Counting Down

Every year I make it a point to fill up my to do list with a ridiculous amount of Christmas themed projects with which to "deck the halls." In my mind it will be this time of togetherness with the kids filled with crafting, hot cocoa, and warm fuzzies, completely stress free of course. Handmade presents will be beautifully wrapped, resting under the tree by December 5th, each gift thoughtful and unique to its recipient.

This year was no exception. My to do list included making new stockings, wrapping styrofoam balls with yarn to create ornaments, crafting a homemade snowflake garland, painting a piece of artwork for __________, ___________, and __________, baking cookies for the whole block and making an advent calender for the kids to enjoy.

Well, December snuck up on me yet again. We finally completed our decorating on Sunday so I could remove the boxes that had been sitting our dining room since December 1st. The outside decor consists of a lovely string of lights bordering our flower bed, and a Charlie Brown Christmas tree by the front door. All of the projects on my list have flown out the window (you can laugh now MiMi) because I am still working on projects for others that have nothing to do with my personal list. But, I promised my kids Christmas crafts, and they were going to get Christmas crafts whether they liked it or not! I finally took a break from work to create an advent calender with my daughter.

Felt was used for the pockets, antique lace makes up the angel wings, and yes MiMi, that is hand embroidery on the snowflake (albeit much simpler than the ones I pointed out in the store). Audrie came up with most of the ideas for the pictures, including the use of chenille for the snowman. Black thread was used to sew on each piece not for the look, but due to the fact that I was too lazy to change the thread on my sewing machine.

I finished the calender on December 6th, in the evening while the rest of my family watched How the Grinch Stole Christmas. We stuffed the pockets with candy.

It looks handmade. The pockets are crooked, the stitching isn't the best, but my kids love it. And now I have a daily reminder of the dwindling time left to shop before Christmas. :)

ND