Sew What’s Up Presents
The Sew What’s New Archive
This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and
quilting message board “Sew What’s New,” which was
retired in August 2007. It is being provided by
“Sew What’s Up,”
which serves as the new home for many members of “Sew What’s New.”
From: MaryW
Date: 11-29-2005, 08:05 AM (1 of 32)
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Last year we had a topic on Christmas planning, decorating, etc. Someone took offense because they did not celebrate Christmas. I am inviting anyone who celebrates Christmas, Ramadan, Purim, whatever to post their happy celebration activities here. I don't want to leave anyone out. No religious doctrine please, just happy activities. Thanks to everyone who posts. What do you celebrate and how? MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542 
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From: pretnichols
Date: 11-29-2005, 10:28 AM (2 of 32)
 Every year, since my daughter was a baby (she's 7 now), we go as a family & cut down a fresh Christmas tree. We used to get scotch pine, but the ornaments didn't stay on very well because of the long needles, so we switched to a fir. We are going Sunday, and the kids are very excited. We also bring our camera and take lots of fun & silly pictures.Usually in early January, we recycle the tree. The tree is ground up by our local county, and given away free as mulch to anyone who wants it. Peggy
So little time, sew much to do........... |
User: pretnichols
Member since: 10-16-2005 Total posts: 342 |
From: Dede
Date: 11-29-2005, 12:24 PM (3 of 32)
| Every year since my brother became a father, I get the kids a tree ornament. I put their initials and the year on them. I give it to the kids in November as we usually get together for my brother and my nephew's birthday. They never know what to expect and we start planning things out on that day. |
User: Dede
Member since: 03-23-2001 Total posts: 469 |
From: Magot
Date: 11-29-2005, 01:31 PM (4 of 32)
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Christmas Morn - breakfast and then open the presents. Off to church at 11 for a celebration sing song followed by sherry/mulled wine and mince pies. I give my church lady friends sewn gifts then. Home for Sunday dinner normally turkey,stuffing, roasties, veggies galore and christmas pudding. The last feew years we have had Mystere instead. Mereingue covered in icecream to look like snowballs, rolled incrushed nuts and then served under flaming Grand Marnier.mmmmmmmmm sleep in front of the tele. love and kisses, Jan
Guts-R-Us Cells a Speciality DNA to order. |
User: Magot
Member since: 12-22-2002 Total posts: 3626 
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From: ladylin
Date: 11-29-2005, 02:29 PM (5 of 32)
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Our favorite Christmas celebrations were when the kids were still in grade school. On Christmas Eve we would gather at my parents' house. They would have a "Sugar Plum" tree (everything on the tree was edible - gum drop garlands, popcorn and cranberry garlands, lollipops hung on branches with ribbon, and candy canes). Before dinner, lights were turned out and all the candles were lit (and there were candles everywhere). The kids would sing songs and tell stories they learned in school. We would all sing Christmas carols. We would have dinner then open Christmas gifts one person at a time beginning with the youngest. We invited anyone who did not have family or someone to share Christmas with that year. No matter how many we had, there was always room around the table. One thing we started was a table cloth. I made a table cloth out of a plain fabric. Each year after dinner, we passed out pencils and asked everyone to write something on the table cloth and date it. During the year, my mom and I would embroider what was written. It was one of the things people looked forward to reading each year. It was history not only of our family, but of the world...there was always something mentioned about important things that happened during the year. I got to see my daughter grow up. My parents were Foster parents and we were able to see who was with them when. Many years later, my daughter is married with her own family and lives in the United Arab Emirates and my dad is no longer with us. We still invite anyone we know who doesn't have someone to celebrate with. Each year we remember those great Christmas Eve's. Lin
"He is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog. You are his life, his love, his leader. He will be yours, faithful and true, to the last beat of his heart. You owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion." - Unknown |
User: ladylin
Member since: 06-01-2005 Total posts: 11 |
From: DorothyL
Date: 11-29-2005, 03:55 PM (6 of 32)
