Olivia Storm

Cross stitch is becoming increasingly popular today, and it is also becoming more accessible through information on the internet. We can shop or check prices and charts online.   What better time of the year to think about cross-stitch designs than during the Christmas season?

If you have researched Christmas thoroughly, you will know that the most popular cross-stitch Christmas items depend on the part of the world in which you live.  In my country (the US), angels and Santa Claus are two of the favorites, along with Christmas trees, and holiday glitter. 

But my sister-in-law comes from Mexico, and some of the  favorites there are the stockings (of course!), table runners, tablecloths, mantle decorations, and hangings for doors or wherever you want to put them.  In Germany, my mother-in-law says that the most popular items are the Santa Claus figures, Christmas trees, snowmen, angels, stars, candles, wreathes, and bells along with special table linens, placemats, napkins, runners and tablecloths. 

I personally like the Santa Claus theme, as  one of my fondest memories from my childhood was "the Santa Claus wait".  I would be waiting impatiently inside my bedroom as the lights of the Christmas tree cast their long shadows across the living room floor, spreading into my darkened little bedroom.  Almost ill from the anticipated visit from Santa Claus, I would always fall asleep before he came…year after year.  And every Christmas morning, the milk and cookies would be gone in exchange for wonderful gifts for my younger brothers and myself.

As the years have flown past, I still have a tendency to favor Santa over many other Christmas themes, recognizing he has many faces and ideas across the world. 

The cross-stitch Santa designs have just as many faces, and what you choose is an independent choice.  I like the funny, cartoon Santa.  But there are beautifully illustrated realistic works that are just as breathtaking.  Some other Santa themes are simple and abstract. 

I think that before starting a Santa project, you need to consider where this cross-stitch project will be placed or to whom it will be given in addition to your own basic likes and dislikes.  Then, choose the kits and begin stitching, or if you prefer, design your own, based on this same idea. 

The colors, traditionally green and red, can depend on the theme you choose.  Old-fashioned kits and designs will probably have those same colors.  Newer versions of Christmas with abstract ideas have the sky as their limit on design, color, themes, and how everything is combined.  So whatever fits in well with your home and makes you happy should be your theme.

Sadly, it is often thought that we're much more concerned with shopping for gifts than celebrating the true meaning of Christmas nowadays.  So, think carefully and make each cross-stitch design one from your heart combined with what is truly important to the person who'll receive the gift.  Also, plan your decorations with the family in mind. 

Christmas is a good time of the year, and with some thought, you can make it a family event throughout the holidays…not just on Christmas Day.  Christmas gives you more flexibility than any other holiday with the choice of decorations.  And by picking one theme for the holiday, you will not have that cluttered "rummage sale" look that is so overwhelming. 

It also helps control your stress level to keep to one main focus for Christmas decoration.  If you are really accomplished, you can have one theme per room.  If this is too much, use one theme for the whole house.  In doing this, money can be saved and the cost of Christmas is kept low.

One idea is the "Evergreen Theme". This uses boughs of evergreen spread throughout the home.  Cross-stitch designs with Santa themes can be placed on the tree and throughout the boughs throughout the home.

Whatever theme(s) you decide to have, make sure you create your designs with loving care and enjoy yourself in the process. Cross stitch can add much to the enjoyment of this special season.