Needlepoint Christmas

A few years ago I was honored to be invited into a group of stitchers who secretly needlepoint an ornament for someone else in the group. Then as tradition holds it we get together for a lunch on this first Monday in December and exchange our lovingly stitched pieces. It is one of the highlights of my Christmas season.
I love this group of ladies. We all share a passion for needlepoint, but also for each other. Most of them I don’t see outside of needlepoint, but when you sit around the stitching table together you get to know a lot about each other.
Making an ornament for another stitcher is a satisfying activity. Most other people are not as appreciative of what goes into our small ornaments. This group oohs and ahhs over each precious jewel, admiring the decorative stitches or color choices.
I hosted the lunch at my house because everyone knows there is nothing I like better than having people come and enjoy my Christmas decorations. My stitching friends are the most appreciative of all my Christmas ornamentation. Today, Nancy and Ann studied my tree for the longest time. It was so fun that they ask me questions about different ornaments and seem to have a fondness for many of my favorites.
Sharing the love of needlepoint and especially Christmas ornaments is a joy, but not as much as the treasure of the friendships. First Christmas party of my season down. Makes me a little sad that I have to wait another year to do it again.