2015 Advent Calendar Blog Hop - Day 21

Welcome, dear bloggers, to my first ever hop participation! Fresh from celebrating my first blogaversary this month, I decided to take the plunge (I actually planned to join one next year as part of my 2016 goals, but I’m just too excited to be part of Jo’s Advent Calendar fun, and I was given a 3-week head start, thanks Jo:)

We were asked how we celebrate Christmas Eve. When I was young, it was spent cooking the whole day. We grew up in a neighborhood where everyone knows everyone, parents worked in the same government office and kids went to almost the same schools. To me, I think each mom eagerly waited for this day to cook their special recipes. A close-to-midnight mass is held at our village chapel (this is a good time to sneak in those gifts for the little ones by whoever is left at home). After mass, we would gather around the table and eat, then open gifts (or vice versa, haha). It is not unfamiliar that you hear someone at your gate at this late hour, one by one, neighbors bringing a helping of their sumptuous cooking, it’s like a gift exchange of food, so you get to taste every neighbor’s feast! And that’s why you also have to cook a lot, lol.

Fast forward to the married me. Christmas eve was spent at the in-laws’ (New Year’s at my parents’). My father-in-law (rest his soul) was head of the kitchen while ladies did the groceries, decorations, gift shopping and wrapping. Christmas morning after hearing mass, relatives and neighbors start pouring in. Nieces, nephews, godchildren all come visit in one day, sometimes they come straight from the midnight mass. So many relatives on hubby’s side. I think he’s got 15 godchildren, while each his sisters have 25 something. It is customary in our culture to give presents to your godchildren (plus their siblings in tow, if you can) on Christmas day. So you better be done wrapping presents on the 24^th.

Since migrating here in the US, Christmas is now spent much quieter. The 24^th is marked with calls to our families back home where Christmas comes earlier by almost half a day. Depends too if it’s my off-day for the year. This year I’m on-call, so me and DH have to stay home eve and Christmas day, otherwise the 25^th is spent with my sister and her family playing boardgames the entire morning because nobody wants to accept defeat (last year's game was Cranium).

Okay, after that newbie's long story, let me make up for it with Christmas stitchy goodies (you can click on the design title to see my finish post):

 Houses of Love

from Cross Country Stitching Magazine

Finished March 2015

This is part of the magazine's Christmas Houses series. I plan to stitch "Peace" next year (I don't have the 2 other issues - Hope and Faith). I used beads instead of french knots on the wreath. 

>>>ooo<<<

 

Let It Snow and Be Jolly

from Wit and Wisdom by Joan Elliott

Finished February 2015

These were actually meant to be ornaments, but I'm still reluctant to try. I just recently started framing :) I'm bringing this one to work today.

>>>ooo<<<

12 Days of Christmas

by Frosted Pumpkin Stitchery

Finished August 2015

Part of the birthday haul, I'm guilty of making a lot of color changes to suit the glittery fabric. Despite all the frogging, I enjoyed this cute and charming design tremendously:) 

  >>>000<<<

Reindeer Games

by Country Cottage Needleworks

Finished December 2015

A result of impeccable timing, I just finished all that twinkling snow last week! I replaced the white with gold for the trimming on the tree, Light Effects for the silvery snowflakes and white snow, I didn't bother stitching the border.

I'm still in the mood for Christmas stitching, I started a small one which will be a secret for now. 

I hope you enjoyed your hop today and please continue to do so, Jo of Serendipitous Stitching has organized a team of wonderful stitchers and crafters to bring us these presents everyday. Have a blessed Christmas everyone:)  

Thanks for visiting. Happy Stitching!