It was another handmade holiday this year and I think the adults had even more fun than last year. We were certainly more ambitious and that did lead to more than a little bit of stress, but now that it is in the past, I hardly remember what the trouble was about. (I guess that is how one gets in such a predicament to begin with, right?) I know it's important not to take on too much during the busy holiday season, but I'm so much happier when my kids prefer the lovingly handmade gifts over the cheap plastic stuff. That is what really drives me to take on more and more.
Dave really outdid himself with the woodworking projects. He worked tirelessly every night after the kids went to bed. I'm not sure the kids understand how impressive these gifts are--that Dave is not a skilled carpenter but nevertheless designed and built these items with love. I know they will get it someday, but I'm pretty sure they think he can do anything so sometimes the amount of work that goes into something seems a little lost on them. Not that they weren't super excited and grateful about these gifts... every time I see them playing with them I am so happy. It is so rewarding to know that you can create your own happiness, in some cases out of sticks right in the backyard.
It was more difficult to motivate the kids this year, especially with the plans they had for Dave. I guess I should take the blame for that, but I really did encourage and remind them consistently. They both had very grand plans and they were just too overwhelmed to complete them. I guess the good news is that they are more than half-way finished with next year's gifts!!
There are a few gifts that never made it to the photo shoot--among them a beautiful pair of fingerless mitts made from a felted sweater. Franny designed and sewed them for me and they are just lovely. I was so touched because they were a total surprise. She embellished them with a flower she crafted from the ribbed section of the sweater. I was very impressed with her ingenuity! Also, the kids and Dave made two very cute tissue box covers for me that I love. I know we should really stop buying tissues, but I haven't been able to yet. I really love the fabrics they used and I was impressed with the design on those as well. We've got some pretty crafty people in this house!
I knit Dave a hat and mittens set back in the fall and gave them to him for Christmas, but those pictures are on my laptop instead of this desktop. I was able to meet my goal of something hand knit for everyone on Christmas morning! There's a rush that comes with completing a handmade project and that can often propel one into the next project looking for more of that great feeling. But today, when we had a performance to attend for Theo, and both kids were able to wear hand-knit sweaters and hand-sewn accessories, I was happy all over again. That is what really makes the work worth it...
