Christmas is here. I’m so excited, it’s ridiculous. For some reason, finding out that Santa Claus doesn’t exist didn’t deter from the magic of the holiday season for me. I still get all watery-eyed when I see a house decked out in lights. I can’t help but pick up wrapped packages and shake them. I’ve managed to fit seven Christmas trees — of varying sizes — in my home. It’s sick really.

This year, the fact that money is tight hasn’t gotten me down a bit. Instead of buying pre-made gifts for loved ones, I’ve resorted to sharing my talents. I’ve done some drawings and paintings for family members, offered up my husband’s photography skills to others and baked cookies and other goodies for the rest. I had to make sure I was able to get all of this done though, so there was some preparation needed. Before any baking could begin, I checked the List and found someone to service our oven — I can’t have my good-baking name marred by burnt sugar cookies!