From our home to yours… peace and happiness in the New Year! Thank you to everyone for reading along, and I’m looking forward to more crafting, foodie and family adventures in 2011.
This was the serene scene the night before Christmas in my living room. All was calm, all was bright.
Ever take on a project that you think will be a piece of cake, but then it takes longer than you initially estimated? Happens to almost everyone I know. Happens to me all the time, but it’s always worth it. I’ve been busy crafting for a cause…
I delivered sixteen pillowcases tonight to children at a hospital in Chicago. I met all but three of the patients… a few were very young, others very much teenagers, some needed more help than others. In every patient, I saw a child who didn’t or would not be going home for the holidays. I met parents who spend countless hours by their child’s side.
Not knowing what to expect from my visit, I was overwhelmed exiting the building and a little teary-eyed. I was happy to have been able to spread a little Christmas cheer, but it was just so humbling.
What’s your small gesture this season, your little random act of kindness?
Clearly, I’ve fallen off the face of the earth with journaling here. Last week, the house was finally clean and decorated, cookies baked, and menu prepared for our annual cookie exchange party. Nine years running. Amazing. I’ll be back this week after recovering from the sugar coma.
I was inspired by the glittery garland wreaths in the Holiday issue of Martha Stewart Living magazine. My version is quick, easy and afforable: $3.50, courtesy of the bargain bins at Target. $1.00 for the garland, and $2.50 for the wreath. No need for glue guns or scissors, either!
At the store, I found red and green wreaths, and silver and gold garland. Choose the combination you prefer… I liked the green and gold which incidentally are my high school colors. (Shhh… my husband thinks I have a ridiculous amount of high school pride.) Red and gold would have been nice, too, for a bit of an Asian flair.
The How-To
This wreath is going on my son’s bedroom door since his big sister has a wreath on hers. I might use some ribbon and hang the wreath a little lower. Did I mention, they each have their own little tabletop Christmas trees in their rooms, too?
I read this article in the paper the other day about volunteer opportunities. This immediately caught my eye:
The Northern Illinois Food Bank needs 260 handmade holiday cards to include in boxes of food sent to senior citizens in December. Contact Tia Milne at 630-443-6910, ext. 130.
And, because my cookie exchange party is just around the corner, I thought this was timely, too. Eight dozen cookies in the house… it’s easy to share.
Advocate Hospice needs holiday decorations for its centers and homemade cookies to give patients and their families.
How many of you sew? There’s a need for you, and not just around the holidays!
Assist in making bed jackets, lap blankets and other items for patients – be a L.O.V.E. volunteer.
I’d love to hear about your favorite organizations or maybe you craft or cook for a cause… more to come.
Christmas Tree in progress
Most people might say they love Christmas, and I do definitely love the holiday. But after a little thought, maybe I really enjoy Advent more with all the preparation, the anticipation, the planning… there’s so much I want to do, but have already resigned myself that some projects will be for next year. I have much to be thankful for, much I want to give to family, friends, those with needs, those less fortunate.
All month, I’ll try to share with you some thoughts and ways to give back… not that you’re already bombarded with ideas, but perhaps just some food for thought.
One of my favorite ornaments
