Preparing for Christmas. Last year my husband spent Christmas working overseas. We missed him terribly and our Christmases will never be the same. We were changed by the experience and our priorities have changed forevermore. What is important to us? That we are healthy, safe and together.

We've been spending as much time together at home as possible. Making. Hand made, child made - decorations, treats and gifts. I don't even have to think about it, I know this is the right message to send to our children.

Otis has been so excited he has given presents already. Rather than each person receiving two soaps they have received eight or nine.  

We still have heaps of baking to go. Gingerbread seemed like a good place to start.  

 Christmas soaps. Melt and pour is too easy.  

Beeswax candles are a cinch even for a toddler. 

Decorated jars as candle holders or lanterns.