the symbols of Christmas: a giveaway

Surprise!

I mentioned that there were going to be a few surprises throughout twelve (plus) days of traditions and this is one of them! 

My friend Chris, the creative blogger behind Pickup Some Creativity, has been had at work creating a new pattern for an amazing set of tradition ornaments.  Her inspiration for these ornaments stems from the traditions of her childhood.  But rather than me drone on and on about Chris' inspiration, I asked her to tell you about it in her own words.  Take it away Chris:

An important Christmas tradition while I was growing up was our Christmas Eve family gathering. After going out for Mexican food, we gathered around the Christmas tree and discussed the true meaning of Christmas. There were distinct activities we always did. My dad would read from Luke 2 in the New Testament. Then one of my brothers or I would take turns removing little trinkets from a bag that represented familiar sights at Christmas time. Did you know that there is symbolism in most of the familiar shapes and colors of Christmas?

Wanting to keep that remembrance alive for my children I began a quest. I used several versions of stories similar to what we used when I was a child, and came up with a simple narrative and accompanying ornaments. The culmination is my new pattern. I feel the need to teach children true principles is ever increasing. It is my earnest hope that this simple set of ornaments and story will help children remember the true meaning of Christmas.

To help you start this tradition in your own home, Chris is giving away a ready-made set of ornaments to one twelve crafts reader and a pdf pattern (which includes instructions, ornament templates/patterns and a printable explanation sheet to reuse year after year) to another reader.  That's right . . . there will be 2 winners. 

And don't worry . . . if you don't win, you can buy your very own pattern to make these ornaments and start your own family tradition.  Order from Chris' blog shop.

Here's how to enter:

**leave one comment for each entry

1) Be or become a follower of twelve crafts.

2) Be or become a follower of Pickup Some Creativity.

3) Link up a tradition post/idea to the linky below.  If you link up more than one, tell me how many you linked. One entry for each link.

4) Tell me what your favorite holiday symbol is.

5) In the spirit of Thanksgiving, tell me one thing you are thankful for.

**The first name drawn randomly will get to choose between the ready-made set or the reusable pdf pattern.  The second name will receive the remaining item.  Giveaway ends Wednesday, November 24, 2010 at 11:59 PM (CST).**

If reading through a reader, click here to add your own tradition post.