The altruistic benefits of creating Christmas gifts for loved ones in the kitchen have been highlighted by a leading food writer.In addition to saving time, money and even ones sanity, baking or cooking presents over the festive season can have wider advantages, says Paula Goodyear.In her blog for the Sydney Morning Herald, Ms Goodyear explains that hand-made stocking-fillers cut down on unnecessary wastage and can help the over-indulgence that is a perennial hallmark of this time of year.Ms Goodyear says Aside from the selfish sanity saving (and cost cutting) aspect, there are altruistic reasons too. The food you make yourself is likely to be healthier [] involve less packaging and be really useful - were all in a hurry and good food from someone elses kitchen can be a time saver in your own.Another great way to reduce the impact of kitchen waste over the Christmas period is by investing in a food waste disposer, which grinds down organic matter not suitable for composting and allows it to enter the water system more safely.