Friend Christmases

Some days are two party days this time of year and some days are no party days. Today was a two party day. My friend Amy had her Christmas lunch which is always a treat. This year I also got to see her sweet grandson who came to the party. Amy always cooks up a storm and everyone enjoys her fabulous chicken salad. I just love getting a chance to talk with people I don’t see the rest of the year.

Tonight was my second stitching group’s ornament exchange cocktail party. This is my smaller needlepoint group and we not only make ornaments for each other, but we give each other what are the best gifts because we are all women of similar age and interests.

This year I was given an ornament of an LL Bean bag with Owl’s Head stitched on it. Owl’s Head is the town where we stay in Maine. My friend Christy made it and I absolutely love and adore it. Christy is always great at creating the most personal ornament.

Each ornament is made with love and thought for the friend we are making them for. We picked names for next year and I am already thinking about what I can stitch for next year’s recipient.

More than the ornaments, the gifts and the yummy food we all make to share, it is the fellowship and camaraderie of this small group who holds each other tight. It is a tradition I adore and look forward to each Christmas.

Now all the standard friend Christmas parties are over and the next three things will be Christmas Eve with the Tom’s, Christmas Day with my family and then Cousin Christmas dinner on the 28th. Celebrating all month is why I love Christmas best. I may spend lots of time traveling to meet new people all year and teach Mah Jongg, but getting to see my near and dear at Christmas keeps me connected to home.