Christmas is always a family occasion for me. I think that it is important to make the effort each year. Of course, making effort, doesn't mean buying lots of expensive presents, but taking to time to chose the right present and to enjoy good food together.
It also means taking to time to decorate the house....
and laying out the table properly...
and hunting down your Christmas lunch(*).
No Christmas would be complete without a Christmas Day walk. I'm very fortunate to be within a quick drive to Richmond Deer Park. There are several herds that are permitted to roam in the park and pose little danger to humans (the only time that they can be dangerous is during the mating season and well, if you see an antler deer come at you, I would suggest that you back off quickly.)
The deer park is smack in the middle of town. You can even see building in the background of this photo.
Of course, after a large meal (turkey with the trimmings, bread sauce, brussels sprouts, roast potatoes, peas and carrots, Christmas pudding and cheese, I put my feet up for little snooze (it's supposed to aid in digesting the food).
Afterwards, I took out my Tina and finished the center square whilst watching Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone on BBC 1 and then the Italian Job on DVD (the orginal one with Michael Caine and his birds).
I've picked up the stitches around the center and realised with horror that I have 480 stitches on the needles and it's going to take forever to knit one round. But what the heck, it is Christmas. The yarn is a cashmere merino laceweight that I bought from Scotland, in a very soft linen colour. It's very soft and yummy, perfect for a Christening shawl.
* No deer were harmed for my Christmas meal, well, not for this year's Christmas meal.
What a gorgeous shawl that is going to be!!! Can't wait to see it done.
Have a very Happy New Year!!!
Posted by: Eilene at December 29, 2004 04:26 PMI love your red berries and sparkly bits, very Christmassy. You would look good with all the gold sparkles too, most festive.
480 stitches in one round? Wow!
Posted by: Louise at December 28, 2004 11:50 PMSo you survived! Love your table! We also survived, though Chris is snoozing now, after the stress of visiting his parents, and too much booze and mince pies.
D:)
Posted by: dawn at December 28, 2004 10:13 PMHappy New Year!
I'm so impressed that you could knit after Christmas lunch - amazing power of concentration you have.
The Tina pattern is beautiful, and on my "to do" list - or was until I saw 480 sts. to a round!
Your shawl is lovely as every lace piece you make, and the shade is very gentle, and will allow the pattern to predominate, not the colour.
Once again, I am in awe of such knitting talent.
Jen
Posted by: Jennifer at December 28, 2004 10:06 PMThe photo with the caption "yum" had me in fits! Tina looks like being one gorgeous shawl and 480 stitches, Polly you'll find it a breeze. Glad you're feeling better.
Posted by: Tracy at December 28, 2004 09:39 AMa Christmas venison dinner sounds perfect to me!
Posted by: cathy at December 28, 2004 02:20 AMThat shawl is gorgeous. I can almost imagine how soft it feels.
Posted by: Laura at December 27, 2004 07:10 PM480 sts! You go girl.
Merry Christmas and thanks for sharing it. xoxo Kay
Posted by: Kay at December 27, 2004 05:31 PM