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Xmas was always my mother-in-law's big day. We always went to her house. This is the second year without her and there doesn't seem to be much tradition left. My husband and I are getting ourselves a gift together and something for each of our daughters and his sisters' kids and that's it. My youngest is coming for a week from New York but my oldest is going to her boyfriend's family in Buffalo. I don't really blame her. I'm going to decorate early though and try to get some spirit. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: mamahoogie
Date: 11-29-2005, 06:12 PM (7 of 32)
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I grew up as second youngest of a large family so Christmas was a huge event growing up and I have such fond memories of it. However, as an adult myself, the Christmas memory that still makes me smile every time I think of it was the first year my daughters and I were on our own. They were about 5,9 and 11 years old and we set off to cut down our own Christmas tree - this time without dad who always got mad about something and ruined it. We were a joyful bunch and we brought along my young niece(4) and nephew(5) too. By the way, I was driving a Volkswagen Beetle at the time and we were a bit crowded in but the kids were little and didn't take up much space. So, off we went and found the perfect tree (about 3 feet too high it turned out) and all the kids got a turn sawing....took forever but they all had a good time and everyone got to help carry it back to the car. We got back to the office and paid the farmer for our tree and we lifted onto the top of the car, rolled down the windows and tied the tree on top. Now I never joined any scout troops and my knots would not be in any scout book but the tree was securely tied. My daughters and I were tossing ropes and tying knots like crazy and people were actually stopping to watch us. Ok, all set and ready to go - oh, oh. We had tied the tree to the top of the car thru the open windows - which met we couldn't open the doors. So, I had to lift and push all the kids into the front seat and then they had to climb over to the back seat one at a time. Then my oldest daughter and I climbed in. What a sight we must have been. We pulled out and people were waving to us so we honked the horn and waved back. We laughed all the way home!  Violet I've decided to live forever - so far, so good.
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User: mamahoogie
Member since: 12-25-2002 Total posts: 461 |
From: Chrysantha
Date: 11-29-2005, 11:14 PM (8 of 32)
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I do the Christmas thing. Tree, mantel, any surface thats flat and can hold a decoration. Lights outside (usually white...looks great on a white brick house) Besides I like to be different  ...presents opened on Christmas eve (MY families tradition). I used to put my tree up on my birthday ( Dec 8th another family tradition) but since I've been married I usually put it up on the 1st of Dec. (it's artifical any way...I'm allergic to real ones ::heavy sigh:Dinner Christmas day....usually ham if we can find one small enough for 2....then phone calls all day to my husbands family....thats about it... Chrys
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User: Chrysantha
Member since: 09-06-2002 Total posts: 2414 
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From: SummersEchos
Date: 11-30-2005, 12:35 AM (9 of 32)
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My DC and I usually do the massive baking of goodies for the holiday season. We have the tried and true receipes and then the ones we see in the magazines. Cookies are made and frozen so we can have the for the holidays. The house is decorated with tons of lights and quite a few trees. You can find them in all of the rooms, bathrooms and bedrooms included. All have lights on them. At night when we turn off the outside lights all that shine are the lights in all of the windows, (the welcome lights) with wreaths, (no lights on them then), to welcome the nighttime. I have the Christmas tree and I have a Yule tree with a Yule log. The Christmas tree is your typical tree with lights ornaments and garland. The Yule tree is a small tree with whatever theme I chose for this year. One year it may be ribbons tied in a bow that friends are to take from the tree. I have blank ribbons for friends/family to write on to place on the tree. Whatever the theme is I chose it always has a message of some kind. I have the luminaries welcoming whoever may wish to stop at my home lit throughout the season. I love it when we have lots of snow, I can just dig a hole in the snow and make snowcandles to light the way. All of my DC friends know they are welcome on either the Eve or the day. Presents are not what is important for us, it is the feeling of family and friends gathered together. At night who ever wishes to join in goes into the backyard, lights candles, and give thanks