From Kiva: "Kiva's mission is to connect people through lending for the sake of alleviating poverty. Kiva is the world's first person-to-person micro-lending website, empowering individuals to lend to unique entrepreneurs around the globe."

For $25. you can loan money to someone who is a trying to make their life a little better. Out of 20 loans made by our friends and family group, only one has been defaulted. The others were repaid or in the process of being paid off, which in turn frees up more money that can be loaned.

Last year we tucked eight gift certificates to family members in their stockings -- each in turn has been taking part over the past year loaning money. It's the gift that can go on giving forever . . .

Kiva.org

My current picture on Facebook has received several nice comments and I realized how much fun it was to share old vintage photos of our holidays. Yes, my childhood ones are certainly vintage and most would call them antique!

Do you have photos of your childhood Christmas -- holding a new toy or perhaps in front of the family Christmas tree? It's time to share! Submit your photos to be used in a Childhood pictures photo gallery. The form used doesn't quite fit, so be creative in your answers.

1. Check out these adorable photos
2. Submit your photos here.

Circa 1940s

This week's mystery is a little different - it's time to guess what this Santa mold sold for in the summer of 2008. Post your guess in the comment section below.

Last week's mystery antique and answer.

• Wordless Wednesdays on About
• See more Wordless Wednesday Blogs
• More Mystery Item Quizzes

Napkin rings, penny arcade, Christmas stuff and gum ball machines are all in Dan Morphy's Auction this coming weekend.

What's hot? Out of 125 PEZ lots only three or four do not have bids. Many have multiple bids!

Read about the PEZ: "Dan Morphy Auctions is pleased to present a 30+ year collection of more than 125 PEZ lots to be auctioned in December 2009. This collection includes many scarce dispensers and other PEZ items. Collectors will be pleased to see such examples as a Make a Face on original card, the Lions Club dispenser, an Alpine Man, Pear, Hippo and Mary Poppins, among many other rarities."

Dan Morphy Auctions

^{Image courtesy of Dan Morphy}

I'll admit this is not for everyone -- but if know someone that loves A Christmas Story, is there anything more iconic to the movie than the leg lamp? And one is not restricted to just getting a lamp, there are strings of lights to hang on the tree, a lamp to display in the window, a leg shaped puzzle and a t-shirt.

For village collectors, how about the Dept. 56 version of Ralphie's House and Leg Lamp? This is something I could easily add to the village pieces!

Compare and check prices

^PriceGrabber

Imagine a peacock in a Christmas tree, now imagine that Peacock is almost the size of a real bird. That's what David Olsen imagined and then created with all his peacock themed ornaments. But he doesn't stop there, how about a full-size Japanese kimono? Or a tree filled with large parasols? Olsen likes to think big and it works!

David's Peacock Christmas Tree

^{Courtesy of David Olsen}

This book was just featured on TV as a gift pick for Christmas and I couldn't agree more. I've always loved the works of Peter Max and the way he captures American culture. It's been my dream to own one of his paintings, but that's not gonna happen. If you're looking for a gift for someone who collects or loves American pop culture, this might be a great gift pick.

The book was published several years ago, but is still available at various outlets at reasonable prices. If you want to splurge -- go to the Peter Max site and get a personally autographed book for $265.

Compare Prices

Just to prove my theory that just about anything can be used on a wreath, I saw a video on making a wreath with metal cookie cutters and a big bow. No actual wreath was needed -- just the cutters themselves! Check it out on the Better Homes and Garden web site.

Making wreaths from your found treasures or old collectibles that might be broken or perhaps not worth very much, is a way to enjoy your hobby all through the holidays.

See larger images and more holiday wreaths made from collectibles:

• Sesame Street Wreath
• Jim's Yearly Ornament Wreath
• Tacky Plastic Santa Wreath
• Harry Potter Wreath
• Blue Eyes White Dragon Wreath
• Parade of Penguins

Did you add to your collection in November? Was there a particularly good find you made or perhaps something you've been wanting for a long time and finally found it? In my case it was a new (to me) artist I discovered that I am particularly happy with.

Share your finds in the comment section, it just takes a moment to post!

It's the first week of December, so it's time you got cracking on those holiday crafts. Here are some winter treasures to get started with.

Winterscape Needlepoint Ornaments
Create a needlepoint ornament with these Winterscape printable patterns. Cheryl Fall has your pattern and how-to.

Antique Christmas Scraps
Use these great looking antique Santa illustrations to use on all your paper projects-- scrapbooks, cards, ornaments and newsletters!

Knit Tinsel
If you can make an I-cord, you can use a fancy eyelash yarn to make knit tinsel in no time for your hearth or holiday tree. Sarah E. White shows you how.

Shrink Plastic Necklace
Use shrink plastic to create unique charms to make necklaces and other items of jewelry. These are quick to make and are perfect for last minute gifts!

Sweater Holiday Lighting
Make a light-up Christmas tree using an old sweater and a little know-how form the Sweater Surgery blog.

Printable Paper Sleigh
A Printable Sleigh to fill with goodies. This sleigh fits dolls house scale dolls, but it also stands nicely behind most commercial reindeer figures to make a table decoration. You can print it in the colors shown, or use the template to construct your own sleigh in the color you want.

Peace Cross Stitch
One message during the holidays that everyone can agree with is 'Peace'. Create this simple cross stitch with the free pattern and instructions from Connie G. Barwick.

Draw a Santa
Decorate cards, tags and more when you learn how to sketch the perfect Santa from Helen South.

Glittery Wood and Wire Snowman Earrings
These super easy snowmen earrings are a whimsical design that even the beginning jewelry maker can create.

Ribbon Wreath Craft
Find out how you can create a unique wreath using pieces of ribbon. By looking at this finished project, you will never believe how easy it is!

Holiday Pear Quilt
Create a pear quilt as a holiday gift or just to spruce up the place. Cyndi Lavin at the Mixed Media Blog has your tips and instructions.

Cuttlebugged Christmas Cards
These quick Christmas cards were made using my Sissix Big Shot, ProvoCraft Christmas Tree embossing folder, Versamark inks and embellishments. Get the instructions at the Firenze Cards blog.

Christmas Card Art Worksheet
Make a watercolor Christmas Card out of a cathedral rose window without all that pesky drawing. Just print this outline from Marion Boddy-Evans on a sheet of watercolor paper using waterproof ink.

Want to Join Make it Merry to show off your holiday crafts? We will showcase your crafts and recipes of all holiday traditions. Learn more.