Sharing the Season

Yule or Winter Solstice, is a time of family and a sharing of traditions. As the world spins around us, it is a time to sit back and drink in the smells, tastes, and laughter of loved ones. For just a few moments we are at one with our heritage, our families and our surroundings. However getting to those few moments of heaven can be quite a chore. Grocery shopping for the days feast, searching for just the right present only to watch it get tossed a side in an ever growing mount of Presents. I was beginning to dislike the entire process, until........

A few years back I started making a simple request for Yule. Homemade gifts. I simply wanted things I could Cherish for a lifetime. Something of the person who gave it. Face it, you can buy anything someone could buy for you. But crafts are unique, they are never the same even if you start out with the same stuff, our uniqueness takes over and we create something no one else can.

I invite you to put back the old time spirit of giving something you have lovingly made with your own two hands into Yule. Here are a few gifts I have made in the past. I hope you can enjoy them as much as I did.
　
Deep Woods Aftershave Gel
For that special in your life here is a woodsy He-man scent that is an analgesic, antibacterial, antibiotic, anti fungal, antiseptic, and antiviral. It will repair damage from cuts or nicks while clearing your congested nose and treating any facial eczema or psoriasis.

1/2 cup aloe vera gel
1 Tablespoon pine water
2 Tablespoons vodka
5 drops sandalwood e.o.
5 drops pine e.o.

Combine all of the ingredients in a bowl and stir with a wire whisk until well blended. Bottle and label. Allow to sit 1 week before using to blend the scent.
NOTE: Some people have allergies to Aloe Vera so check for allergies before applying to your face. You can do this by applying a little to the inside bend at the elbow and waiting 2-4 hours for signs of allergies.
　
Diaper rash cream Coconut oil and raw shea butter are the perfect combination for a safe, natural and simple diaper cream. It is antimicrobial, antioxidant, antifungal, antibacterial, and soothing. Together it is a powerhouse for defeating yeast infections as well. Use it directly on their bottom. The added bonus is it washes out of any clothing beautifully.

1/8 cup coconut oil
1/4 cup raw shea butter
3-4 Tablespoons cornstarch (optional, to thicken)

Combine coconut oil and shea butter in a small high sided bowl with a hand mixer. Add cornstarch a tablespoon at a time until you achieve the desired thickness. It will look similar to a whipped icing.That’s when you know it is done! Transfer to a small covered container and place at your changing station. Keep a small portion in the diaper bag as well. Apply liberally with each diaper change as a preventative and rash salve. Makes about 1 cup.
　
Secret Garden Bath Tea An escape from the hustles and bustles of day to day life. Imagine being on a dessert isle with beautiful flowers and sandy beaches while catching some rays. Relax and enjoy.

1 tsp lavender flowers (dried)
 1/4 tsp rosemary (dried)
1 tsp rose petals (dried)
1/2 tsp lemon balm (dried)
1/8 tsp spearmint (dried)
1 drop patchouli EO
4 drops lavender EO
2 drops rose EO

Mix well, put into heat seal able teabag. This is for one Bath tea bag.
NOTE: A great gift giving suggestion is putting 6-8 teabags in an antique large teacup with matching saucer. Then wrap it with colored plastic gift basket wrap and a pretty bow. Attach a tag saying The part above the recipe.

Bath Gems
 6-8 drops Food Coloring
5-10 drops Essential oil or fragrant oil (the choices are endless).
Chunky Salt pieces available from rock salt suppliers

For a Witchy alternative to standard bath salts you can use a chunky rock salt to make whats commonly known as Bath gems. Just add all the ingredients together and mix well.

Make sure the food color, blends in to the salt or it wont look very inviting. You can do this by tossing the salt over and over again.

Add your chunky bath salts to a covered glass gift jar for an exquisite gift any woman would love, From grandma to a young girl. You can get many nice ones at a dollar store. Look for one that will hold a cup or two and has a seal of some kind.

Attach a tag saying something like
"Cherry almond" or Blooming Jasmine" Bath Gems.
 To use drop 1-2 chunks into the bath.


Bath Jelly
Bath jelly is a fun alternative to bath gel and can be found in all the popular bath shops. This is perfect for kids. Add a small toy tucked into the Jelly before it sets will give the kids an incentive to get to the bottom of the Jelly soap. There are so many inch high mini toys out there to choose from. If creating a group of jellies for a craft fair just stop by a bubblegum machine with toys and start on the magical journey of creation.

1 packet of Unflavored gelatin (1tbs)
 1/2 cup of Liquid soap
1 tsp of Salt 3/4 cup of Water
Food Coloring to match fragrance
Storage jar seal able lid
Fragrant oils or essential oils

Empty the packet of gelatin into a bowl and set aside. Boil 3/4 cup of water using a saucepan or kettle.
Carefully pour the hot water into a mixing bowl and mix it with the gelatin powder. Let the gelatin dissolve completely.
Next pour the liquid soap into the gelatin mix. Add 2 drops of food coloring into the mix and also add your fragrance oil. Add about 5 drops and stir it very gently so the bubbles do not become too agitated. Add salt.
Pour the mix into a clean storage container and allow to set for several hours in the refrigerator. Add the toy now if adding one. Dispose of the jelly after several weeks or if mold is present. Avoid mold by keeping it in an airtight container in a cool place at all times.

Add a plastic character spoon to the jar to make use easier. Attach a tag saying

(Child's name) Bath Jelly :any fragrance and color the child likes- monkey farts for a boy and maybe strawberry's for a girl. Or a action figure like
"Green Lantern Bath Jelly" {Making it green and maybe apple scented or lime scented}.

Place a small amount of jelly under warm running water to use.
　

Peppermint Body Butter
Peppermint relieves many respiratory problems including nasal congestion, sinusitis, asthma, bronchitis, colds, and cough. It also relieves stress, pain, and is an immune system booster. These facts make it a welcomed parent to anyone on your list.

1/2 cup aloe vera gel.
1 1/2 Tablespoon cornstarch,
1 Tablespoon witch hazel,
1 Teaspoon Vitamin E oil,
5-6 drops peppermint e.o.

Mix the aloe, cornstarch and witch Hazel in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring at 30 second intervals to incorporate. Cook until this mixture becomes clear and thick. Now add your e.o, and peppermint oil. Mix well. Store in an air-tight container and label.