Julian Odessa gives words of wisdom on how to flourish when stitching or in life, and reminds us there are alternative ways to celebrate Christmas…
Hullo! The end of the year is here again! I swear, it comes back around quicker and quicker each year – anyone else find that? While this is often a celebratory time, gathering with family and friends and spreading good cheer, for some it’s not always an easy time.
Perhaps you lost a loved one this year and there’s a space in your heart they used to fill. Perhaps family is complicated for you or absent entirely. If this time of year is difficult, you don’t need to force it; it’s a time for celebration and togetherness, but there’s nothing saying who you have to spend that time with. Spend it with your family, your friends, your cat, yourself – whoever you want!
Remember, if you haven’t got the best relationship with your family or if something is weighing heavily on you and you don’t feel like making a fuss this year, you’re not obligated to. If seeing certain people causes you distress, don’t see them. If organising and cooking a giant feast for your family is getting old, time to create a new tradition. If money is tight and you can’t be as lavish as in past years, suggest a no-gift or homemade gift Christmas. Baking Christmas treats, doing a little cross stitch, or utilising one of your many other talents to create homemade, minimal spend gifts could be a lot more fun than receiving yet another pair of socks (though I do love a f
