“Love came down at Christmas,Love all lovely, Love divine;
Love was born at Christmas,
Star and angels gave the sign.”
Christina Rossetti
It’s time to put up the little tree, drape the lights, and arrange the ornaments. It’s time to smile and remember what these treasures mean — this little sheep was my mother’s when she was a little girl, as was the blown glass ball — and they represent love and family to me.
It’s time to celebrate the Solstice and the return of the sun. It returns ever so slowly, it seems, as winter is just beginning. Winter is for peace and quiet, for knitting and spinning, for looking inward and making plans.
It’s time to let the frenzy recede, though only in my own heart, because the next few days at work will be anything but calm and peaceful. I say I am taking the day off today, but that’s not true. After I post this I’ll be on my way to the store to order books. Silver Spoon Cookbook, if I can get any. Illustrated Elements of Style. Tasha Tudor’s version of Night Before Christmas. Anything else? Oh, I’m sure there is a long, long list.
It’s time to say Thank You to all of you who read this, who have shared your knitting and your lives through your writing, who have made me laugh out loud, who have opened your arms and hearts to me this year, and who have become my dear friends.
It’s time to sing and dance and celebrate with loved ones near or far — with nog or cider, with too much chocolate or too many cookies (or both). Off we go, then!
~:~
Edited at 5:30 pm to add: The phone rang as I was deep into decorating the tree (I’ve gotten as far as lights, and antique tiny shiny things, and the handmade stuff is next). It was my so-called “not obsessed about knitting” sister, reporting that she was just in Stitch DC buying some mohair for a scarf, and she found “something called Noro.” Need I say more? Oh, and I already sent her a copy of At Knit’s End for Christmas.
Not Plain Jane 
A very Merry Christmas, Happy Solstice and Holiday Season to you!!
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Jane- I wish you a holiday filled with love, family and friends- and I wish you a peaceful new year filled with yarn!
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Bet you didn’t find any copies of Silver Spoon….Merry Christmas to you and Happy New Year!
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A joyous Solstice to you, sweets, & wishes for lots of light for you in the new year.XOOX
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Then it is time for us to tell you how much we appreciate you and your art and your vision and your soul!Happy holidays to you!!!!
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Hello Jane,I just discovered your blog and have enjoyed reading through your adventures. I especially like the watercolours, and Florence and your link to Louise Erdrich, who is one of my favourite authors. The knitting is great too. Much Peace for the season and the new year.Lucette
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Happy Solstice Jane – and May a joyous New Year be ahead for you!I too, have enjoyed your blog and your art.. I look forward to seeing more of all your knitting and painting!
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First time visiting your blog and it is wonderful!!! Your knitting is beautiful and your posts are just lovely… Wishing you a healthy and happy New Year!
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