So, it’s not technically December yet, but I’m already really excited for Christmas. Maybe it’s because the only way to enter my office building is by walking through a mall, the stores of which started decorating for Christmas round about July... but I really feel like it should BE here already. Actually, I can't fairly blame it on the stores... I've always been like this.
When I was little I would usually channel my impatience by watching A Muppet Christmas Carol on repeat, devouring my mothers cranberry bread, and orchestrating the decoration of our tree and house with fascist zeal (white lights only, all ornaments need my approval, anything made with popsicle sticks or corn flakes is strictly forbidden and will probably be thrown away when you’re not looking). I don’t know how my family put up with me. This was when I lived in Phoenix, a place with winters so mild a frozen puddle could actually attract a crowd. That kind of weather makes for wonderful retirement living but somewhat lackluster holidays.
Now I finally live in a city with real winters (though apparently not this year) but my usual modes of Christmas preparation are no longer available. For one thing, I can’t find the Muppet Christmas Carol on DVD anywhere, for another, my apartment has no room for a Christmas tree and my very poorly behaved cat would make short work of any decorations I tried to put up. To make matters worse, I can’t bake. After a series of heartbreaking results and one small fire, I’ve stopped trying. Mom, if you’re reading this please feel free to send me some cranberry bread... also my roommate devoured those candycane cookies you sent last year... just a thought.
Anyway, this is all a very roundabout way of saying that as part of my thoroughly disappointing journey into adulthood I’ve finally come to terms with the need for new holiday traditions. So tonight I’m watching Game of Thrones, sipping wine, and making Christmas ornaments. Not exactly a scene from Normal Rockwell... but it’s a start.
I got the idea for the ornaments from a little Christmas wreath I embroidered this summer. It was on too small a piece of fabric to really do anything with but it was so pretty I didn’t want to just put it in a box and forget about it, so I turned it into an ornament.
For some reason, even when a sew a perfect circle, the edges of the ornament look lopsided... thats why I added the braided trim. It’s a patch... but I think it’s kind of pretty and have added it even to my non circular ornaments.
Anyway, I hope these ornaments will become tradition for me. I really do love making them and it’s nice to think that maybe they’ll turn into cherished keepsakes for someone. In the meantime, does anyone know where I can get a copy of Muppet Christmas Carol? Game of Thrones is great.. but I need something with a happy ending and something tells me this isn’t it...
