As the economic times are tough, it just makes more sense to “Go Green” with your Christmas gifts.  But the more I thought about it, it shouldn’t be just because times are tough. How wonderful would it be that instead of getting caught up in trying to buy the perfect gift you truly give a gift from the heart by giving a Go Green Gift (3XG).  Now this will take time and planning, but how meaningful a gift this gift will be?!?

I would love to have a Christmas were everything was handmade and I tried to recycle as much as I could.  It’s not only a cool idea but you would be challenging yourself and developing new talents.  Now, to me, this is worthwhile because you are getting a 2 for 1 deal (you learn new talents + you made a gift for someone for Christmas = 1 heck of deal) HA!  Seriously though, I am trying the 3XG this year for my husband’s work and for my friends.

I am making Christmas Trail Mix and Baking Pepperoni Rolls.  I am going to make the Christmas Trail Mix and use that as my cute little gift bag and then I will make the pepperoni rolls and put them in some foil and cover with some Christmas fabric.  Now, this will take me time but as my Mother-In-Law says, “There is no better way to a person’s heart than through their stomach” LOL!  I don’t know about you, but I am all about some Holiday Goodies!  Below are some other 3XG ideas for your Christmas this year!  Be Creative, Be Happy, and Be Green.  Enjoy!

*Homemade Dry Soup Mix in a Jar with Homemade Biscuits

(you have to make the biscuits before you take)

Friendship Soup Mix in a Jar

INGREDIENTS

• 1/2 cup dry split peas
• 1/3 cup beef bouillon granules
• 1/4 cup pearl barley
• 1/2 cup dry lentils
• 1/4 cup dried onion flakes
• 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
• 1/2 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
• 2 bay leaves
• 1/2 cup uncooked alphabet pasta

DIRECTIONS

1. In a 1 1/2 pint jar, layer the split peas, bouillon, barley, lentils, onion flakes, Italian seasoning, rice, and bay leaves. Wrap the pasta in plastic wrap, and place in the jar. Seal tightly.
2. Attach a label to the jar with the following instructions: Friendship Soup ADDITIONAL INGREDIENTS: 1 pound ground beef, black pepper to taste, garlic powder to taste, 1 (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes - undrained, 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste, and 3 quarts water. TO PREPARE SOUP: Remove pasta from top of jar, and set aside. In a large pot over medium heat, brown beef with pepper and garlic; drain excess fat. Add diced tomatoes, tomato paste, water, and soup mix. Bring to a boil, and then reduce heat to low. Cover, and simmer for 45 minutes. Stir in the pasta, cover, and simmer 15 to 20 minutes, or until the pasta, peas, lentils and barley are tender.

*Homemade Coffee Table Runner

Take some of your old Christmas Placemats and sew them together and add some rick rack or fringe on it to make someone a vintage table runner.

*Homemade Christmas Cinnamon Candle

You will need to buy any size or shape candles, cinnamon sticks, raffia, craft glue, toothpicks.  You will first need to break the cinnamon sticks into equal lengths, about half the size of the candle. Then, apply craft glue to the back sides of the cinnamon sticks using a toothpick and carefully arrange them around the candle. Allow the glue to dry completely.  The second is to tie the raffia around the candle. This will secure the cinnamon sticks to the candle. Make a bow in the front of the candle with the raffia.

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