I’m having trouble wrapping my head around the fact that Christmas is getting close.  I see the lights and decorations.  I hear the music. I’ve even started shopping.  But I just can’t convince myself that it’s really December.  A whole week into December.

I’m going to be caught by surprise again.  Even though I know it’s coming and I try to prepare.  Anyone else feel like this?

I do have a few quick and easy gift ideas you can make in your own kitchen.  These posts are from last year, but I wanted to pull them back up to the top so they aren’t forgotten.

First up, the snack mixes you see in the photo above.  Fun to make and to give.  They’re super quick too, so if you need to do a lot at once (teacher gifts, maybe?) this is an idea for you.  There’s even a free printable for the black and white Hollywood Mix.

Two more quick mixes – Homemade Seasoned Salt and Homemade Italian Herb Salt.  These are both great for anyone who likes to cook.  You can mix up a big batch and make several jars at once.

Finally, Apple Butter in the Slow Cooker would make a great gift.  This one does need to be kept refrigerated, so keep that in mind when thinking of who to give it to.  It’s really easy to make though, because it starts with store-bought applesauce.

Giveaways!

There are two giveaways going on right now that you still have time to enter.

Win a $50 Sam’s Club card from Beneforte Broccoli by entering here.

And I’m giving away a programmable Crock-Pot too.  You only have about 1 day left to enter this one!