So about that last post. I was just joshing you, kids. My friends and family were more thoughtful and generous than I could even handle this year (and every year, for that matter). The best gift of all though was the sense of security that their presence brought in the face of 2010's horizon of uncertainty.
And in that spirit, I'd like to share a few of the things given and received around my house this year.
Gift 1: Reclaimed vintage cake plate
My sister inherited my Mom's gift for baking. We're talking pumpkin whoopee pies, bacon-pretzel-chocolate cupcakes, Nutella poundcake. The works. When I found this cake stand back in September, I ordered it right away. It just seemed so her -- homey and creative and cheerful and ready to take on an entire tray of warm chocolate chip cookies. This particular one was just right because it was made with a New York souvenir plate from the 60s. Stylegarden has similar offerings available in her etsy shop for only $32. My current favorite is the sunny Hawaii stand:
Gift 2: Handmade quilt
Every year, after Christmas Eve mass, Dorito salad with my cousins, and a rowdy drive home, my Mom distributes the annual Christmas PJs. This year, my sister decided to give back by piecing years and years of pajamas together into a quilt for my parents. She worked tirelessly, and it's just such a special way to display so many good memories.
Gift 3: Unicorn Rock
My friend Wes Burdine let us all benefit from his family's handmade gift exchange by passing along copies of the children's album he wrote and recorded for his niece. There are unicorns, there is a bug that sings like Tom Waits, there is an imaginary brass band. It is more amazing than a one-horned mythical creature. Behold:
06 A Bug's Life
Gift 4: Assorted awesomeness
Forgive the crappy picture, but my G10 is in the shop, and all I have is my iPhone. Anyway, I spent Christmas day chatting with my grandmother about the 40s, how she met my grandfather, and elbow length gloves. It turns out we're the same size, so she went to her drawer and gave me these beautiful gloves as well as a soft mink collar. Speechless. Also fun: a YSL eye shadow set made to look like a vintage luggage tag (thanks Colleen #2!), and a glass CB2 globe that I've used to display feathers I collected in Africa. These are a few of my (new) favorite things.
Gift 5: Graceland Blue Christmas Champagne
This might be the best present I've ever received. Sister, you are the best.