Wednesday, December 22, 2010

It's almost Christmas!

Not long now, just 3 sleeps. 
Are you excited? I hope so.
The commercialism of Christmas has taken away much of the simple joy of this time of the year. When I was growing up it was the most exciting time of the year. I only received gifts twice a year - my birthday and Christmas - and I imagine many of you experienced the same? Only one birthday gift, but I did receive a few little Christmas gifts and and one 'big' gift - a doll more times than not. :-)
It must have been so much better for our parents and grandparents back then - *a* gift...not gifts and gifts and gifts etc. 
Our family put a lid on the excesses this year and we chose to only buy each other one special gift. Next year we're going to do a home-made/hand-made theme...nice and simple, with the emphasis on love and appreciation. :-)
I did make a lot of handmade gifts this year for friends, and knowing how much work goes into a handmade gift gives me such appreciation for those who give of their time and talent to make items for me. You lnow who you are, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart! {{{{{{{{{{hugs}}}}}}}}}}
~~~~~
This week I have been making a tablecloth for my daughter, Kezzie. Her and her family live all the way down in Melbourne, and I miss them so very much. We are praying that next year we will be together for Christmas (we haven't since 2000) and that they will be living up here near us by then. 
Kezzie loves to cook, and she has some beautiful mealtime traditions that she is teaching her two sons. The family meal table, and giving thanks to God for the bounty she serves is very important to her, so I made this tablecloth to bless their table...
 
 
 
It has a heavy cotton backing on it to withstand many washes and two energetic young boys. :-)
She loves bright colours so I think this 'Breeze' fabric is perfect. 
~~~~~
I have opened more thoughtful Advent swap gifts from Carol...
 