for the wonders of the year. We light the Yule log to burn all night. I say goodbye to the warmth of fall and welcome the cold of winter, to let Mother Nature rest to gain the strength for the spring. Some of my children will join in with me. When I was married Christmas season was to hectic. Beside having to buy tons of gifts, we had to go visit all the aunts and uncles from the husbands side. I never enjoyed the holiday, was way to much stress. Christmas Eve was always at my MIL and Christmas Day was at my home. It was always an open house type of thing and I never felt I could just relax and enjoy. I was either busy buying the gifts or cooking. It became who could put on a better show. Now that I am taking care of mom, I have to make the time to go back to my house to do the things I have enjoyed. I know one day I shall be able to be back home and have the family all together doing these things, and know my children are doing these now. Summer
FREE FALLIN |
User: SummersEchos
Member since: 09-29-2004 Total posts: 884 |
From: bridesmom
Date: 11-30-2005, 06:52 AM (10 of 32)
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What wonderful stories! I look forward to reading more of these. I don't have many Christmas memories that really stand out. There was usually just my mom, dad and me, my 1/2 sister moved out very early. I was always hoping for that 'perfect' Christmas, then finally realized, it's not going to happen. When my kids were little, I got divorced, and remarried a divorced man with kids so there's always struggles around who gets who for Christmas. We haven't had a Christmas all together for a good 10 years or more. This year, everyone will be here and I am so looking forward to this year. I haven't baked for years for Christmas, but have a list of recipies to start cookies next week. I'm even planning on setting a morning aside to make 'icing' cookies with my grandson when he gets here Dec 21. I also haven't done much for decorating in the past years, but this year, have already gone through stuff, sorted, tossed, and found more lights to put up outside. This will be a Christmas to remember I'm sure of it.
Laura
Tickled pink with my Innovis 4000D |
User: bridesmom
Member since: 01-21-2004 Total posts: 2026 |
From: SnufflesMama
Date: 11-30-2005, 09:54 AM (11 of 32)
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This is the first time I've ever joined you all. But have been reading,(and laughing), for some time. I have no babies, an almost ex-husband and a great just fixed tomcat named,(I bet you can guess) Snuffles. He has never seen a Christmas tree before. So for the first time in 7 years I plan to put one up. It's in the box here and just as soon as the phumonia loosens it's grip, it's going up. I guess at my age it's kinda stupid to go thru all this prep stuff that nobody is likely to see,but I'm going to pretend it will be ok and maybe it will, huh? Snuffs has already pulled the garland out of one box and wound it around the table legs. The metalic thread he got a whuppin' over has already faded from his little mind. He found the purple balls in another box, and cannot deside what this clear stuff is the keeps them from rolling all over to amuse him. Oh well, this is my life ladies...this, work, and sewing. Just thought I'd share. Happy Stuff to you ALL for being so much fun to read |
User: SnufflesMama
Member since: 11-25-2005 Total posts: 24 |
From: MaryW
Date: 11-30-2005, 10:19 AM (12 of 32)
Hi SnufflesMama and welcome to Sew Whats New. I can relate to your Christmas quandry. We have a new pup that has never seen a tree in the house before. I am dreading it. He lifts his leg on almost everything. I have had to stop him quick a few times.  He is trained but something new is just irresistable. MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542
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From: patti2
Date: 11-30-2005, 11:41 AM (13 of 32)
| We have all 6 of our children and their various spouses, SO's and extended families. Christmas will be 17, Chloe Elizabeth was born the day after thanksgiving. I get everyone a special ornament or decoration every year, and have bought the first Christmas one for all four of my grandchildren. I also make everyone's stocking ( am quilting the ones for the two new grands born this past year.) On Thanksciving I bought various nutcrackers and angels and put a tag around each of their necks to use them as placeholders. Everyone got to take it home with them; it may become a tradition! Since Christmas is also my 9 year old's birthday, it's tradition that birthday cake is the big dessert, followed by Nathaniel opening his presents. |
User: patti2
Member since: 05-28-2005 Total posts: 78 |
From: Magot
Date: 11-30-2005, 03:07 PM (14 of 32)
