Country Christmas Jars

Most people associate Mason jars with the country. Those old enough to remember can still recall cellars of jars filled with summer's produce. What a gift to have a cellar full of jars.

I've been thinking about Christmas and giving. I have read some creative ideas about low-cost gifts, crafts and other things that make lovely gifts and bring great personal joy for both the giver and the receiver of the gift. What about ways to spend nothing more than what we might already have on hand (on in our hearts) and still give something meaningful and welcome?

We all know that our home-canned items are welcome to most people. There are few who would frown at a jar of homemade pickles or jam! But what about children? and what about grown children like mine who can raid my cellar anytime?

This morning as I was driving to work I had an idea. My Christmas shopping is pretty much finished for this year because I buy and hoard away gifts all year. So this idea isn't for me to use this year except for a few people, but I want to share it with you. I hope some of you can expand on what I'm thinking.

Here it is: many of us know how to make or do things. Many of us have little things we've treasured. Many of us have stories we haven't yet told.

Why not make up a "giving jar" as a gift? It can be any size from half-pint to half-gallon. Decorate the lid, tie on pretty ribbons; maybe you even have some of the older blue jars or the ones with the glass or zinc lids on hand. Whatever jar you have, you could fill it with things like:

*a favorite piece of your jewelry that you know a daughter or granddaughter loves, along with the story of where you got it

*a recipe that a son or grandson likes, complete with a promise to make it for them--or even better, to make it with them

*a story written by hand that you've not yet told to someone special; including a photo or two would be a nice touch

*your favorite seashells, rocks, or other little things that you keep just because you like them--your grandchildren will probably love the"jar of mysteries."

*a photo of you at a place you like to visit, and a promise to take a loved one there with you sometime during the year

*a small craft made by you, with a promise to teach your special person how to make it or an offer to make one to their special order

* a list of twelve of your favorite books and a written review of why you like each one, along with the giftee's local library's website and telephone number.

*twelve of your favorite recipes on recipe cards

These are just a few ideas. I'm sure there are many more out there.

Let's make it fun, and a challenge--Add your suggestions to the comments and your name will go into a drawing for a copy of one of my books! (Now that would make a nice Christmas gift!)