This year I scaled back our Christmas activities and celebrations, because I was sewing a wedding dress for my niece, and because my husband begged me not to torture him by lots of dragging him places every night for “big productions.”
Despite the great reduction of my grand plans, I still:
Helped two friends with packing or cleaning their houses because they were moving.
Spent at least 48 hours working on the wedding dress. I drafted the bodice and sleeves myself because my niece wanted sleeves (good for her) and a sweetheart neckline–neither of which were available in the bridal store or in the big 4 patterns available at Jo-Ann’s. I’ve finished the bodice now, and it fits her perfectly. I’m so happy about it. Just 2 layers of organza left to sew up for the skirt, which already has 2 layers of satin and lining.
Skeeter helps mommy draft a body block
Kept homeschool going …kind of…math and history were not shirked.
Participated in our annual “Light the World” Christmas concert which required many many hours of practicing the organ and some hours practicing singing.
Recognized St. Nicolas Day and St. Lucia Day and Las Posadas with special food and treats.
Held a piano recital for my 25 students.
(They were fantastic. The biggest thing that went wrong is I was 5 minutes late and had to set up all the keyboards while the families of the students –who were all early– waited on me. Some of the parents jumped up and helped me, and we were ready to go in record time. I swallowed my embarrassment over being late and began. The recital was under 45 minutes, despite the number of students, and they all performed gracefully and well. After it was all over, my shame over being late began to well up again, but I told myself there was nothing I could do to change it, and refused to think on it any longer. I really have the best group of students and families ever.)
Attended my good and talented friend’s Family Christmas Concert.
Attended Peach Pie’s violin recital, and accompanied her solo. Dream come true.
Hosted my family for a Christmas party after Banana Cream Pie’s baptism. (And didn’t get a single picture)
Managed to have Christmas presents for all the children and the resident Captain despite this being such a small budget year, AND got all the presents wrapped before Christmas Eve so that we didn’t have to stay up until 2 am wrapping on Christmas Eve.
Made this felt nativity for my mom.
I drew up the pattern 11 years ago, and have intended every year since to make it for my mom. I can’t believe it’s really been that long. Last year I finally bought a new package of felt, so this year, I could make it! I altered the pattern some, including adding an angel, and I need to update it for my Etsy shop now.
I watched over half a season of Project Runway and a 4 hour movie while I worked on these cuties.
Puzzled on Christmas Eve with the girls, who love to put together puzzles while waiting for Santa just like their mother and mother’s mother before them. That Map of the World had 1500 pieces NOT fully interlocking. It was a beast.
Extra Christmas bonuses:
2 of the 3 cars we own broke down in December, but we were able to get them fixed (one new alternator, one new gizmo thingy) and get everyone to work, college classes, and music lessons without serious difficulty.
My dad came over and helped the resident Captain put a door on the Girls’ bedroom. I’m so glad they have a door!
My awesome sister, Mary, is going to make bookshelves to go in the hallway next to this door for me for Christmas!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Shelves!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!