Unusual Gifts To Make For The Shut-in On Your Christmas List
Whether your shut-in is in a nursing home, a friend who is recovering from surgery, or the elderly couple in your neighborhood, everyone is a child at Christmas. We all have "visions of sugarplums" dancing in our heads. We love Christmas trees, sparkling decorations, and holiday lights. Here are a few suggestions for giving your shut-in a happy Christmas:
The Tree. Choose a table-top, natural Christmas tree, and decorate it with a string of tiny, white lights. Or choose a lighted artificial tree no more than four feet tall. A two-foot tree is perfect for a small table. Take a spool of 1/4 to 3/8 inch wide satin or velvet red ribbon, and make dozens of simply, tied bows. Tie or hot glue to the tips of branches. If you're feeling particularly crafty, cut small hearts out of doubled red satin material. Sew around the edges, with a whip-stitch, stuff lightly with fiberfill, and close with a few stitches. Hang from the branches with golden thread. Tuck clumps of dried baby's breath amongst the branches; then slip tiny silk flower bouquets here and there. This lovely presentation will bring smiles to the lips of your recipient, and it is sure to warm everyone's hearts.
Poinsettias. Breathtakingly beautiful and available in a variety of shades from white to pink to traditional red, poinsettias are the perfect Christmas plant. The bracts (or petals) of these plants are also available in a variety of new shapes and forms. Poinsettias are pollen free, and they thrive on neglect. Simply place in the coolest and brightest section of the room, and water only when the soil feels dry. Red poinsettia's will last the longest, with just a minimum of care, often into spring.
Glass Bowl Centerpiece. Into the center of a 12 inch wide by 11 inch high glass bowl place a 7 to 8 inch gold or red candle. (I prefer a 2 inch diameter candle). Secure to the bottom of the bowl with floral clay. Around the base of the candle arrange sprigs of holly (real or faux); small pine cones; and large red faux cherries. Then begin to pile gold and silver balls, along with golden, silk roses into the bowl, alternating artfully. You may also slip small sprigs of pine or spruce into any air pockets. All in all this is a simple, yet elegant presentation.
The Indoor Wreath. Purchase a green, faux wreath. Hot glue gold or silver angels, or tiny purchased package ornaments. You might add small, blown glass ornaments, lending a sense of Christmas days gone by. At the bottom of the wreath, off-center, add an elaborate bow, leaving long streamers. This festive wreath takes little time and planning, yet brings a Christmas glow to the heart of the recipient.
Christmas time is a difficult time for those who are shut-in. With a little bit of imagination and a small amount of effort, you can say that you care in a special way. It's such a small thing to give a part of yourself to those who often feel forgotten.
S Canfield, owner of Accent the Party selling many different types and themes of unique wedding party favors, bridal shower favors and holiday party favors.
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