Is it already Christmas Time?

Blog 43

You are probably thinking about Bing Crosby’s song “It’s Beginning To Look Like Christmas” when you go to the stores these days. We have not even reached Halloween, and in stores and online you get the impression that Christmas is just days away. I always get very annoyed when I see the first Christmas merchandise already in stores in September. We are robbing ourselves of the magical Christmas time, because we are already tired of everything related to Christmas by the start of Advent.

So why am I writing to you about this theme? There is one good reason to think about Christmas right now: if you plan to give handmade gifts this year, then now is the time to start creating. It might actually be already too late for some very time-consuming projects, but there are still so many options for beautiful gifts for most people. Maybe you can even get a group together to create your gifts together. This will be even more fun, plus allow yourself to stay on track. You want to make sure that you leave yourself enough time. I am not a good example for that as I have spent a couple of late nights to finish a gift for a loved one at the last minute.

First of all, things might not go as smoothly as you had thought. That is why I cannot answer you the often asked question how long it takes me to finish a painting. Sometimes, the painting basically paints itself. Other times, you get stuck and you have a hard time to put the pieces together. Then you have to consider that your schedule might get really busy or that something unexpected happens that makes impossible to stick to your regular creative routine.

While most gifts will be cherished as much even if they are finished after Christmas Day, I am sure you are anxious to present the unique gift in its finished version to see the awe of the recipient.

Handmade gifts are so much more personal than a store bought article, but before you go out to the art or craft store and buy all kinds of materials for all the projects that you can envision and ask yourself if you have the time and skills to get the job done. Making your own gifts is supposed to be fun for you and not stressful and frustrating. Perhaps you can ask a friend for help or find a workshop where an instructor can guide you along the way.

Starting next week, I will give you some suggestions for easy holidays projects. If you are interested in a holiday themed painting party, I would like to invite you to my Angel Painting Party on November 25, 2018 at 2pm.

For two hours, we will paint with acrylic paints on a 16" x 20" canvas. As it is the Christmas season, we will also use some embellishments to sparkle up our angel. The price is $35 per person. All painting materials are included. No painting experience is necessary. The maximum number of participants is 12. To register, please pay by November 19, 2018 at 6pm. Payment can be made by e-transfer to kpeters@domingoinformatics.ca. Prepayment is necessary to reserve a spot. Please do not hesitate to contact me, if you have any questions.

After we are finished painting, we will share some cookies, tea and coffee in the spirit of the Christmas season (from 4pm to 5pm).