Dear Daughter,

The reason why I love Christmas so much is because it means family time. Growing up, that was the time of the year when I would spend quality time with Grandma. My mom who otherwise was too busy with work and younger siblings would take the time to bake and do crafts for the tree. I remember sitting at the kitchen table cutting paper and gluing glitter, while the snow fell outside. Grandma was a master at Swedish “mys” and the kitchen would smell of gingerbread cookies and oranges, every window would have a small lamp on the ledge to create a cozy ambience and there was always a lit candle on the table. I hope, Elsa, that you will remember our holidays with the same fondness when you get older. I hope you have fond memories of going to buy the Christmas tree the day after Thanksgiving, baking the week before Christmas, and making the gingerbread house the weekend before Christmas,

2. Cut three strips (starting from the folded side) equal sizes leaving an inch from the rounded edge.

3. Weave the basket together; The green strip goes in the red, then the red strip goes in the green etc. It looks more complicated than it is.

4. Finished pattern below. If it gets too tight to weave the last strip, you can cut off the sides a little.

5. Cut out a strip for a handle, and tape it to the basket on the inside. Hang the basket in the tree. Instead of filling them with candy (like my grandparents) I decided that we are going to fill them with notes. Everyone in the family is going to write a note to each family member telling them why they are special to them. How is that for holiday spirit!?

Remember that homemade gifts are not supposed to look perfect, that's what makes them so special.