh and visit as we exchange. And everybody gives the mandatory "ohs and ahs" after each and every presentation. And it's exciting to see who ends up with what. But, the most special part is that sometimes you recieve a gift that you know will be a future family heirloom. Because it was handmade by your dear aunt, or closest cousin, or even your special grandmother.

I'm now looking forward with great anticipation to Haynie Christmas 2008! And I've been working on my gift. And I'm feeling a little bit more Christmas-y!