My cat ate some tinsel one year. Do you know - it comes through unchanged? Obviously a bit refused to stay attached to the rest of the faeces and decided to remain inside him for a while longer - it stuck out of the requisite hole for a day and tha cat was renamed "Tinsel-bum"  U mite hav nown! love and kisses, Jan
Guts-R-Us Cells a Speciality DNA to order. |
User: Magot
Member since: 12-22-2002 Total posts: 3626
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From: MaryW
Date: 11-30-2005, 05:37 PM (15 of 32)
That is more information than I needed, thanks anywayl  Jan, you always follow thru. MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542
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From: SnufflesMama
Date: 11-30-2005, 06:36 PM (16 of 32)
After the day I've had.  ..Magot-You CRACK me up. Yes, that happens to bits of embelishment yarn as well. Who knew scooping the litter was such a "treasure hunt"  One great discovery tho....metalic thread works pretty good after a "mini chewing" between the free standing thread holder and the machine. Hey, wait a min....I may be on to something here...I could by sitting on...well.... petting..a gold mine!!!Gotta GO ( My apologies Mary...I'll try to be good )
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User: SnufflesMama
Member since: 11-25-2005 Total posts: 24 |
From: toadusew
Date: 11-30-2005, 06:38 PM (17 of 32)
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Jan, that is hysterical! Chrys, I'm allergic to real Christmas trees, too. We have an artificial green one, which is way better than that silver foil tree I had when I was a child. I used to get sick every year during Christmas until my mom figured out that I only got sick after they brought the live tree into the house. I've only been sick one Christmas since then. I like to bake Christmas cookies every year. On Christmas Eve, we go to services at church and the drive around looking at the Christmas lights. One neighborhood is particularly pretty. Hubby smokes a turkey for Christmas Day and we finish wrapping last minute gifts. We open gifts Christmas morning and then eat. Since it's just our little family, we're pretty quite--not too much exciting going on around here. Last year, the grandkids got to come, but that isn't the case this year. We'll definitely call them, though. And I am trying to finish some gifts so I can get them shipped in the near future--before Christmas I hope!
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User: toadusew
Member since: 01-08-2005 Total posts: 369 |
From: tiedyejudy
Date: 11-30-2005, 07:22 PM (18 of 32)
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I grew up as second youngest of a large family so Christmas was a huge event growing up and I have such fond memories of it. However, as an adult myself, the Christmas memory that still makes me smile every time I think of it was the first year my daughters and I were on our own. They were about 5,9 and 11 years old and we set off to cut down our own Christmas tree - this time without dad who always got mad about something and ruined it. We were a joyful bunch and we brought along my young niece(4) and nephew(5) too. By the way, I was driving a Volkswagen Beetle at the time and we were a bit crowded in but the kids were little and didn't take up much space. So, off we went and found the perfect tree (about 3 feet too high it turned out) and all the kids got a turn sawing....took forever but they all had a good time and everyone got to help carry it back to the car. We got back to the office and paid the farmer for our tree and we lifted onto the top of the car, rolled down the windows and tied the tree on top. Now I never joined any scout troops and my knots would not be in any scout book but the tree was securely tied. My daughters and I were tossing ropes and tying knots like crazy and people were actually stopping to watch us. Ok, all set and ready to go - oh, oh. We had tied the tree to the top of the car thru the open windows - which met we couldn't open the doors. So, I had to lift and push all the kids into the front seat and then they had to climb over to the back seat one at a time. Then my oldest daughter and I climbed in. What a sight we must have been. We pulled out and people were waving to us so we honked the horn and waved back. We laughed all the way home! Violet Now, THAT sounds like a great story for a movie! Thanks for sharing... what a great memory! Judy Judy Sall Originals
www.angelfire.com/retro/tiedyejudy |
User: tiedyejudy
Member since: 08-10-2005 Total posts: 78 
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From: Chrysantha
Date: 11-30-2005, 09:32 PM (19 of 32)
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Hey SnufflesMama....who cares if no one see's it but YOU...You like it put it up. I have a Halloween village my husband hates it. No one watches/looks at it but me...But every year it goes up on the last day of sept...yep I put it up while my husbands asleep...hee hee..he wakes up to Halloween every year on Oct 1st....
