I know, I know. Christmas is so last year. 2022 has arrived. We should be looking forward, not back. Perhaps we should, but I have a few new items around my house that are still making me smile every time I see them, so the Christmas joy is living on in the New Year. Besides, I’m still a little giddy over them, and I’ve just got to share with people who will understand my bookish delight.
Favorite New Decor
I admit to dropping hints about these pillow shams. I adore Aimee Stewart’s bookshelf art, and since I happen to be working on a new series based on fairy tale retellings, these were simply perfect. They sit on my bed now and I see them every day. Confession time – when I’m making the bed, I almost always take an extra minute to stare at the pillow designs and simply enjoy them before tossing them onto the bed.
Favorite New Activity
This one, my hubby picked out all on his own with no help from me. I enjoy a good puzzle, and if it features books, even better. I have quite a few in my collection, and to be honest, I didn’t think there were any new ones out there. Well, my heroic hubby found one, and I love it. An antique reading room/book shop that looks so cozy. And there are so many fun details to explore.
My hubby was out reffing soccer on Tuesday evening, so I took advantage of the quiet house and got started on this beauty. All the pieces are sorted and the edge pieces are together. It’s ready for me to dive in to the good stuff!
Favorite Sentimental Gift
I saved the best for last. Handmade gifts carry so much sentiment, and my daughter is the queen of crafted Christmas gifts. Just last year, she taught herself to crochet and made everyone in the family Star Wars characters. Our Han and Leia have been on display in the living room since 2020, and during 2021 they were joined by Chewbacca and Boba Fett. However, the crocheted gift I received this Christmas was not part of the Star Wars universe.
I love hot tea. It’s my beverage of choice not only for curling up with a good book, but it also fuels me through long weekend writing sessions. When I saw this beauty, I couldn’t stop grinning. In fact, it is prominently displayed in my bedroom where I can see it whenever I am writing.
Is that not the most adorable thing you’ve ever seen? I know I’m a little biased, but even the tea bag is smiling!
What were some of your favorite things from under the tree in 2021?
What Christmas gifts or memories keep bringing you smiles well into the New Year?
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Your daughter is SO talented! That teacup (and teabag!) are adorable. And the puzzle is a book-lover’s dream! Fun to see your favorite gifts! We buy gifts for our grandkids, but instead of exchanging gifts with our kids, we all save what we would have spent on Christmas and take a big trip together every 5 years. It’s a tradition Ken’s parents started (and that we’ve done the same with my parents and siblings in years past) and we all agree it’s the best way to spend Christmas money now that most of us already have everything we want or need. I DO have a lot of fun spending Christmas money from my generous dad every year though!
That’s a great idea, Deb! We took a big family trip to Disney this year, and I would love to do something similar in the future. Of course, I don’t have any adorable grandkids to spoil yet, so the kids still have gifts under the tree. 🙂
What fun presents! Thanks for sharing them with us.
Thanks, Lynn. I knew my fellow book lovers would appreciate them. 🙂
Love your favorite gifts! I will have to check out Aimee Stewart. Your daughter’s crochet talent is amazing. And she taught herself? Maybe I have hope. My mother crocheted and taught me basics when I was a child. I made a small blanket, about 8 x 10 inches for what we called “storybook” dolls. Haven’t crocheted since I was about 12. I bought a kit about two years ago, hoping to re-engage and at the same time teach my granddaughter. Have to dig that out. Now all I need is time. My husband requires a lot of care at the moment.
Thank you for the inspiration and blessings!
I love Aimee Stewart’s bookshelf art. She has several. I also cross stitch, and many of her pieces have been turned into needlework patterns. Most are so large that it would take 10 years for me to stitch, so I decided utilize her art in other places. I have a puzzle and a book bag too.
I was so amazed that Bethany taught herself to crochet with a book. I think she used some YouTube videos too, but being a book nerd like her mama, she decided she needed a book. It’s been fun watching her spread her crochet wings. I hope you find the time to get back into it, Betty.
I bought myself a Kindle Unlimited gift subscription for 24 months for $151.71 US which is much less than the the regular price.
I love the puzzle, Karen.
What a great bookish gift, Jcp. I know you’ll get your money’s worth out of that! 🙂
My daughter crochets too, and for Christmas she made me a lovely little cozy for my tea mugs! It’s adorable.
Love that, Carolyn! What a fun idea!
Karen,
I love ALL your writerly gifts! I have several book puzzles myself. Where did those pillow covers come from? I looked for them but couldn’t find them.
Hi, Marilyn. I found them on Redbubble. They are kind of hard to find with their search. Here is the link to one of them.
https://www.redbubble.com/i/throw-pillow/The-Curious-Library-Calendar-May-by-Foxfires/11161927.5X2YF
Thanks, Karen!
Such fun gifts! I’m so impressed with your daughter’s crochet skills. I can do blankets and washcloths (so, squares) but everything else I’ve tried has been a disaster! Good for her! And so cute for you!
She went straight for the figurines and never even tried a square. I think the Star Wars patterns really motivated her. 🙂 I can remember my grandmother trying to teach me how to crochet when I was a girl. I never got past the first lesson. Ha!
My favorite gift for Christmas – a little colorful “blankie” my 7 year old great grandson picked out himself for me at his school gift shop. It is a perfect size to cover my lap and legs. And the grin on his face when I thanked him for it and told him it is perfect made it even more precious.
You received very precious gifts, too.
How adorable, Ann! I love blankets, especially this time of year, and having one picked out by someone so special makes it perfect!