OK, Coffee Break listeners. Kate and I have been talking behind your back.

That’s right, we’ve been scheming/plotting/planning and generally cooking up mischief (which we’re pretty good at, if I do say so myself).

As we are well aware, many of us struggle this time of year in many ways. We struggle to find the right gift, finish all the baking and decorating and caroling wrapping, not to mention financing all of the above. In fact, it’s really easy to lose sight of the reason for the season.

Fear not. That won’t be the case here at Coffee Break, if we have anything to say about it. So here’s the plan:

Each Friday between now and Christmas, we’ll bring you the best crafts, decorations, recipes and gifts we can find. Won’t that be fantastic?

So… what’s the catch? (Nothing is ever that simple and you knew there would be a caveat, didn’t you?) The catch, if you insist on calling it that, is that we are asking you the reader to participate.

Keep in mind, it’s not like we’re asking you to scale the Alps or something – just to share a craft, recipe or whatever you enjoy creating during the Christmas season. No writing (ok, directions would be helpful), no analysis or justifications – just some of your favorite homemade Christmas things. A photo would be nice, too.

Could be that you’ve never made a thing in your life, but are determined to make this your year. If that’s the case, drop us an email or comment about any questions you have, and we’ll see if we can’t garner a few answers for you.

Kate and I both believe Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year – not because of flat screens and video games or fur coats and diamonds. It’s wonderful because we get to shower those we love with, well, love.  How better to show someone how you feel than with a gift that truly comes from your heart – and hands.

We’re counting on you guys – I hope you know that. But I think you’re up to the task, aren’t you? Because without input from you, our readers, this goes flop in the water like a dead fish, and that’s just not in keeping with the season, now, is it?

Here’s a very partial list of categories to consider:

Personal needs: like homemade soaps, bath salts, etc., monogrammed towels

Kitchen gadgets: recipe holders, napkins, placemats, etc, recipe boxes, homemade cookbooks, etched glassware or painted plates

Foods: Chocolate anything, homemade mixes for drinks, breads, etc, infused oils and liquors, candies, crackers (the world is your proverbial oyster, here…)

Clothing/Blankets/Outerwear: mittens, scarves, fleece blankets (a personal favorite in my house), quilts or quilt squares, handwarmers, neckwarmers, jewelry. Whew – so many ideas, so little time!

Decorations for the home and tree: Wreaths, candle holders, ornaments, floor mats, wall hangings

Baskets: for the seamstress or cook, gardener or football fan – you get the drift. What would you like to receive in a basket??

Outdoor gifts: Birdfeeders, garden rocks, welcome mats

I’ve yet to begin to scratch the surface, as all you creative types know! Part of the fun will be seeing all the different ideas that float around out there.

Can’t wait to see how you’ll craft your way to Christmas!

Send your questions and ideas to:

[email protected]

*Leave a comment on this, or any post and be automatically entered in this week’s giveaway!

-Liz