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O Tannenbaum - by Ricky Tims (pattern available)

Although Wichita isn't "small", for a number of years there was a Christmas Festival that included fireworks. One year we had snow on the ground at festival time, which wasn't common. I made a pot of mint tea, then added hot chocolate mix and filled a thermos. We bundled up, gathered sleeping bags and the thermos and found a spot on the riverbank to watch the show. I'll never forget the beauty of fireworks above the snow, tucked into a sleeping bag with a cup of hot mint chocolate. Sharon from Wichita, KS

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Show and Tell photo image submitted by TQS member Hildur

We used to live in a 3rd floor flat with no access from the outside (no balconies or fire escapes). We did not own a tv set or tape recorder, and the family radio was in the kitchen. Every Christmas Eve the livingroom door was locked during the day. My parents and I spent the evening in the kitchen. At some time I would hear a bell ring in the livingroom, and my father got up, saying: "Well, Hannelore, that sounds like Father Christmas has visited us." He would then go and unlock the livingroom door.

The Christmas tree (with real candles) always looked stunning and my presents were under the tree. Next to the tree, on a sideboard stood a small bell. I never managed to work out how my parents managed to light the candles and ring the bell in a room that had no access except for the door, and that was in full view all the time so nobody could sneak in or out. My parents also never left the kitchen.

The year before my father died I asked him to share the secret. He smiled at me (then 54 years old) and said: "But you know, Hannelore, that was always Father Christmas." I still have the bell today, but it needs a little shake on Christmas Eve. Hanelore from Hamburg, Germany

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Show and Tell quilt submitted by Lorchen

We always had rice porridge for lunch on Christmas eve. Mom made a lot because Santa loves porridge. She put the leftovers in a bowl, put suger and cinnamon and a dash of butter on it, and we went outside and put it in a safe place for Santa to eat when he delivered our gifts. I believed in this for many years, because the bowl was always emty on Christmas day.

She told me later that some of the neighbour cats would eat some and she would remove the rest. Another important thing was to make sure all our animals and birds got plenty of food. - Britt from Florø, Norway.

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Photo by Sewbasket

Our Christmas tree always had TONS of presents under it. When we were small, my sister and I liked to play with the packages. We would arrange them in stacks according to the name on the tag or maybe build a wall with them. Sometimes we would line them up, end to end, and make a train going out the living room, down the hall, into each bedroom and back into the living room. Many years later, my mother told me "Do you remember when you and Candy would play with the packages and have them winding all over the house? I used to love watching you do that."  - Susan from Wichita Falls, TX

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photo courtesy of Jim Hoobler

Black Friday was a "White Friday" and certainly a White Christmas for me. We went to the high country to shoot a music video for my upcoming Christmas In A Small Town concerts. I'm excited to say that there are several TQS members who are making the journey to La Veta for the concerts - you're invited too!

The, clydesdale, snow, beautiful red and green sleigh and period costumes made for a fairy tale setting. It will be one of my most treasured memories of the holiday season.

Speaking of memories - here's one:

My father was in the military when I was growing up. We moved frequently and I lived in nine different homes before my 13th birthday. But no matter where we were, at Christmas there was always this cardboard fireplace that my mother hung our stockings on. There were no presents under the tree until Christmas morning because my parents perpetuated the illusion of Santa finding us no matter where we were and entering the house through the cardboard fireplace. My father was enlisted and there wasn't a lot of money but my brother, two sisters and I always had a grand Christmas. Annette from Kahului, HI

I'm collecting holiday memories at www.christmasinasmalltown.com -read more and share yours here.

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watch this video

Here is a two-minute video. Some of you may have seen it, but most of you have not. Do you believe in destiny? If so, please share the link with others. This is: Me/1957/21 months old.

Looking for a good Thanksgiving Day opportunity to break the ice for sharing the love of family? Then I encourage you to share a memories at www.christmasinasmalltown.com - you'll be able to print out a beautiful email and use it as a conversation starter that is bound to make this holiday special.

A note from Alex:

destiny - hmmmmm - makes you think now doesn't it?

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We are on the last day of a five day La Veta Quilt Retreat. Everyone has done a fantastic job creating their visions. Lili has created a tribute to her golden retriever and Katha has done a variation on the Three Wise Men quilt. There's always so many good things happening here. Hope you can come someday too!!

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A Ricky Tims concert • a Charles Dickens train ride • local art galleries • charming B&Bs. It's not a fantasy -it's reality - and YOU can experience it!

Many of you have come to La Veta for a taping! Now, I'm personally inviting everyone to make La Veta part of your holiday plans. Start a new tradition! There is magic happening in more ways than one. I'm betting that you are looking for a change - time to do something really special! It's time to make the original "Small Town" your destination. Make it a road trip or book your flights - it can even be a second honeymoon or a romantic getaway! You deserve it! 

Click here to be inspired

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As you probably already know, I spent the summer working on my new Christmas CD. For those of you who say you have one - or are getting one - thanks!! HOWEVER, it's not selling the CD right now that has me all pumped up. Instead, it is the stories that are being posted on www.christmasinasmalltown.com. There are currently two easy steps for you to do. 1. watch the video and, 2. share your memory.

The following is one of today's Featured Stories and demonstrates the reason why I want you to watch the video and share your story if you have not already done so:

"I grew up in a small town in Michigan ( born in 1955). Money was scarce, presents few, mostly the clothes we needed and a few small toys. but what I remember most is the Christmas Tree. There was always a real, fresh, green, sweet smelling Christmas Tree. We decorated it with all colored lights and so beautifuly with decorations and tinsel. It always reached to the ceiling with the angel on top. I closed my eyes as I listen to this wonderful music...the memories came pouring in and tears began to fall...my beloved Gramma was with me ...Grampa too..lights, laughter, hugs and kisses. Snowflakes on my upturned face, eyes shinning brite on Christmas morning...all memories so dear to my heart. Thanks for reawakening the memories. 
Peace,
Claudia

Read more stories like this - watch the video, share your story, and get the music!

P.S. - To my quilt army volunteers, it's not about just buying a CD for yourself - your mission is to encourage your friends to go to the website - watch the video - and share their stories. Raise your hand if you have passed it on.

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  Hairy Sugar Plum Fairy Nutcracker

It's a toss up for sure, but after looking at the two images you have to choose one over the other - really!

A. The Sugar Plum Fairy? or B. The Nutcracker?

The Hairy Christmas Fairy was spotted by the SUN, a newspaper in the UK. Click to read the hairy fairy story. No wait!, read that later - continue on...

Then, there's always the Nutcracker. Alex has let me know over and over and over that she thinks Nutcrackers are creepy, but I like them and I certainly like them better than the hairy sugar plum fairy!. What do you think? What's your pick?, the Nutcracker - or the hairy Sugar Plum Fairy?

Or how about forgetting all that and instead, read this story - one about the Nutcracker, the Mouse King, and the Sugar Plum Fairy. While you're there, click the green arrow and Listen to a sample of my rendition of Sugar Plum Fairy.