Hope this helps.

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: A few ideas: : Since you are going home for the holidays indicates that you have moved away from the area. : So, look around and see what local treasures you have at your fingertips. Ornaments; mugs; calendars; etc. are a gift that will remind them of this year's festivities throughout the year. : Make a Christmas basket for each of the families. : Makeyour first stop to a dollar store for the basic items... baskets; mugs; plates; plastic wrap; bows, etc. : Then let your imagination run wild. : Some of these you can do at home and always are a hit: : 1. Make a recipe of hot chocolate mix. (see recipes below). : 2. Add a sample tin of gourmet coffee and/or tea : 3. Do you bake? How about homemade cookies - if not,look for the Christmas tin of Oreos. : 4. A handful of hard candy and candy canes for color. : 5. Chocolate Spoons for stirring (you can make your own or pick them up at your local candy store) I tie them to the bows of gifts. : 6. Mugs, either purchased at the dollar store, or look around for mugs that show an attraction in the area in which you now live. : 7. Add one ornament with each basket as a remembrance of this Christmas. : I'm sure you get the idea. Even though you can make the baskets look individual, you are using approximately the same items. Consequently, you can purchase mostly everything in bulk. : Wrap in holiday paper and put a festive bow on the gift and have a gift that everyone will enjoy. : : HOT CHOCOLATE MIX : 2 cups skim-milk powder : 3/4 cup granulated sugar : 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder : 1 tsp cinnamon (opt) : 2 cups mini marshmallows : Set sieve over large bowl; pour in skim-milk powder, sugar, cocoa, and cinnamon (if using). Stir to combine until mixture passes through sieve. : Stir in mini marshmallows. Spoon into container. Cover with lid or plastic wrap. (Mix can be stored at room temp for up to 1 month.) Makes about 4 cups. : Add direction to jar: : Add 1/4 cup to mug of very hot milk and stir well : or: : White Hot Chocolate Mix : A great idea for a major chocoholic : 1 tsp. vanilla powder : 1 tsp. dried orange peel : 1/2 cup grated white chocolate or white chocolate chips : Combine and blend the ingredients in a small bowl. Store in an airtight container. : Attach this to the Jar : White Hot Chocolate Serves 2 : 1 and 1/2 cups milk : 1/4 cup White Hot Chocolate Mix : In a small saucepan, heat the milk until bubbles form around the outside. : Add the White Hot Chocolate Mix and whisk until the chocolate is melted. : Continue to whisk until the mixture is hot : : : I will be going home for Christmas, at which time I will be visiting my ex in-laws and their children, and their children's children. What is the proper ettiquite as far as giving gifts? I really didn't want to spend a lot of money. I don not even know some of the children. I will buy something for my ex mother-in-law and her spouse since she is my children's grandmother and always sends them money for Christmas. Please help.

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