Another season has come and gone without completion of the Christmas Stocking that I started years ago. I have noticed that there are so few patterns available these days. Most are quick and easy. While this certainly appeals to people who no longer enjoy needlework, I wonder at those who do embroider. There are other patterns available, and in use by embroiderers. It is the Christmas stockings that are disappearing. I have noticed a huge increase in fashion for Christmas. No longer is it conventional to bring out the same decorations year after year. Now, I see new decorations every year or every few years predominate. Why spend months creating needle craft if disposability is the sentiment? Why put effort on the timeless if there is a theme from year to year?
At the cottage vineyard, we celebrate the feast of the Nativity. That doesn't change from year to year. There is no fashionable turn. Enduring - immutable: what can we embrace every year to honor the Incarnation of Our Lord? It certainly makes all the months of effort seem worthwhile, instead of a silly diversion.
