A Family Christmas of Handmade Gifts 2018

A personal Christmas gift

This past year, I've spent a lot of time reflecting on life, trying to figure out where I fit in and what my purpose is.  I think we all go through that process from time to time and it's a good time to look at what we've been blessed with, appreciate what we have and think about how we can be better. 

Last Christmas, I watched as my sister and her family all struggled with the thought of losing her brother in law.  He was in his 30's and had been diagnosed with cancer.  They weren't sure if he would make it through Christmas and it was such a hard and sad time for them.  My heart hurt for all of them!  He was married and had a teenage daughter and some younger kids.  I can't imagine the heartache and emotions they were dealing with.
He was determined not to let it get him down and pushed through for his family until after the first of the year.

So many thoughts raced through my mind at the time.  I've been blessed with a wonderful family.  We spent a lot of time working together on the farm when we were younger.  We've always been supportive of each other and I've loved watching each of them get married and have kids.  We lived next to my dad's parents and were always having family cookouts with my grandparents.  Now that they're gone and my parents are grandparents, they've carried on that tradition and I always enjoy getting together as a family to visit and cook and just spend time as a family.  

As time has gone by (way to fast!), our kids have grown and become involved in a lot of activities and it's harder to get together.  Though we aren't able to spend as much time together as we used to, they are still the most important thing in my life.  ​

We've added a few more people to this  awesome group in the past couple of years but this is my life.  

Life is short!  We don't know how long we'll be around and I decided last Christmas that it was time to do something extra special for my siblings an parents. 
I've spent this past year designing something specifically for each of them and just barely made it in time.  You see, there are times when we aren't able to be there for each other and I wanted to fix that - in my own way.  
I decided to make each of them a home collection.  I spent hours choosing colors and stitch patterns and then actually designing and crocheting an afghan and 3 coordinating pillows for all 5 siblings and a set for my parents. My poor family had to deal with my crazy crochet mess and then trying to store it all this past month has been quite the task. Along with the collection, I wrote a personal letter so they would know the meaning behind it all.  My gift to them this year was my time, talent and love.

This is what they received...
A pillow to cry on when you're sad
A pillow to rest on when you're tired
A pillow for support if ever you're sore or hurting
A blanket to wrap around you whenever you need a hug or comfort

My goal for this next year is to create more opportunities to spend more time as a family.  Whether it's a quick picnic at a park, a day at the movies with all the kids, supporting them in their various activities or sending them letters now and then.  Nothing is more important than my time with my family!

My wish for each of you is peace and love and happiness.  No matter where you are in the world or what your circumstances are at the end of this 2018 year, I hope that you can find peace in your life, love those around you and find happiness throughout 2019!
Love,
​Kate