Isabel Designs » craft day

Easter & Chocolate Traditions

isabel — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 18:29:05 +0000

There are many traditions that wrap themselves around Easter, not least of which is egg decorating. Historically, the egg was a symbol of rebirth and new life. What started as a pagan ritual of spring was embraced by early Christians and celebrated during Easter.

I don’t remember egg decorating as a child, but I sure did love to wake up to chocolate and jelly beans on Easter morning. When my nieces and nephews were little (and not so little), we would hide scores of candy outside on my parents two acre property, and watch them scurry through the grass (and sometimes snow) to fill their baskets with loot.

This past week we had a few friends over for ‘craft night’ – which of course entailed egg dying and decorating. There is something magical about the process and I think we all felt like kids in some fashion. To feel young at heart is exactly the kind of rebirth I needed to enter into this years celebration.

Family Craft Day

isabel — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 04:33:19 +0000

This past weekend our family gathered together to honour a tradition started by Mom many, many years ago. Family craft day is an event not to be missed. If you look around the homes of my siblings, you will note that many of the Christmas decorations gracing the walls, end-tables and trees were made on Craft Day. This year we made wonderful wire ornaments wrapped in the shape of stars, balls, snowmen, angels and more. Beads and stained glass were woven into the design, all with wonderfully unique results.

For all the anticipation and stress of the Christmas season, I always look forward to this special day. Even my nieces and nephews still enjoy this day, and as they venture into their own apartments and start having families of their own, they feel even more compelled to carry this event into their futures. Family activities and gathering spell Christmas to me, and I’m so glad craft day is part of our family’s tradition.