Here's what's happening in the world of the Crafty Blog-o-sphere. It's time to get ready for the holidays and gift-giving.

• Crafty Princess Diaries
  Tammy is making her first crocheted hat for herself. Now, hopefully it will be done by the time it gets cold down South.
• The Impatient Crafter
  Madge is ready for Christmas so bring it on! Check out this retrolicious frame she designed for iLoveToCreate.
• About Family Crafts
  Does your family have any creative Thanksgiving traditions. You can read about other people's Thanksgiving traditions and then share your own.
• The Artful Crafter
  Whatever the holiday, make cute pop-up place cards to organize the dinner table and delight guests of all ages.
• Aileen's Musings
  Aileen invites you to join a creative challenge with her called the Erosion Bundle Project. Take a peek at her pictures and find out exactly what erosion bundles are!
• Craftside
  Craftside's got yummy pumpkin cookie and biscuit recipes, an inside peek into Bead Quilled Jewelry, eco friendly recipes for casein glue and an all-purpose cleaner, and starting Monday- The 19 Days of Holiday Goodness Giveaways starts, answer each day's question and you are entered to win a free book every day!
• Stefanie Girard's Sweater Surgery
  See a necklace and bracelet made from the same Blue Moon Beads pendant with a how-to video with Stephanie.
• Farm Girl Roots, City Girl Style
  Don't fence her in! Linda shares the story of her Fences and Ferns Quilt and how creativity can prosper even in dark times.
• Mixed Media Artist
  Mixed media artist Nicolette Anderson shares her lovely work!

Share your own favorite crafty blogs using the comments section below.

I used to work in a department store. The Friday after Thanksgiving was one of my favorite days of the year, and my least favorite. The adrenaline, the excitement of the start of the shopping season. The tired feet, and irritable customers! Usually the adrenaline rush won out though. I really like helping people, so it was a good job for me, for a time.

Today, you wouldn't catch me in a store on "Black Friday" unless it's an emergency or something. I enjoyed working in retail, but I am not a big shopper. I love the advent of the internet shopping experience. I can sit in my PJs and order all my presents - and have Santa ship them direct!

If you are out in the early morning to shop, I hope you find some great deals. If, like me, you'd rather stay home and veg out, then maybe you want to try out a new pattern. The free Flower Border Trio Collection is composed of three floral elements that may be used individually or as a border design. The motifs are all whole cross stitch, done in vibrant colors in my version. Of course, if you'd like to use them as holiday ornaments, you could alter the color scheme as it suits you.

The patterns in this collection were inspired by Sue Chastain's Free Graphics Software Downloads. Abstract designs are my favorite design medium, so I really appreciate Sue's permission to use her designs for this purpose.

_{Stay up-to-date with when free patterns and articles are added to About.com Cross Stitch. Subscribe to the About.com Cross Stitch Newsletter today.}

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.