We don't do Christmas gifts anymore, but I'm making some small wallhangings for several people. Due to some injuries, I might set aside the holiday ones, but I also have some snowman ones to make, appropriate for the rest of the Winter. They are applique. You assemble the background, fuse the pieces, then pinbaste to batting and backing. Then use the machine's blanket stitch to not only finish the applique but quilt it at the same time.