Christmas birds plaque

Thanks for stopping by!!  Here's my newest piece that I just did for a family member, for Christmas.  I'm so-o-o-o-o far behind with Christmas!  I say that every year, but this time, I mean it!!  I always try to make something for my immediate family....something that I can make for each of them.  Last year it was jammy bottoms.  This year?  Well, that's not happening.  I don't know why I wait so long to get started!  I'll never understand people complaining about stores gearing up for Christmas before Thanksgiving.  No, I don't want to see Christmas decorations around town before Thanksgiving.. I like to enjoy the fall colors, etc.... and Thanksgiving marks the end of all that.  But, seeing some Christmas stuff around makes me start thinking about what I could be doing/making for Christmas gifts.  How it is that we think we can do all of this, especially those of us that like to make things for gifts, between Thanksgiving and Christmas, basically four weeks, is beyond me!!  That's not nearly enough time!  I really love all the stuff that goes on at Christmas-time.  Some people complain about this or that; the crowds, etc... well, my advice is start early!!  Have it all *done* by the first part of December and then you can bake cookies and candy to give away.  You can enjoy your tree and the beauty that all the gifts underneath lend it.  You can avoid the crowds!  You can have time to get all your packages mailed, if you have friends/family in other parts of the country/world.  You can go to carolling parties (or host them!) that you've been invited to; you can go out and carol around town or in a nursing home/assisted living place.  It's not the store's fault that we wait so long to start!  You can have time to sit down with your family and some Gingerbread cookies and watch It's a Wonderful Life.  That's what Christmas is all about to me..... what can I be doing for other people?  What gifts will my children and husband just love?  What would bring a smile to someone's face?  None of that can happen if we don't allow time for it.  I'm not pointing the finger at anyone but myself, here!  I'm terrible about it!  And, every year I vow to do better next year!  It's not because the stores tell me I should..... it's because that's what Christmas is all about.  The stores aren't going to get any more of my money whether I shop in Sept. or if I shop in Dec.  But, I'll feel better.  Someone, please remind me to read this post next July!!  So, anyway, here's my little piece of artwork.  I'm going to upload some images that you're welcome to use and this image will be included.  I hope you're all having better luck with your Christmas preparations than I am!  That is, if you celebrate Christmas.  Have a wonderful night!

       ~ Teri