New Christmas Tradition

We started a new Christmas tradition this year.
Well, technically, a slight variation to an old tradition. 

Ever since Kimberly and Alicia were little, we've had them purchase gifts for one another and for John and I to teach them about giving to others.  As Natalie and Megan joined the picture, we've had them exchange names each year, so they are only having to worry about one sister.

This year, we decided to try something different by having them make gifts for one another, using $5 or less.  We were so pleased with the results, that we are going to continue it in future years because I think the girls caught on to the spirit of giving far better, having spent quite a bit of time working on their projects for a sister and parents, versus just buying a gift.

Here are some of the results:

Alicia sewed this cute doll for Natalie, having designed the pattern herself using fabric from my fabric box and finding an old pillow we didn't need anymore for the stuffing.  Cost:  $0.  Time spent working on it out of love:  truly priceless.

Kimberly sewed up several dresses for Alicia's American Girl doll (one shown here, though the  jacket was made by Grandma Meldrum).  The Darth Vader Alicia is holding is one of the origami designs she did for John.  The girls had a great time folding a bunch of star wars origami as their gift for their Dad. (Cost of origami paper, $4.99, coming in just under budget)

For me, the girls helped John with this frame made out of bead board and wood for the side pieces.  

 Okay, technically this one didn't fall into the $5 budget because we made five of these frames for various family members that we were in charge of with different photos inside, so we just added an extra one on for us.  We spent countless hours trying to get these frames done in time for everyone, but thankfully, I didn't have to finish my own - the girls helped John do that.   

Not shown is the play dough Natalie made for Megan, the modeling clay Megan got for Kimberly, and the scarf Kimberly made for me and garage tools she made for John out of duct tape.