Seasonal And Sustainable

Yesterday I was in Wymondham and noticed some attractive "paper" chains - made of fabric strips. Each loop was had a velcro closure. So after Christmas they can be undone and stored flat in a box till next year.

I have fabric bunting which I made about 15 years ago, and that's waiting to be hung up this weekend.

Last week on Fakenham Market, they were selling reusable fabric crackers. A clever design, in two parts, also attached with veIcro.  They rip rather than snap when pulled apart. And they have poppers down the back so they too can be stored flat for next year. But costing £10 or more each, I wasn't sure I'd want a set. After all, you still have to add the contents each year. They are not cheap! And if you have fancy crackers like this, finding just 3 chocolate coins would be a bit of a let down! 

In 1987 I made 4 fabric stockings - and gradually added a few more over the years. I used to hang them down the staircase in Leicester. This year I decided they should have proper labels. On Saturday, I asked Rosie to look at our anniversary photo and count how many people are in our immediate family. Eleven, Grandma! And I actually have eleven stockings. So I made some durable felt tags, and now they are hanging in a row on the Futility Room Hooks...

We cannot all be together on the same day, but I am glad to have this reminder of those who are very special to me [all year, not just Christmas] 

In the 80s/90s we always opened our four stockings in the morning before church, then had all the "main" gifts after. The stockings always contained the same things - a book, a satsuma, a few chocolates and a new toothbrush. All organised by me. As the girls got older,they would add in tiny gifts too.  I'm not sure yet if these stockings will just be decorations this year, or whether I will fill four with small gifts for the children.

To have kept these stockings and maintain the tradition is very satisfying!

I am sure you have some precious items which come out every year too...

In other news - Pantone will announce the 2025 Colour of the Year later today. I shall blog about it tomorrow. I think it will be a green shade.