Quilter's Christmas Party TODAY!

Today is the day SewCalGal is hosting the Quilter's Christmas Party.  So, I am supposed to tell you more about me.  I feel like I tell you people more than I tell the people I see every day.  But that is probably just in my head.  I do filter what I post. Ha ha.

Since this is a Christmas party, let me tell you about some of my Christmas "traditions."
I am an Episcopalian at this point in my life but I have attended and been a member in many other denominations.  I have really covered a LOT of the spectrum.  So, for me Christmas is about the greatest gift ever given. The gifts we give each other are representative of that gift.
On Christmas eve, you will find me at church in a choir robe. Usually, I am already tired when we  sing. That is okay.  To me singing is a true joy. (I wish I was better at it - when I hear myself I am very critical)  Still, I am there singing with all my heart and trying to stay on the written harmony when we are singing 'parts.'  So far I don't have any solo parts, but that has changed as late as just before the service. Ha ha.  That is better for me as I won't be worrying about it for long. And the church is always standing room only on Christmas Eve.  (nothing like "playing to a packed house" to have the adrenaline flowing.)
Normally, I only attend the "midnight" service which starts at 10pm and is over just after midnight.  This year I will be going to the early service also (sigh- no nap time!)

I also spend time with my family on Christmas. We laugh and joke and enjoy some good food and fellowship.  We exchange small gifts - mine are often things I make.  I started making presents as a pre-teen. I remember the year I gave my sister's boyfriend a crocheted ear-warmer and had to explain what it was. Then my sister opened her present - a case for her glasses - and said "Thanks but my nose isn't that long" as she held the case over her nose.  I laughed with her on that one. (we do have some big noses in my family)

And last year I started a new tradition, The Quilt Angels!  Some of you know about this already. Several have sent quilts and a few are still on the way.  A friend asked me to make quilts for a shelter (by Christmas) last November, I think it was.  When he told me how many I needed to make, I said "I just can't do that." But the seed was there in my head.   I thought of all the amazing quilters I know and remember how generous many of them are.  So I put out a call, even though it was late to be asking.
The response was outstanding.
Since the population of the shelter changes, we are doing it again this year.   This is a great way to give, by giving to someone who can't give anything in return you find a greater joy in the giving.

And to end a a less serious note, let me tell you about the first Christmas present I remember.
I was three years old and decided that I wanted a baby doll. Not just any doll either, I wanted one the "bee-d"  My dad was NOT happy.  He said there was no way I was getting a doll.  He wanted me to have toys fit for a boy.  His mother, my grandmother Birdie, said "If you don't buy it for him, I will!" and she meant it.  I have no idea who bought it - it came from Santa.  I was thrilled with it. Mostly I just loved to put water in its bottle and make it "bee."  Later on, I did want toy trucks and cap guns. Dad was very happy to get those for me.


Oh yes, my giveaway on the Die Cutting tip book is still going! Click HERE