During the holiday season, I've suffered from homemade gift envy. My children’s schools have always had a “no gift” policy for the teachers.  They try to enforce the idea of homemade cards from the kids rather than store-bought items.  While I’d try to adhere to this highly-debated policy, I’d always find myself sneaking in a nominal gift card to Barnes and Nobles or iTunes alongside my kids' artwork. I  just had to reinforce my “thanks.” However, I never really felt satisfied.  I felt generic. I was envious when, year after year, I’d see … [Read more...]