from the
editor
Every year I pull out an advent calendar I spent countless hours tole painting
many years ago – a delightful little elf named Elliott who holds up the number of
days left until Christmas. Last year I decided to leave Elliott packed away in the
box of decorations, since he’s been on duty for twenty years now. My kids are all
teenagers and I was sure they wouldn’t notice. Not so! All of them demanded that I
pull out his happy face and place it in its usual spot. After all, they explained, he is
one of our holiday traditions. I certainly couldn’t argue with that, and out he came
to cheerfully count down the days until Christmas.
One more holiday tradition in our home involves yet another elf. Bernard flies
into our house every year on the morning of December 1st and perches himself
somewhere high. After observing our family throughout the day, he flies home to
the North Pole at night and reports to Santa how we’ve been doing. Every morning
he arrives back and watches from a different location. Each morning in December
there is a race to see who finds him first. Even now that our children are teens, the
tradition continues and we have a lot of fun with it.
Thinking about these experiences brought home the truth that the simple traditions
we have in our homes for the holidays really do matter – they add continuity, create
unity, and help make memories that last a lifetime. And since handmade items add
such a personal touch, we have collected a book full of ideas to help brighten your
holidays. With tons of ideas for your own traditions, including advent calendars,
home décor, gifts, mini albums, cards to spread the cheer, and layouts to showcase
the memories, this book has what you are searching for.
May you have your best holiday season ever!
Pam Baird
EDItOr-IN-ChIEf
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