Joanne Yordanou

I can safely say I'm ready, but realize many are not. We hosted my side of the family's christmas party yesterday and, instead of the usual gift exchange (picking names out of a hat, Xmas Scrooge, etc) that was tired, I decided to do a non-monetary gift exchange. Names of the 32 (soon to move to 33) attending family members were arranged alphabetically in Excel, side by side (so that an A name, might match up with an L name). The gift would have to be made or performed by the giver. I baked Cowboy Cookies and knit sweater ornaments and cotton washcloths (love those!). 

I happened on another site that had even cuter ornaments that I wish I'd found earlier. Aside from these adorable stockings, Julie offers many other cute freebies and a great blog. Great for last minute Christmas knitting. I love the image here - similar to Purl's. She offer them as Christmas cards. Great idea for next year!

The 33rd attending was my niece, Amanda, who printed out sheets of Amazing Grace - a family favorite - and listed who was to join her singing after every couple stanzas. It was her gift to my Dad. It was a special moment that left everyone teary-eyed and smiling and one not likely to be forgotten.