Seasons' Traditions

I have officially put away the tote of seasonal fabric.  Enough!  I admit it - I have a hard time creating with Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas fabrics.  The thought of something being used 1 or 2 weeks (maybe for the day) with all that hard work into it - it is like burning a Picasso.  Well, that's a little extreme, but you get the point.

As a member of the Charming Girls' Quilt Club - it is time for a new theme and monthly goals.

  A lot has changed since my children have grown and moved on and some with own families.  When they were little every room was filled with decor, mostly their own little creations.  Now Thanksgiving only gets a table topper with a small vase of flowers. I no longer put up a Christmas tree, but decorate the mantel with some sort of theme of handmade wares.  And it will be the first year to share the new tradition of working on my Christmas Village with my grandson.

You won't find recipes here as I don't bake - be thankful.  Large dinners are usually done with me doing the roast, turkey, or ham with everyone else bringing their own specialty part of the meal.  This is a real stress and time reliever on everyone.  And we usually have our holiday meal together the day before or the day after so everyone can spend the Holiday with their own family.  Again a stress and time reliever.

Special outings were back with the kids - school plays and concerts, caroling, and Santa Visits.  Now my big planned event is Black Friday at my LQS for free FQ's for Food Items - help the local food pantries benefit.  I'm not a "Mall" person and when you need a wheelchair for those trips, the holiday crowd just doesn't make it pleasant.

Tips and tricks for de-stressing the Holidays.  As said before, we share the preparation of the meal.  I work on gifts thru the year and really try to finalize by the end of Oct. - I want to enjoy the last 2 months of the year.  Yes, don't hate me, my Christmas shopping and making is done - even all my on-line swaps are done and waiting for mailing.

A funny Holiday story - there are a lot, but I love when my youngest went to Santa Visit when he was in Kindergarten.  This wasn't his first, but when he sat on Santa's knee and heard him speak - the look!  He immediately de-bearded Santa and yelled across the room to me  - "Mama, you never told me Santa was my school bus driver".

Goals for November and December:

Finish quilt tops and try not to start anything new.  I have packed up a lot of tubs and re-organized to start the New Year fresh.  I have a new grandson due early Dec., so I will be spending time with my daughter's family.  And I want to be sure I spend extra time with my MOM (who lives in the other half of my house) as this will be her first year alone during the holidays - DAD pass earlier this year.

Yes, sewing for enjoyment with no deadline, sharing time with family, having time to put ones feet up and watch some old movies of the season.  Ahhhhhhh

Sewingly Yours,

Sharon