From the Editor

(Photo enhanced at Photofunia.com)

There is something magical about the Holidays. With thoughts being centered around tight budgets and the economy, I wanted to know what I could do to make this Christmas season special for my family without having to spend a lot of money on gifts!

I thought back to memorable Christmas’s in the past and remembered how much fun we had taking the money we would have spent on our family and spending it on a family we knew that had many needs. Each of my children purchased something for the child in the family that was near their same age. The local furniture/appliance store also got involved and gave us great prices and free delivery. What fun we had as we quietly drove up near the house with the car lights off and the kids jumped out and tip-toed to the doorstep to leave the bags of gifts, ring the doorbell and run! We watched with glee as the family opened their door in surprise. My children still talk about that Christmas as being the most memorable.

Not only does this act of kindness warm our hearts, but also just doing things together as a family. On Christmas Eve, it is a tradition to drive around to see the lights, visit Temple Square in Salt Lake City, and then go out for hot chocolate at the nearby restaurant. In the car, we sing as many Christmas carols as we can remember. We can get very silly!

I challenge you to find the ways and traditions that will bond your family together. Then take those memories and your photos and get them into your scrapbook so they can be enjoyed and remembered again and again.

Once, again, I hope you enjoy this Holiday Issue. It’s full of wonderful projects to try out. If you have any questions at all, let us know and we will walk you through the steps.

Enjoy! And Happy Holidays!