Happy New Years Eve...6 hours left of 2009

Christmas Countdown - Christmas Layouts

Last for 2009

Lilipoints' Santas
Originally uploaded by Nicola Klein

Well this is my last finished project for '09! I did finish the stitching during the Spring. My framer has had the project since early October. I am in need of a faster framer as I only received the finished work two days before Christmas. But a framer who will do needlework projects are few are far between :(

Liliponts does have such unique designs. I love their website if you haven't seen it....www.liliponts.com ........it can be viewed in French or English. Au revoir for 2009.....let's ring in 2010!

December 13th....Santa Lucia Day

Santa Lucia Nov09
Originally uploaded by Alkelda

This past Sunday I experienced my 1st Santa Lucia celebration/ procession. I was so taken by the experience that I did not get any pictures! I took my 2 daughters to see "The Swedish Festival" as they were calling it at a local Lutheran Church. The procession included approximately 12 women/ girls and 4 star boys. This holiday is celebrated in Sweden, most Scandinavian Countries and Italy. It is often called The Festival of Light, Saint Lucia is depicted wearing a crown of flames to illuminate while her hands are kept free.

St. Lucia was a young Christian girl who was martyred for her faith in 304 AD. The story told is that she would secretly carry food to the Christians in Rome hiding under the city. She used the lights on her head to keep her hands available to carry more. Monks who 1st brought Christianity to Sweden also brought her story.

The Santa Lucia procession was truly a beautiful experience and I plan to return next December 13th! GOD JUL! (Merry Christmas in Swedish!)

Shiny evenweave, puffy ribbon, the ornament turned into a pillow! I just couldn't resisit enlarging the ornament! The ribbon looked like snow balls to me, and I thought it would go nicely with the cold Christmases they see in Europe. As for Austin, we did get our 1st snow in about 5 years, 3 days ago. It was only 40* so it melted but the children enjoyed it none the less. Here's wishing you a Merry and hopefully White Christmas!