'Twas the night before Christmas...

"Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house

Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,

In hopes that St Nicholas soon would be there."

It's the night before Christmas, and the kids are sound asleep already - before they went to bed they put out a mince pie and glass of brandy, and sprinkled magic reindeer food on the lawn. Soon our Santa will pay us a visit and put out the presents under the tree (and enjoy his well deserved mince pie and brandy after a sweltering hot day planting our new veggie garden). It's been a frenzied few weeks with so much happening, Alexander has finished his first year of school, and Alice has just performed her first ballet recital (so proud of both!). And all the usual Christmas frenzy, whilst I try to wrap up unfinished projects and meet a few final deadlines at work. It never ends here, and I am one tired mumma, but I wouldn't have it any other way.

~ daddy's little sugar plum fairy ~

I completed this Christmas celebration cross-stitch sampler last year, but I didn't get a chance to frame and photograph it till now.  I can finally tick this one off my UFO list! The pattern is by The Frosted Pumpkin Stitchery.

This year was the first year we bought the kids chocolate advent calendars, and oh my goodness, it was such a highlight of their day. Seeing how much they enjoyed it I decided to make a family advent calendar, with our family name, which is Zuraw. I used this 'Festive Friends' panel fabric by Dashwood Studios though I tweaked it slightly. I used the panel fabric to make the pockets but instead of stitching them onto the panel background I used a grey dot print instead and spaced them out a little. Finished off by appliqueing our name to the top. We all love it! Is it too late to fill it with little treats?

I also finished my Cozy Christmas quilt, which I will photograph in a few days once the dust settles - it's looking so cute! Until tomorrow, dear friends, when I will be back with pics from our Xmas day. And for those you who celebrate it, I wish you all a very merry Christmas!