Chrys
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User: Chrysantha
Member since: 09-06-2002 Total posts: 2414
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From: Magot
Date: 11-30-2005, 10:58 PM (20 of 32)
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I have a reputation to maintain I think I caught your cold Mary,it;s 4am and my head is pounding so that me for tea, painkillers and a Large Box of Tissues 
love and kisses, Jan
Guts-R-Us Cells a Speciality DNA to order. |
User: Magot
Member since: 12-22-2002 Total posts: 3626
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From: SnufflesMama
Date: 12-01-2005, 08:18 AM (21 of 32)
| Thanks Crys- I'm working on it. This is fun...talking to you all. |
User: SnufflesMama
Member since: 11-25-2005 Total posts: 24 |
From: Erma
Date: 12-01-2005, 09:17 AM (22 of 32)
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I was just thrilled to hear of all your Christmas traditions. Thanks for providing this opportunity, Mary. I read everything you ladies write. But I've only written in once or twice. Christmases on the farm with my parents was always relaxing. Relatives lived far away so it was just Mum and Dad and 4 daughters. Not too many gifts but lots of traditional food and always a brown lunch bag of store bought candy for each of us under the tree. The unwritten rule on gifts was always the same....something to wear.....something to eat.....something to do. I always loved the candy best. Today, married with 3 grown children...everyone comes home for Christmas and our son is bringing 3 of his friends from college in BC home with him. Christmas Eve, is the 13 meatless dishes with my in-laws. They don't care much for music so it is quieter but fun. Christmas Day is for my hubby and I and our children.....sleep in now (not like the 5 am's when they were small). Turkey and yesterday's leftovers. Anyone got the recipe for wifesaver's breakfast? I'd like to try that this year. Boxing Day is for my extended family....larger than the in-laws. Christmas music is blaring continuously.....we sing, play instruments from piano to harmonica to spoons....play games, laugh reminisce. It's goooood! New Year's Eve we have a fondue party and invite anyone and everyone we bump into over Christmas. Most are single people who want to celebrate but not by themselves. It's great! Love all the stories......keep 'em comin' Erma PS I had a dog named Snuffles who was my best friend. Any pet named Snuffles is a friend to me. |
User: Erma
Member since: 10-08-2004 Total posts: 2 |
From: Pudge99
Date: 12-01-2005, 01:54 PM (23 of 32)
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My dog has holiday traditions like Jan's cat. One year while while living in Germany he ate a Kinder Egg (a hollow chocolate egg with a toy filled plastic egg inside). We watched and watched for it to pass and never saw it. Then in the spring after the snow melted I found it laying on the route we always walked him to do his business. Last year he got into the garbage on Thanksgiving and ate the string that comes with the turkey (to help lift it out). I had to assist him in removing it after I saw it dangling from his rear. UUGH!!! He always finds something to eat that he shouldn't during the holidays. These two are the ones that the kids bring up again and again. They just find them so hilarious. We don't have a lot of traditions. Church on Christmas Eve, Presents on Christmas morning, Ham for Christmas dinner, and either after church or after dinner we drive around to look at lights. The day after Christmas I wake up at the crack of dawn and hit all the sales to get my decorations for the next year. I have been shopping day after sales since I was a girl. In the evening after shopping all day I call my Dad (who taught me all he knows about clearance shopping) and we share and compare what great deals we got. Often we find out that he got what I wanted and I got what he wanted so we set up a trade. I am hoping that he someday we can hit the sales together again. I miss shopping with him and none of my kids or my husband can stand to go with me. I think I drive them a little crazy
Gina
Pictures of my successes and failures Pfaff 2040 Janome Mylock 134D Singer Futura CE-100 w/ Autopunch Husqvarna Viking 3D Sketch |
User: Pudge99
Member since: 10-30-2001 Total posts: 1375 |
From: Chrysantha
Date: 12-01-2005, 11:44 PM (24 of 32)
Sounds like when I used to be able to have a REAL Christmas tree. I'd make my Dad and when I was old enough, I'd DRIVE for miles and miles looking for MY PERFECT tree. NO ONE in my family, my friends, boyfriends would ever go with me....they couldn't take it....when I got married my husband went with me once and said never again...  Even now...my husband won't shop with me for decorations either...I don't know if it's because I'm picky or because I have to drive EVERYWHERE they sell decorations. hee hee..... I think some people are born to shop for certain things and not others... (I hate to shop for clothes, shoes and purses...but I'll spend all day at a fabric shop, book store or hobby shop...I'm only good at bargain hunting fabric....unless I get lucky somehow... )
Chrys
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User: Chrysantha
Member since: 09-06-2002 Total posts: 2414
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From: Magot
Date: 12-02-2005, 04:18 AM (25 of 32)
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Chrys, don't the decorations drive your little guys wild? Gives a whole new meaning to the phrase "ferret up a pole".
