Literary Advent Calendar

Instead of hanging my advent calendar and filling it with treats, the little girl and I will be choosing one book from my very large selection of Christmas and winter themed books to read each night before bed. A different book each night until Christmas! I am very excited about it. I am sure she is, too. 

I first heard of this idea at Joyful Abode awhile back and absolutely loved it. What a great way to get the little girl excited for the holidays and to help foster her love of reading. She also has absolutely no need for extra treats! 

I have a large collection of books from teaching prekindergarten, so we are all set for the whole month. The only thing I didn't do was wrap each book like Emily did. I am so not a fan of wrapping. It would never have gotten done. A basket of unwrapped books to choose from works fine. ;)

Our first book was Mr. Willoughby's Christmas Tree by Robert Barry. It was the perfect read to start the season, especially since we got our tree, and it was also too tall for our house. I didn't allow our top to be cut off, though. 

Here is what else we have read this week:

Happy Holidays!

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This post was checked and found to have three issues, which were explained and then fixed by me. There were two missing commas and a problem with mixed tenses. That last one is always something I have to check.

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Handmade Christmas

For the past 10 years, my family has exchanged handmaid gifts in an attempt to limit the amount of money we all spend. I has been a tough year for some, but we still wanted the excitement of opening gifts. In years past, I have knit hats, made photo books and ornaments. This year is a mix of all of the above. My plan is to finish projects, that have been sitting on needles for years, in time for Christmas. I have an unfinished lap blanket for the inlaws, a pair of gloves for my SIL, a cowl for my sister and some pottery at my ceramics class that need to be glazed. I am going to be busy this month. Ack! I only have one month left!!! Yes, a month. In Laws Christmas will be on the 21st!
Will you be making handmaid gifts this year?
Happy Crafting! _________________________________________
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TSS: Holiday Movies

Happy Holidays!
It's beginning to feel a lot like Christmas, isn't it? I have the Christmas decorations up and have wrapped some gifts already. There is also a ton of Christmas programs on TV.  So many favorites. What is your favorite holiday movie? I am still waiting for A Christmas Story to come on.
Here are some others you might want to check out:

Donna VanLiere’s Christmas Movies will be airing on Lifetime TV and we have the schedule:

http://www.donnavanliere.com/news.html

 

There is also a contest to win all of Donna’s Christmas books, including an autographed copy of A CHRISTMAS JOURNEY that ends on December 14^th:

http://www.newreleasetuesday.com/contest_donnavanliere_thechristmasjourney.php

My review of Donna VanLiere's The Christmas Journey will be posted on Dec 15th. There will also be a giveaway open to US and Canada residents. Be sure to stop by to enter.

I reviewed The Christmas Secret last year. You can find my review here.

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In a Pickle

I am in a bit of a pickle. The same one as last year. It is November and I have yet to start on Christmas gifts yet. Last month I thought I would knit everyone hats. That would be 16 hats! I have not knit any yet. Not a one. Can I knit 16 hats in the time I have left until Christmas?

Ack!

Christmas knitting photos

I come bearing pictures:

First, the gloves.



So far from being finished with these. Also, I am trying to ignore the mistake in the cable. I know my SIL will probably not even notice it, but it is really bugging me.

A hat.



Not finished in the picture but is finished. I crocheted the edge and added the braids last night. Very cute, but looks awful on me. It is destined to be a gift for someone just don't know who.

And last, mini stockings.



These little guys will be ornaments that I give to my family with a "1 knitted gift" coupon inside. This year we are exchanging handmade gifts and this is about as much as I can do right now.

Okay. Back to my knitting.