Our Christmas wasn't white but the sky dumped a fine layer of sleet and five inches of snow on the homestead today. We decided not to take the travel risk and drive seventy miles to my aunt's house for a handmade gift exchange and dinner. Instead, we took a snow day.

We let the chickens out to exercise before the heaviest snow fell. They don't seem to mind the cold stuff on the ground but when visibility lessens they run for the coop.

Alex and I shoveled the ice from part of the driveway. Our lengthy drive allows us some privacy but we're realizing that our responsibility to clear it is a bit of a downside. And we're wishing that just one of the three garage bays was organized enough so the car wouldn't be out in this weather. Soon we will get around to unpacking the garage.

Inside, we are enjoying generous gifts from our family. Alex received this clever army guy bowl from one of my sisters and the handmade leather bolas from another. I unwrapped this painstakingly painted birdhouse by Lil.

We also received a dedicated meat grinder, Le Crueset (our first!), books, toys, earrings, food, drinks, and more. Lil's big present was a trip to Disneyland in early January! We'll be accompanying Alex on a business trip and make a trip to the mouse while we're there.

We're discussing where to hang our new handmade artwork. I crafted the bacon and eggs piece from remnant wood in our garage and egg tempra from the yolk of a backyard chicken egg and Alex's home made charcoal. My sister made the Ohio nail art - she says it's not nearly as time consuming as it looks.

While we miss extended family, this day to decompress and enjoy each other was most welcome. How were your holidays?

P.S. I just realized that my comment spam filter was marking all comments as spam. I approved about a week's worth of real comments this afternoon. There could be more that the filter deleted before I could approve them and if this happened to your comment I sincerely apologize. I do appreciate discussion and will be more attentive to the spam filter from here on out!

Our Xmas was truly lovely. The Goose Dinner went off without a hitch, Lillian was patient during the many family gatherings, and we loved the wintery weather. We received some fantastic handmade gifts during the festivities.

Click pictures to enlarge. My sister sewed me a lower half apron with purple fabrics from my 30th birthday quilt, Lillian's gift, a handmade purse, and gifts from years past.

She also was the crafty person behind Devie and Hawise's gift - an eye patch for the one eyed dog and parrot shirt for the little one. Hawise is frozen in hatred in that picture.

My mom made Lil a beautiful dress and matching satchel. They fit so well and even include sparkly adornments as Lil requested in her wish list.

Sisters Megan and Heather made hand-stamped stationary, fancy chocolates, a snack pack of homemade ricotta, mozzarella, and crackers, and flavored vinegar.

Grandma sewed a top apron and my cousin Naomi made me a skirt from old men's dress shirts.

Alex's mom gave me a very cool earring holder made by a local artist from fine gauge copper wire wrapped evenly around large gauge wire. This seems simple enough that anyone with some patience could make it. The earrings on the display are made by my sister-in-law-to-be Kim.

Uncle Mike made Alex a home-cut and hand-sharpened titanium hand scraper/bottle opener with a hand-sanded wooden handle. As if that wasn't enough, he cast some tiki shaped chocolate molds too.

One topic of conversation during the handmade gift exchanges is that the giving became more meaningful and fun. I am so thankful for family members that not only appreciate making presents by hand but are talented enough to produce some really creative things.

We feel perfectly present-ed this year. Did you receive any handmade goodies?