It’s a joy to receive a handmade gift – something that someone has made with their hands. A part of themselves. A token of love and thought. A creative idea. A cooking challenge. Something stitched or painted.

This Christmas I have noticed hand made tree decorations that look lovely not just the shiny baubles bought in the shops. Crafted with time and patience, these ornaments can add uniqueness to the festive tree. Wouldn’t you agree?

Then there’s the cooking. Well I haven’t done much in my kitchen this year, except make a date and walnut loaf to share, but recently I was invited to a ladies lunch where the dishes were delicious.

Handmade stocking, toy or star biscuit is special.

My sister recently received the most amazing present for her small courtyard garden. I had to take a closer look to work out what her friend did to make this plant sculpture/ decoration. She’s used a recycled wire mannequin, brass mugs and plants that weave through the creation. It sits in the corner of a brick wall and begs to be investigated and adored. What fun her friend had in designing and making this gift. You cannot buy this in a shop.

A little bit of nature always looks good so when I had the opportunity with my grand daughter to make sand castles at the beach, I loved it. Matilda and I sat in the surf watching the waves “eat” up the moat and walls of our castle. So I asked her to find lots of shells. Together we made a big circle of shells and jumped inside it. This is part of our circle in the sand. And it costs nothing.

I love that children can make mosaics out of scraps of torn paper or owls from crayons and paint. There are so many possibilities to create with our hands.

So this Christmas, dear readers and friends, I hope that part of you is generously given to others. It makes me think that God’s gift to us, with no strings attached, is Jesus. His love is perfect for you. In His everlasting arms, he carries us through to all sorts of adventures and dreams. And with the hurried pace of Christmas upon us all, may we remember that there’s strength and beauty in the handmade.