Sunnycat, I completely relate to all you said. Btw, decorating your home with your love and effort and creativity is NOT selfish. Your family and guests benefit from the environment you create in your home. Nurturing your family before gift giving seems fine to me. For those who have the time and resources and appropriately grateful recepients, giving quilts is also lovely. Personally, I'm glad that I have 3 afgans and a baby blanket from my master-knitter Grandma who knit for the WW2 effort and the family, but not so much for others. No guilt, Sunnycat, create for yourself to your heart's content!