Anna Pearson's Needlepoint Blog

Our lives have changed dramatically and indeed continue to change almost daily. I have just read the November Blog I posted - while we had come to accept that the pandemic was going to last far longer than originally thought we didn't dream that second lockdown would be imposed and then back into areas of increased vigilance. As with all things, there have been some really interesting and worthwhile outcomes;  in the summer it was our little garden, being able to meet up with friends in the outdoors and even hold some small classes. Now in the Winter the rules are strict, meeting in homes or even private gardens are not allowed but we are all getting used to the new forms of communication and the telephone for friends who aren't confident with Zoom, FaceTime and the like. In the last Blog, I mentioned the first of the Needlepoint Forum planned;  each one had a general catch up followed by a particular theme - they were 'Christmas', 'Borders & Backgrounds' an...

Each family has its own traditions linked to the festive season and even more so the many countries around the World. Australian, New Zealand and South America are enjoying high summer; in the Northern hemisphere it is winter and often dark and icy nights. Some countries celebrate Christmas Eve with a festive dinner and the opening of presents at midnight; others go to their church at midnight and keep the presents and the big meal till Christmas Day itself.   In the UK the preferred meal for a big family is Turkey with roast potatoes and sprouts followed by Christmas pudding with brandy butter or cream. Other countries enjoy oysters (France) or Carp (Germany). Houses are decorated, children make garlands, a Tree is popul   Having been on the East Coast immediately before Christmas it is fun to take a ride around the areas to see the amazing displays erected. ar in many countries and in particular Americans decorate their garden and outside of their house lavishly. ...