Thanksgiving is a low-key affair for me this year. No trips "over the river and through the wood." Not a lot of hustle and bustle in the kitchen. Just a nice day spent with my little family - My dear husband (it's our first Thanksgiving as a married couple), Mr. Pat, my 94-year-old father-in-law, and Girlie (the wonderdog). Special appearances by Rooster and Button, our kitties. Rooster is convinced that if she gets in the house enough, we will let her stay.

All-in-all, a peaceful day will be had at our place. That's my sort of holiday! It's fun to have huge family gatherings and load up on lots of food, but today, I will reflect on all I am thankful for and have a healthy meal instead of stuffing my face. (I can do that next year when I have gotten down to my goal weight.) Back to what I am thankful for - here are just a few things (in no particular order):

• my family members, near and far
• a warm, safe place to live
• my cyber friends, here and on Twitter and Facebook
• the About.com Cross Stitch forum members
• everyone who visits this site regularly, emails me, comments, or interacts in any way
• what things may come - who knows what the future will bring? I sure don't but I can't wait to see the things you all have to share with me in the coming year - and hopefully you will like the new patterns and articles I have in store for you.

To help you find a little peace in your holiday festivities, I have added a pattern collection called Four Ways to Say Peace. These small charts, stitched with the floss colors of your choice, will make great ornaments. Or, you may want to combine them in a sampler. I am toying with that idea and will post a pattern soon.

Have a peaceful, happy day - Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving, folks. Welcome to another edition of Make it Merry, where talented crafters share their holiday how-to's.

Snowman Ornament
Sherri Osborn will show you how to create a cute snowman face using a clear, glass ornament. It's a great project for the whole family.

Recycled Pine Cone Gnome
Get a glimpse of this pine cone gnome at the Recycled Crafts blog. It's a cute reason to collect a few pine cones around the yard.

CopprClay Pendants
Try your hand with pendant making this year with a little help from some winter foliage. The Beading Arts blog will show you how.

How to Make Paper
Handmade paper not only makes a great gift for the avid scrapbooker in your life, but you can also create tags and cards for every present on your list. Marion Boddy-Evans shows us how.

Little Town of Bethlehem Cross Stitch
Get down to the true meaning of Christmas with this simple cross stitch pattern from Connie G. Barwick.

Mitten Earrings
Tammy Powley shows us how to make these cute mitten earrings using lampwork beads.

Christmas Stocking
This cute two-color Christmas stocking is a breeze to knit, even if you've never knit a sock before. Worked with bulky yarn on big needles, it will be done and ready for you to embellish in no time.

Advent Garland
If you are looking for something a little different when it comes to counting down to the holidays this year then take a look at this pyramid box garland. Use the free template to make the boxes and decorate them with your favorite festive stamps.

Miniature Gift Boxes
Have a little gift to give? Check out these free printable miniature gift boxes for small gifts or advent calendars from Lesley Shepherd.

Manga Holiday Card
Instead of a traditional Christmas card, you could go with something a little more contemporary this year. Helen South has tips on how to create a manga style card.

Want to Join Make it Merry to show off your holiday crafts? We will showcase your crafts and recipes of all holiday traditions. Learn more.

Holly sent in this close-up photo of her Hummingbird and Cactus Project. She stitched it from a kit, so we aren't sure who the designer is. If you know, post it below so I can add the information. Learn more about this photo.

See the Framed Project.



Cross Stitch Photo Albums

Submit a Photo - share your photo with us and you might just be featured here.

I never seem to keep my posts completely wordless, but here are more blogs posts featuring photos on Wordless Wednesday at About.com.

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Each year, there are two publications that start those holiday bells aringing for me. The first is the Just CrossStitch Ornament Edition. I look forward to seeing the new offerings from the designers and reading the recipes many of them share. This year, my favorite design looks just like a snow globe - it even has beads that move around just like the "snow" flakes.

The second publication is a more recent addition to my holiday festivities. It is Un Natale da Ricamare. This magazine is available in Italian and in English. It features some really neat ideas for making up ornaments. It has a bit of a international flavor too. (So do the recipes!)

Order Un Natale da Ricamare 2009 or the back issues (well worth it) from Mani di Donna. And watch for the Just CrossStitch Ornament Issue on newsstands or check the JCS site for ordering info.

What says Holiday Cross Stitch to you? Share about it in the comments section below.