Peace at Christmas Free Devotional Week Three

Here is week three of my Peace at Christmas devotional. Leave a comment and let me know how you are surviving the holiday.

Peace at Christmas Devotional Week Two

Here is week two of my Christmas Devotional. Enjoy and Share.

Peace at Christmas Free Devotional Week One

Here is week one of my free Christmas Devotional. Enjoy and share.

My Life in Stitches: Merry Christmas, Knitter

Christmas is only 10 days away. I know we've all been making our list and checking it twice. So what do you do when you get to your knitter friends, especially if you're a non-knitter?  Well, help is here. Here is my handy-dandy gift guide for all the knitters in your life.

I must add a word of caution here: It may be challenging to get this information and maintain the surprise, but if you can find out specifics, do so. Knitters have their favorites and they have things they hate. Make sure you're gift isn't going to end up at the next swap party. Ask a knitter's family. Trust me they'll know.

1. Gift cards. You can't go wrong with gift cards. I know some people consider gift cards "cheating," but it may be best. And there are so many cool things you can gift. On Raverly, which is like Facebook for knitters, knitters can create a wish list of patterns they'd like to receive. Gift a pattern. Or gift an online class through Craftsy. Find out what your knitters favorite local yarn shop (LYS) is and get them a gift certificate.

2. Massages and manicures. Serious knitters would really appreciate that because knitting does take a toll on the body. A massage/manicure could be a great thing to loosen up aching muscles and allow your knitter to do what they love again.

3. A knitting getaway. This one may take a little more planning, but send your knitter off to somewhere relaxing and where they're lots of yarn shops. If you really want to impress, create a trip road map that includes stops at yarn shops on the way

4. Knitting themed items like clothing, mugs and other practical gifts. There are mugs, t-shirts and even car decals. CafePress has some neat things. Even consider storage items. Most knitters have a drawer full of items they've made for themselves and storage becomes an issue. Consider getting an inexpensive chest or dresser. It works for storing yarn, too. 

5. Wear what they've knitted you! Remember, knitting for someone is an act of love. We thought about you enough to devote days and sometimes months to a project. Show your appreciate for it and wear it the next time your see your knitter. They'll love you for it.

What are you favorite knitting gifts ideas?

Holiday Traditions: Christmas Past

Family Christmas traditions are as different as one person is to the next. I love hearing about all the different Christmas traditions because they make each family unique and gives interesting insight how strong family bonds are formed. Since I like it so much, I decided to share some of traditions from Christmases past, present and future, starting with Christmas past.

"Wrapping" the Door

Every year my mother bought an extra roll of wrapping paper so we could "wrap" the front door. The paper was never as wide as the front door, but we had an outer door that covered the unwrapped edges. We decorated the door with ribbon and lights. The challenge was how to run an extension cord through the crack under the door.

A Real Christmas Tree

The funny thing about having a real Christmas tree every year is my sisters and I have a broad range of allergies. Seems like that real tree should have sent someone to the hospital. Even more memorable was our homemade Christmas tree stand, which was a tall white bucket of dirt in which we would bury the stump.

 No Sleep

This wasn't really a tradition that anyone planned. The excitement of Christmas and presents kept us up all night. We eventually went to sleep very late, collapsing from exhaustion.

Christmas Music

My dad is a huge music buff so it stands to reason the music played a big part in Christmas. One song in particular, Sleigh Bells, HAD to be played every Christmas. Why was this song so special? Because my sisters and I would gallop around the dining room table and neigh like horses. I still laugh at the thought of how strange we must have  looked. 

What are some of your favorite childhood Christmas traditions?

Butchering Christmas Carol Lyrics

For the past couple of days, I've had a hard time believing that the Christmas holiday has started. I guess temps in the 60's aren't helping. Besides, I've seen the signs that Christmas is coming. Holiday party invitations, 24/7 Christmas music on my local Christian radio station and the sparkling apple cider on sale at the commissary, but these weren't enough to get me in the mood. I don't feel like Christmas is coming just like it didn't feel like Thanksgiving to me.

Regardless what I feel, the holiday season is upon us so I decided to start acting like it. My first task? Loading up all my Christmas music into iTunes. I had one CD already there because I needed some mood music for a Christmas themed graphic design project I did a couple of months ago. Music is a big part of my life and I must say, Christmas music ranks pretty high on my list of favorites. I am, however, not one of those people who listen to Christmas music all year. 

In loading up my music, however, I noticed something. I've gotten lazy with knowing the lyrics of Christmas songs. For instance, I just discovered that there are four verses to Joy to the World. All this time I thought it was only three. Once I read the missing verse, I kinda understood why most people omit it. It's not as happy and cheerful as the other verses. And I completely butchered the lyrics to Silent Night. I don't remember when I forgot Christmas lyrics. 

That's the next task on my Christmas prep list: refresh my Christmas lyrics.