It wouldn't be the holidays if I didn't rant a little bit.

I hate the fact that the magazines publish all their great ideas for holiday crafts in their December issues. Seriously, between November 15th and Christmas, who has time to make tons of gifts — not to mention shopping for the supplies and handling shipping?

On the other had, I'm far more likely to have large blocks of free time on blustery winter nights or stormy summer Saturdays.

So, I go through the magazines at this time of year and I mark the ideas that appeal to me.  Then, I can pick up supplies in the after-Christmas sales and keep a craft bin handy for my free time.

Then, when next Christmas rolls around, I can just wrap and ship my lovely handmade gifts.