DECEMBER 2021 • 55READER’S DIGESTRoxie Broun, who runs the website
Mum Days and Escapes, has always
loved the outdoors, but with the
restrictions in place last year, it meant
she spent more time in nature than
ever. This led to making her own
Christmas presents in the form of sloe
gin and candles.
"We have always spent a lot of time
outside as a family, but lockdown
meant that I myself in particular
really started to appreciate nature
even more. It led me to read about
foraging and all the wonderful food
you could make with the things you
could find locally. Sloe gin seemed
an easy thing to try and I thought it
would make a nice gift as it already
has Christmas connotations. The
candles came about because I wanted
something I could make to go with it.
I had a candle making kit back when
I was a kid and remembered it being
quite easy! I made them cinnamon
and orange-scented so they smelled
lovely and Christmassy."
There’s also the added bonus that
a handmade gift holds so much more
thought than a shop-bought one, and
it’s something that Roxie loves about
the new tradition.
"Making gifts is cheaper than
buying gifts and I think it’s really
lovely creating something from
scratch. I felt proud of myself! I think
to receive something that has been
made for you is lovely too. So much
more thought and effort than simply
buying in a store. They were made
with love and that’s exactly why I
want to do it again this year, and the
years that follow."I MADE MY OWN
CHRISTMAS PRESENTS