One of the years greatest holidays is coming sooner than you think: Christmas!  Gifts under the tree to be exchanged and all the family gathered around the dining room table for a feast make Christmas a wonderful holiday.

As the years have gone by, large family gatherings have gotten smaller.  Families have splintered.  Some family members live close to home, others may live across the continent or somewhere overseas.

This does not have to stop the elation of the season.  No matter where the family members are, they can still have that wonderful feeling of love for one another.  What better way to say and share that love than with a gift made especially for the receiver.

Personalized gifts can range from simple to elegant.  You can make them yourself, if you're handy, or have someone help make them for you.  Look around your house to see what you may find.  What about that old picture frame, can you give it a new look?  What about the fabric scraps in the sewing room, can you make a special doll, throw or outfit from them?

It doesn't really matter what the gift is.  It's the thought that counts.  When you are visiting or viewing photos, take a look.  What is that child, friend, or grandchild into?  Put some thought into what the gift receiver likes and see what you can come up with that will fit into their collections.  Food, like cookies or fresh baked bread, may also be options for family members that live close by.  It might just be better than a generic gift card.