Advent Calendar Blog Hop - Day 19

Hello!  Welcome to Day 19 of the Advent Calendar Blog Hop, which is being hosted by Jo at Serendipitous Stitching.  We were each asked to share some festive stitching and festive food traditions of the season.

I just finished stitching this lovely little scene last night.  I found this freebie pattern here: http://gazette94.blogspot.com/2012/10/promenade-en-traineau.html
(along with so many other amazing patterns)

I would also like to share a photo of an ornament I finished recently and tucked into my Mom's holiday package.  She has been having a lot of snow this week ... so I hope it brings a smile.

The pattern is "Let It Snow" from the 2013 JCS Ornament Issue.

My sweetie and I always enjoy a nice Christmas Eve dinner together and save the leftovers for Christmas Day, which keeps me out of the kitchen and available to chat with my family - who are all out of state.

Each year I start making candy and baking cookies in the days leading up to Christmas.  One or two different goodies each day.  I keep a small sample taste available for each evening - and pack the rest away for the grand finale on Christmas Eve, when I arrange all the varieties together and let the snacking begin.  I am always sure to make old favorites, as well as trying something new each year.

One favorite that I make each year is "Foolproof Chocolate Fudge".  It is a creamy fudge, rather than a sugary fudge (does that make sense?)  It is easy, foolproof, fattening, and can be made in the microwave oven.  The recipe lends itself to variations well - such as chocolate mint fudge, cherry chocolate fudge, etc...  

Whatever your holiday traditions may be, I wish you a safe and happy holiday filled with family and friends, joy and stitching!