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Christmas at Home in the Southwest
Nothing
beats the aroma of hot chocolate, cinnamon, and baked
goods drifting through the house, mingled with the scent
of pine as the tree is trimmed and cold December
evenings are spent in winter’s quiet preparing gifts for
a cozy, happy holiday at home.
Homemade gifts, foods and decorations are all you
need to create memories that will be cherished at
lifetime along with traditions that will be passed on
generations to come. These are the things that truly
provide lasting holiday enjoyment.
You need not necessarily look further than your
pantry if you are so inspired. Gifts from the kitchen
are symbolic of the hearth and nourishment, home and
good health, two things we most desire to give to our
loved ones year round and especially at Christmas.
Ideas for Southwest and homemade gifts from the
kitchen:
Homemade Salsa
Bottle up your favorite salsa recipe, friends will
love it. Recycled jars (be sure to purchase new lids if
preserving), bits of ribbon, raffita to tie around the
jar. Add a bag of your favorite tortilla chips and you
have a great gift. We ship these from our kitchen at
Southwest Flair all over the country to friends and
family not living in the southwest.
Black Beans and Rice
Large Mason jar, layer 1 cup each black beans and
rice, repeating the process until the jar is filled. Tie
red chiles around the jar and add a recipe for black
beans and rice.
Family Cookbook
Computers make it easy to print your own cookbook.
Gather your favorite recipes. Get a binder. Gather
recipes from each family member or from each female in
the family. Add a little bio and photo of each person.
Print and place in sheet protectors in binder. Young
family members can later add to this cookbook as the
family grows. A cookbook and family history all in one.
Decorating Ideas
Pine Cone Garland - gather pine cones medium to large
in size. Use florist’s wire and wrap tightly around a
pine cone twice, take the next pinecone and repeat the
process placing as tightly and closely as possible to
the first pine cone. Continue until your garland is
desired length. Spray with glitter for an extra special
touch. Spray with your favorite scented holiday oil.
Start with hand-picked pine cones
Orange and Bay Swag
Dry orange slices (air dry, oven dry, or in a
dehydrator). Cut a length of thread double it, thread it
and knot. Slide an orange slice onto the needle and down
to the knot. Add bay leaves to desired thickness. Repeat
process until completed. Tie off and add a raffita bow.
Spray with orange or citrus oil diluted with water.
You can also make a wreath, simply bend a coat-hanger
into a circle and follow directions above.
And don’t forget your favorite homemade holiday
foods!
Tamales are a Christmas tradition in the southwest.
Make up a big batch or order them from your favorite
Mexican restaurant and share them with friends and
family.
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