I am feeling quite spoiled, Carol! Thank you so very much for this bounty!!
~~~~~
In my downtime I picked up a copy of this UK magazine because I noticed the Tilda fabric on the dolls and I love all things Tilda! It's a fabulous read, and full of very pretty projects - some I will make as gifts for next year. It even had fabrics, threads, and notions to make some of the projects! 
~~~~~
This afternoon it's back to the cutting board. Remember this sneak peek? 
I'm finally free to start piecing it into a new Shabby Roses quilt...that will be two new Shabby quilts in 2011! Can't wait to show them to you!
~~~~~
Hugs
Jenny
xxx

23 comments:

Mommarock said...

I know exactly what you mean about Christmas and birthdays. I got one gift for my birthday growing up. For Christmas, having 7 kids in our family we all got one school outfit, one gift of our own, and one family gift. Those were the best Christmas' ever! I am certain anything that is made by you will be a cherished gift!

Rumi said...

Every year I say I will cut back drastically on gifts. I still end up getting too much but I am getting better.

Wonderful tablecloth that will be much appreciated I'm sure!

Merry Christmas Jenny!

Wendy said...

I love your table cloth that you made for your daughter. It is so beautiful. And I am sure she will cherish it.

We have cut back on the gifts that we give also.We only buy for our children and parents. We have a big family (25 of us total)so we do a big family dinner together and celebrate the love we have for each other. Not all of us live locally so its a great time to catch up and spend time as a family. We play games and just generally have fun. The house is full of noise, love, warmth and fun.

vernagrace said...

Our family did the same as yours, a big gift, usually a doll, and a few small things. Often a handmade outfit made by Mum. I am the youngest of 6 so I got spoiled more when the rest left home. This year I made many of my gifts, and did cut back on the things I bought. I have enjoyed making scarves, fingerless gloves, hats , and a small Christmas quilt made of soft flannelette for my 4 year old grandson that he can cozy up in. I',m still working on a prayer shawl for my daughter in law, but it might have to be a New Year's gift instead. I used to love to shop for those we buy for, but this year I enjoyed thinking about each person as I worked. Jenny, the tablecloth is gorgeous, and I'm sure will hold great memories of around the table for your daughter and her family, especially knowing it came from a loving Mum and Grandmother's loving hands.
God bless each and every one of you and I wish you all a Merry Christmas!

Anna Rosa Designs said...

Hi Jenny,
Ohh, I love the table cloth for your daughter and I'm sure it will be cherished for many years to come. What a special gift, made with love my Mum.
I wonder if she may be neighbour?
Have a wonderful Christmas,
Hugs,
Anna

Allie said...

As a little girl, I hit the motherlode of Christmas - I was the only grandchild for 11 years, and the only girl. Spoiled ROTTEN...but with love, and I well knew it, I didn't take it for granted. Well, maybe a little. I started the same way with my boys, until hubby lost his job, and I wanted to emphasize Christ - so we went to 3 gifts, 2 small and one big, because Jesus got 3 gifts. Now, with teens, they can't even pick 3! And Christmas is not so exciting. Not because of the gifts, I don't think...but because I think our hearts have gotten smaller. My goal for next year is to enlarge them, by giving in unexpected ways, and having the boys join me.

Jenny, that table cloth is such a blessing, what a beautiful way to grace your dd's table. I do hope you do a pattern for that...more lovely gifts, and more lovely sneaky peeky's at your beautiful new Shabby Rose! Oh I'm so looking forward to this one!

Maria said...

Yes I agree Jenny. The whole meaning of Christmas seems to have gone. I am sure if I ask my grandchildren the meaning of Christmas they would say "Presents" Sad.
I made a lot of the gifts this year and had so much fun doing them.
Your DD1s tablecloth is just beautiful and I am sure they will love it.Hope you can all be together next year.
Enjoy your Christmas.

Susan said...

Jenny, we too are guilty of the load of presents under the tree - my reason is that my daughters dont have aunts uncles, grandparents etc to spoil them on Christams day so we did - bt we have reduced our load a bit this year - but its a hard habit to break. And the eldest one is 21 so this is her last "stocking" year, I feel very sad about that but really also a bit relieved - it is very hard to fill big stockings that I stupidly made for them when they were little. (Easy then with large colouring books and balls and towels - harder now as even the little things they want are the most expensive!). So, having said all that I stil have shopping to do - oh sigh - next year I will do it ALL in ONE day - ha ha!!
Love your table cloth - and yes you should sell a pattern for it - if only to save us lazy ones from drawing up the lettering!
Take Care Jenny, Enjoy your lovely family and have a truly blessed Christmas season (in the rain)

Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said...

Yes, I find it hard each year to do anything special for my family as they truly have everything they need. I only buy the necessities and my kids think that is boring. I try to handmake many things for friends. It does take time and I'm not the most organized person in the world when it comes to planning ahead. :/ the tablecloth you've made for your daughter is quite beautiful with a lovely sentiment. Wishing you and yours a happy holiday. Tammy

Sue from Cyprus said...

Oh Jenny, your daughter's tablecloth is just beautiful. She will love it. The BOM looks lovely...can't wait for this one!!

Have a Blessed Christmas Jenny!

Hugs, Sue from Cyprus x x x

Cattinka said...

You cant wait to show us 2011 shabby roses, and I can´t wait to see it.
I love the tablecloth you made, I know your daughter will cherish it.
KATRIN W.

Jan Quigley said...

Oh yes I remember the one present policy & yes usually it was a doll, though i would have rathered a train set. :-) I love the sneak peek can't wait to see the whole thing. cheers, Jan

DIAN said...

Jenny, the tablecloth is a true gift of love.
This year I am making, recycling and buying gifts in op shops.

It is proving to be remarkably easy to find/make lovely gifts for my girls and my grandchildren.

Abby and Stephanie said...

Handmade is best--a gift from the hands and heart. What a special gift for your daughter. Happiest Holidays.

Sheila said...

Your birthday and Christmases sound just like mine when I was a child and it is too bad that things have changed . I do try to make as many of the gifts as possible and hope those recieving them appreciate them as I truly love making things to give. I love the tablecloth you have made for your daughter , beautiful and I am sure she and her family will love it and use it often and think of you . Merry Christmas to you and your family and thank you for all that you give to each of us throughout the year . I love your work and your patterns are lovely .
hugs,
Sheila

Carrie P. said...

Oh, the tablecloth is gorgeous and love how you added the saying. She will love it.
Some very nice gifts.

Marsha B said...

The table cloth is beautiful and your daughter will love it! There is more value to it than anything you could have bought for her!

Val Laird said...

Exactly as I remember my childhood - presents only at Birthdays and Christmas ... and weren't we made to feel special.

Jenny, it was lovely sharing the full page spread with you in Handmade 28/9!

Have a wonderful Christmas celebrating God's amazing love.

Blessings
Val

Unknown said...

What a Lovely Tablecloth..Your DD will Treasure it for Years...
have a Lovely Xmas Jenny & all the Best for a Creative 2011...
ho ho ho

Michelle May-The Raspberry Rabbits said...

I too love a very simple, handmade Christmas. It's all about family and friends, laughter and good food.
I love the tablecloth and I know many good meals and stories will be shared around it.
xx, shell

Julia said...

Yes so true Jenny...The real meaning of Christmas seems to have gone.
The food bill alone is enough to break the bank..
Love the table cloth..
have a wonderful Christmas..
Julia ♥

Lolita said...

Hola Jenny,
mi nombre es Lolita, he seguido tu blog hace un año, pero nunca me he atrevido a escribirle, porque no hablo una gota de inglés, pero decidi,escribirle para que sepa que tambien en costa rica vemos su blog, y aunque no entienda este comentario a lo mejor te de alegria saber que alguien te aprecia y no se pierde el visitarte.
Saludos y un abrazo fuerte esta navidad...

Marina said...

I love the sentiment embroidered on the table-cloth "God bless this table, and all who sit around it" - what a great idea!