I haven't been able to make any really involved Christmas gifts or projects this year (really, this is the way it goes most years!) It does feel good to embark on little 1-2 hour projects, though, especially if you can give the product as a small gift or use it to gussy up your packages.
Yesterday I got out my trustiest saucepan and made what has become my favorite candy to make at Christmastime. The first time I made them was here, back in 2009 (includes recipe!), and I've been hooked ever since! They're more fail-proof than many other candies (ahem, fudge, ahem), so the likelihood of kitchen disappointment is low.
They also mail really easily, and keep for at least a week or two. This (for me) makes them better for gift-giving than cookies...you don't need to make them the day before you present them.
I'm going to package these up in some simple bags tied with manila tags and nice twine and send 'em off to far-away friends!