love and kisses, Jan
Guts-R-Us Cells a Speciality DNA to order. |
User: Magot
Member since: 12-22-2002 Total posts: 3626
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From: DorothyL
Date: 12-02-2005, 09:07 AM (26 of 32)
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We used to have a Half Moon Parrot that loved to get in the Xmas tree. Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: Chrysantha
Date: 12-09-2005, 09:29 PM (27 of 32)
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I trick the ferrets...I keep a 5 ft tree on a table 21 inches high....hahahaha They can see it, but they can't touch it....
Chrys
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User: Chrysantha
Member since: 09-06-2002 Total posts: 2414
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From: Magot
Date: 12-09-2005, 10:58 PM (28 of 32)
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No "wall of death " antic around the room culminating into a final triumphant leap into the tree! I'm disappointed! My cat used to climb up the sofa, across the sideboard, along the bookshelf and leap into the tree at 3 ft up. Still, with you around there would be no chocolate left onthe tree anyway... love and kisses, Jan
Guts-R-Us Cells a Speciality DNA to order. |
User: Magot
Member since: 12-22-2002 Total posts: 3626
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From: Chrysantha
Date: 12-09-2005, 11:24 PM (29 of 32)
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luckily...ferrets have NO depth perception. They may leap at things, but they seldom make it. Thats why everything they can get into is OFF the floor. My in-laws cats used to take balls off the trees and try and eat'em... They never got cuts either... Chrys
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User: Chrysantha
Member since: 09-06-2002 Total posts: 2414
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From: Sewhappie
Date: 12-10-2005, 01:34 AM (30 of 32)
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Jan, When I was younger I had a Siamese who did the Tinsel thing, it also hung out for a day or so. BUT, when my Dad saw it hanging out he thought he would help "Ding" (short for Ding-a-Ling, it fit him to a tee!!!!) and try and pull it out. You could hear that poor cat howl for at least 200 miles!!!!!!! Needless to say it didn't come out until IT was ready. That cat, who Loved my Dad to death, didn't go anywhere near the man for almost a month!!!!! |
User: Sewhappie
Member since: 10-27-2001 Total posts: 1427 |
From: allie-oops
Date: 12-11-2005, 09:14 AM (31 of 32)
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My cat ate some tinsel one year. Do you know - it comes through unchanged? ROFLOL!!!!!!! I had a cat that did this - he walked around for DAYS dragging his personal decoration behind him. Thanks for reminding me - it was hysterical, but I was so worried it would kill him at the time! We do Midnight Mass every year, then come home and open one gift - when everyone comes over here for dinner, I do cold-cuts and paper plates, so that MY Christmas isn't ruined by what I hate most, cooking and cleaning, lol!!!!!!!!!!! Typically, I'll be sewing something Christmas morning to get it finished. We used to get a Christmas tree on Christmas eve, and spend the day decorating, then it would come down the day after Christmas. We may do that again this year - we haven't got a tree yet, or any decorations up. Not sure what we're going to do. Allie "onward through the fog"
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User: allie-oops
Member since: 10-25-2002 Total posts: 282 
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From: bridesmom
Date: 12-16-2005, 11:13 AM (32 of 32)
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This is a hilarious thread. But after reading about all the stuff the cats have dragged around from their bottom, it reminded me that the most expensive coffee beans in the world are ones that some little monkey has swallowed and then eliminated, the beans apparently have a very unique taste (gag). Coffee (http://www.aboutcoffee.net/2003_07_20_bcearc.html)
Laura
Tickled pink with my Innovis 4000D |
User: bridesmom
Member since: 01-21-2004 Total posts: 2026 |
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