Just for fun, here is a collage of the tags I made for the Tim Holtz 12 Tags of Christmas this year:



Wow, Christmas Eve already? It sure seemed to come fast this year. There just never seems to be enough time to accomplish everything I set out to do at this time of year! I really don't like this (self-imposed?) stress and guilt that is associated with the holidays.

I didn't send nearly as many Christmas cards as I had hoped. Our decorating basically consisted of a wreath on the door, a little lighted Disney Christmas Tree on the mantle, and a kitty stocking my Mom brought for Dusty & Penny at Thanksgiving.

Last night I was busy finishing up a crafty project and my husband (with some gentle encouragement) wrapped a present for my Mom around 9:30 pm or so. He scored BIG husband points for that since he hates wrapping. The funny thing is he did a really good job on it. I was so impressed!

Then at about 10:15 pm I finally started making Gingerbread Cookies. I normally make a Gingerbread Cake for Christmas, but Stephen requested cookies this year. Since it was so late he helped me scoop them out of the mixing bowl (again BIG husband points) while I rolled them in sugar.

We had doubts if the cookies would come out ok, but they are really good! Here is our family recipe (ha!):





















Oh well, I won't remember the things I didn't do for Christmas this year, but I will remember the time I spend with loved ones. Stephen and I will be seeing my Mom, Dad, Brother, and Sister-In-Law. And that is really the best part of the holidays.

I hope you have a very Merry Christmas with your loved ones.

Holiday Hugs,
dustypenny (aka Joy)