Sleightholm Folk Art

   Well, here it is– December. It came all of a sudden, or so it seems to me, even though I’ve been planning for the Christmas season with my art for months! It is also my favorite time in Tasha’s illustrations and books— and the beautiful trees and simple festivities, families gathered together in the glow of candle light while a winter wonderland lays sleepy outside.

 This past Sunday was also the first Sunday of Advent, and so it was time to get out the new Tasha Tudor Advent calendar I purchased in Vermont this fall while visiting the Tasha Tudor Museum!

This year’s advent calendar features one of my very favorite Tasha illustrations— the family celebrating by the warm hearth as mice celebrate their own fanciful Christmas below the floorboards.

Audrey is always eager to see what’s behind each little hidden door for each day, a little treasure from Tasha hidden beneath the artwork.

   I’m glad to have this little calendar for an Advent treat, since I’m starting to get slower and more tired each day and therefore being a little more restrained in my Christmas decor and revelry. I figure its ok though— because isnt one of the major players in the Christmas story a weary pregnant lady? 😉 I know Mary will understand!

   I’m hoping (trying, making myself!) to take it easy despite two shows coming up. After they are done, I can sit back and relax. I envision knitting needles in hand and good food in the fridge and just nesting until Little One makes his entrance.  There is something very special about being pregnant during the holidays, though. Not just in really feeling for Mary in the Christmas story (there’s no way anyone aside from Caesar himself who could coax a large pregnant lady into getting onto a donkey and taking a road trip) but also the stories, the music, the feel of the season— of hope and love— it just makes you feel more tenderhearted. I know this little one has probably heard nothing but Christmas music since he could hear! I hope it makes him a happy and hopeful person when he finally arrives.

   And when he is finally here, he will be helping his sissy with future Tasha Advent Calendars, and I’m sure we’ll all be snuggling up with Take Joy and Becky’s Christmas on future holiday evenings. Its a lovely thought, and  I look forward to it.

Happy Advent and Tasha Tuesday to you, my friends—
Heather