Christmas Traditions

Seems like quite awhile since we've had time to visit together! 

 I'm glad you were able to pop by today. 

 We are definitely nearing Christmas...and you can sure tell by the busy schedule we all seem to be keeping.  There are Christmas concerts, Christmas dinners/parties with friends, and then there's the shopping, gift wrapping, Christmas baking...and of course some last minute card making!  LOL

This week over at Twist of Faith, we are thinking about Christmas Traditions.  I have to say that my favorite tradition that we have as a family is attending our church's Christmas Eve service.  For me...that is the most magical night of the year.  It sets the focus on the reason for the season as we put our attention on our Lord and Saviour!  There's something so special about that candlelight service and the songs, and sharing that takes place.  It reminds us all of the gift we are really celebrating!  

That being said, I did not choose to create a card around that tradition.  Instead, I chose to create a card around "going home" for Christmas.  I am lucky, my parents live in the same area we do.  I get to see them on a regular basis...but there's still something special about going home for Christmas.  Going home brings back memories of Christmas morning when I was a kid...my brother and I waking mom and dad up by reading the Christmas story to them at the door of their bedroom...but not before 7:00am!  LOL  Unwrapping the gifts under the tree, rummaging through the stockings, and then heading over to Grandma and Grandpas house where you were greeted by the smell of the most delicious meal.  It's funny how going home brings back all those memories.  Those memories bring back happy times, but are also a little bit melancholy as things are different...Grandmas and Grandpas have passed away, aunts and uncles as well...but I can't imagine what Christmas in Heaven must be like for them!

Well...when I spotted the image "Sarah's Christmas" in the Robyn's Fetish store, I knew that I wanted to create with it!  Robyn's Fetish is our sponsor for the week and they have graciously agreed to provide one lucky winner with 5 digital stamps of their choice!  Splendid!

Here's a look at my holiday card...

  This young girl just reminded me of someone on her way home to family and friends with her packages and wreath.  I've colored up the digi with my Stamp 'n Up chalks.  I wanted to give the card an aged and vintage feel, so I've again inked everything around the edges with a brown ink.  I've added some laser cut snowflakes which I've spread some Diamond Stickles on to give them some shimmer.  I've also used some Christmas die cuts that I purchased and was hoarding in my craft room!  The finishing touch was to add some Ric rack type ribbon and a bow with a button....I was hoping this would give the card that little bit of coziness that would make it feel like home.  I loved the die cut sentiment "At Christmas, all roads lead home"!  And isn't that so true in the spiritual realm as well...Christmas should get us thinking about our Heavenly Father...the sacrifice He chose to make for us...and even that Heavenly home that awaits for us when our time will come to leave this world.

And now, I can hardly wait to read about some of the Christmas traditions you have...and to see where your creativity with them will lead in your card making!  Be sure to link up with us at Twist of Faith this week...and don't forget to check out the other DT creations and their Christmas traditions. 

Until next time...

This card has been entered in the following challenges...
Crafty Sentiments Designs..."Christmas" 
Scrap Creations..."Holidays"
LEJ Designs..."Festive Fun"
Loves Rubberstamps Challenge Blog..."Anything Goes Christmas"
Songbird Challenge Blog..."Merry Christmas Everybody"
Sweet Stamps..."Simple Christmas"
Tuesday Throwdown..."What Christmas Means to You"
Use it Tuesday..."Winter/Holidays" (used Christmas die cuts from my hoarding stash)
The Cheerful Stamp Pad..."Signs of Christmas"
C is for Challenge..."Traditional Christmas"
Craftin Desert Diva's..."Christmas"
Craft Your Passion..."Let it Snow"
Crafty Boots Challenges..."Christmas"
Get Inky..."Christmas"
My Craft Creations..."Anything Goes"
Parade Your Crafts..."Christmas Projects"
Scrapping Everyday Miracles..."Christmas"
Without Words..."Nearest and Dearest"
Chalk Ah Lot Cafe..."Chalk Christmas"
Robyn's Fetish..."Must have a Bow"
That Craft Place..."Christmas"
Crafty Hazelnut's Christmas..."For Someone Special"
Card Crafters Circle..."Celebrations"
Card Makin Mamas..."Merry Christmas"
Creative Corner Challenges..."Traditional Christmas"
Delicious Doodles..."Christmas/New Years"
Digi Haven..."Merry Christmas"
Digitally Sweet Challenges..."Vintage Christmas"
C.R.A.F.T. Challenge Blog..."Christmas"


Update:  This card has placed in the following challenges...

Chalk Ah Lot Cafe