In contrast to my reflective, sombre November stitching all about remembering those we've loved and lost, Kirsten's piece is a riot of colour and joy.
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The readings are from a really diverse range of contributors - historical and contemporary, Anglican, Catholic, Lutheran, Baptist, "high" church and evangelical, trad and post-modern. I think I am going to enjoy these daily Advent meditations.
Yesterday was a strange day as we both overslept. I woke up at 9am! We did go to church, sitting in bed in our pj's watching on Bob's laptop [no, the Congregation couldn't see us onscreen, just our names!]
We had two unexpected visitors on Saturday afternoon and I think they wore us out. After lunch Rosie and Jess helped us decorate the tree.
Have you put up any decorations yet?
But it was SO lovely to have their help, and brought back many happy memories of decorating trees in London and Leicester with Liz and Steph's help, singing along to the Christmas music, and wearing HoHoHats* and Holly Headbands [*Jessica's name for Santa's headgear]
I did get dressed for zoom church on Sunday morning, but only because I was 'the responder' for the prayers this week; to avoid 'sound chaos' one person responds while the rest of the congregation are muted. Otherwise it would have been pjs All Day!
ReplyDeleteIf you are a participant like that, you should "make an effort" and put on proper clothes I think!
DeleteThat's a lovely piece of stitchery and I really like that post-it notepad! Your Christmas tree looks great and how wonderful to have help with decorating it! :)
ReplyDeleteHelp is always welcome
DeleteI like Christmas trees that evolve through the years with the additions each year of new decorations. They should be called ‘ memory trees’. I like that they were interested in the background of each ornament.
ReplyDeleteMuch better than having a different style or colour each year like those 'influencers' on Instagram
DeleteKirstens fireworks stitching is so colourful. Must get my Christmas tree out of the garage and see how it looks. I only got it a few years ago to replace a much older one but it didn't look very good last year - seems to be missing branches
ReplyDeleteTurn it round so the missing branches are at the back& nobody will notice
DeleteIt is so wonderful to decorate a Christmas tree with young children. Your tree looks very tall and very pretty. It shows you both needed the sleep and great you were able to "attend" church, the wonders of modern technology. Your sewing collaboration is joyful not just for you and Kirsten but for us followers as well. Thank you. Regards Sue H
ReplyDeleteIt stands on a table but is slightly too tall, so the very top is bent back on itself. But we know that like that it will always fit the room
DeleteHoHoHats is a brilliant name for Santas headgear. Thanks Jessica.
ReplyDeleteIt IS a great name isn't it
DeleteThe tree looks lovely and it’s quite a tall one.I also had unexpected granddaughters visit, cousins 11 and 3 who did all the decorating by themselves this year. Such a joy!
ReplyDeleteIn.a few years time when they are that little bit too older, maybe I shall let them do it all. Grandad was drafted in on Saturday to help Rosie reach the highest branches
DeleteThe tree looks fabulous and I agree about not needing a colour theme. All the bits with memories are what brings the joy. I laughed very loudly when I read that you and Bob did the church attendance in your PJs-you must have been tired to sleep until 9am. Catriona
ReplyDeleteThey were our Best PJs
DeleteI think the loveliest part of putting the decorations up with children is answering all the questions about each individual ornament. They will treasure those memories themselves one day.
ReplyDeleteTo answer your question ... no, I have not put any of my decorations up yet. My son did lift the Christmas hamper containing all my bits and bobs down off my wardrobe while he was here with his partner though, so I am raring to go. :-)
I hope some of those ornaments will pass down the family
DeleteYour tree looks fabulous and holds many lovely memories. JanF
ReplyDeleteAnd memories are a precious part of our Christmas
DeleteKirsten's square is beautiful, I can 'see' the fireworks, I still have a love for fireworks and our present dog is not fazed by they. I expect you have written before but what are you doing with the embroidered squares.
ReplyDeleteNo we do not have our tree up yet. As from the 8th, the next town has a Christmas Tree Festival in their church which we enjoy each year. I'm sure you both enjoyed decorating your tree with Rosie and Jess. We spent the day with our youngest granddaughter Fearne and her parents. She has a little tree with lights in her bedroom which she was excited to show us.
The stitching is on two pieces of fabric which will become covers for A5 sized notebooks. We wanted to produce pieces of stitching which we could actually use afterwards.
ReplyDeleteChildren love the Xmas 🌲trees🎄 don't they?
Your tree looks marvellous!!!
ReplyDeleteCBC brought our 3 year old potted Christmas tree in yesterday but currently has no decs on!
I ALSO only woke up at 9am yesterday for church. Given that it starts at 9 15 and I had to cycle 1/2 a mile down the road, I count it as a win that I was there st 9.17 and ready to sing O Come, o Come Emmanuel!!! Kezzie x
And I bet YOU weren't still in your pjs!!
DeleteThe embroidery is indeed joyful and exuberant. Well done, Kirsten!
ReplyDeleteYour tree looks wonderful and I'm sure the girls learned a lot about the history of some of the most treasured ornaments!
I've put the small angel collection on the dining room windowsill, there is a swag on the door and the chimney liners beside the front steps are stuffed with various evergreens and a red bow on each. There are some lights on the bush in front of the porch as well. Inside, I have some fake poinsettias added to the dried decor in the vase on the hall table, and a star hanging on the mirror, and a small wall decoration just inside the door. That's it for now. We have to find a tree fit to decorate, but that can wait. In the meantime there are other decorations to fetch out, and the creche to set out, with two hidden LED candles to light it in the evening.
I haven't got any other dex out yet, the boxes are all stacked in the very untidy back bedroom. But Julian arrives Friday so I must get it done SOON, or he will have nowhere to sleep
DeleteSometimes (and only sometimes) I remember during the pandemic, going "to church" with toasted teacakes and a mug of tea and I do miss it
ReplyDeleteIt felt rather decadent. I too drank many mugs of tea (and good coffee) during pandemic worship
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