Traditions

Over the past several days, I have lain awake at night trying to figure out how to put the boot cuff on the new Christmas stockings.  The seam needed to be hidden, not exposed, and for the life of me, I could not figure it out.  I was just about to call Judy Glesne-supreme seamstress extraordinaire- and tell her, “I’m dropping off these stockings….FIX THEM! Just name your price!”  Though that was a really great idea, it means that I gave up on a job that I really should finish,  not to mention that Judy is on vacation (or was) in Guatemala or “Guacamole” according to her granddaughter, Cece.  What might take Judy minutes to do took me hours, yet, I finally figured it out!   Seams were sewn, and more seams were ripped out. For every seam I did sew, it seemed I ripped out three.  (Try saying that fast!)  They had to be just right because these would represent a family for all Christmases to come.

You see, I am making my daughter her own set of Christmas stockings -for her family-  which includes a stocking for my first  grand baby.   Though the stockings are not the same from the ones that I made thirty-three years ago, they will display beautifully on the fireplace-a lovely blend of similar but different. Every year, they will be hung by the fire, and every year, I will turn out a great big grin knowing that I made those for the people that I love the most. 

This year, a new tradition begins at the Jones’ household: new stockings, new life, and new adventures.  Most of all, I have a grateful heart for my family and our friends. A Merry Christmas to you and a Happy New Year!