A little basket of joy

Sometimes... no... often, very simple things can add joy to everyday life. One of our winter traditions is a small basket filled with packets of cocoa, cider, and cappuccino that sits on our kitchen table. I got a new basket this year (50% off--$4.50!) and filled it with our favorites. Nothing fancy, just stuff from the grocery store. Could we skip the basket and just rummage around in the pantry or the tea cupboard and get what we want out of the boxes? Yep. Would it be as cozy, and homey, and Christmas-y as the pretty little basket that sits on the table? Nope. 

As you walk by the table, you want to pause, choose a packet, heat the kettle, and make yourself a cup of something hot. 

This would make a great gift. You could make it as fancy or as simple as you like. For a more elaborate gift, make a decoration for the basket out of felt or stitch something, finish it as a flat ornament and attach it to the basket. Fill it with homemade or special mixes. If you just need a quick, simple, inexpensive but thoughtful gift, buy a decorated basket and fill it like we do, with grocery store goodies like flavored cocoas, cider, tea, and cappuccino. There are always tons of cute baskets to be found around the holidays, and you can always get them on sale or with a coupon. 

Or just make one for yourself. Who couldn't use a little more coziness?