The Official Start to Christmas

Thanksgiving was late this year, but Christmas started right on time with Needlepoint Christmas Exchange on December 1. For the last 11 years I have been part of a cherished group of stitchers who each stitch an ornament for another friend. We draw the names a year in advance and lovingly make a treasure for a fellow stitcher. You keep the secret all year about who you are stitching for and the giver is only revealed when the gift is opened.

This party always takes place on the first Monday in December, you can put it on your calendar for the next tens years as it never changes. For me it signals the true start to the Christmas season.

The group has changed some over the years as people move, age out or sadly pass away. But each member is never forgotten and their past contributions are still discussed with joy.

Kate has always been our faithful photographer. Amazingly this year she showed up without her phone, so she borrowed Nancy’s and still took all the pictures. One member of our group had a last minute conflict, and was missed, but will be back.

Nancy stitched my ornament this year, a customized Mah Jongg Joker tile with my monogram, in beads no less. I absolutely adore it and it is displayed in a place of honor.

After we have our exchange and eat lunch we have a little white elephant gift exchange, just to keep the fun going. The best thing that happens is the volunteering of washing the dishes, which I greatly appreciated. The kitchen was totally clean before the last five people departed.

Merry Christmas to you all dear stitching friends. I love that we kick off the season together.