DIY: Seasonal Gifts & Remedies

Liz Ramos, under the supervision of Persephone the cat, helps us prepare the seasonal must-haves that need some extra time to create…

Greetings witches! While I know that it’s technically still summer, September is a GREAT time to start working on some homemade gifts and goodies. It is never too early to think ahead! And why hands on – we can infuse the energy and intentions we want to the gift and make it extra special.

Pickles/Relishes/Jams/Jellies: Some of the best gifts I have gotten/given have been some sort of pickled concoction. My personal favorite is cinnamon cucumber rings that my aunt makes. They taste just like a cinnamon apple and everyone who does not know what they are swears they are apples! My husband is a fan of gardinera. This is a great gift to give if you are a green/kitchen witch and need to figure out what to do with all of your garden goodies. Jams and Jellies are also highly favored in this house because we LOVE a good PBJ! If you haven’t tried candied apple jelly or plum anice jam, you’re missing out! To gift, put a few in a basket, or make a mini charcuterie kit with a board, a jam/pickle jar, some crackers, a smoked meat stick, and some cheese.. Perfection!

Fire Cider: Fire Cider is a folk remedy that is used to help boost the immune system and fight off illnesses. This spicy concoction is made from apple cider vinegar, raw honey, ginger, horseradish, onion, ginger, jalapeno, and/or other herbs and spices. This takes 4-6 weeks to make/infuse fully, so if you want to make this for Yule, you will want to get your batch started at the end of October or early November.

Vanilla Extract: While the ideal steep time is 6-12 months, you can use homemade vanilla in as early as 8 weeks. If you wanted to give this as a Yule Gift, you can always start your bottles as soon as possible, and then leave a use and instruction card with the bottle so your giftee can best use your gift. Also, who doesn’t love getting something as awesome as vanilla?!

However you give, make sure to infuse your creations with love and joy. Happy planning and crafting, witches!

Elizabeth Ramos is a magic practitioner who specializes in nature focused, healing, protective, and ancestral magics. She is a Reiki Master-Teacher and lives with her husband and their several Feline Leukemia Positive kitties in Upstate New York.

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