SIX COUNTED CROSS-STITCH CARDS depicting the birth of Christ grace an aged chest of drawers anchoring a corner of my living room. I’ve leaned the cards against the backdrop mirror reflecting my Christmas tree.
These works of art visually tell the Christmas story minus a few important characters—Joseph and the Three Wisemen, who would later come bearing gifts. Perhaps those cards were lost. Or maybe my cousin Traci, who stitched the art, didn’t complete the series. She gifted my mom with these cards. One each Christmas.
A few years back, after Mom moved into assisted living and eventually long-term care, my extended family divided the Nativity sets our mother collected. And, among those I chose were these cards. My mom was also an avid counted cross stitch artist.
I cherish the stitched collection. Not only for its artistic value but also for the emotional connection to a mother celebrating her final Christmas on this earth. That is reality and I’ve reached a sense of peace in that certainty.
This Christmas, I hope you, too, experience peace. I hope you find a connection to those loved ones no longer on this earth via treasured memories or objects. I hope you feel connected also to those still here. To those who can still hear the words, “I love you.”
Have a blessed Christmas, dear readers!
© Copyright 2021 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Beautiful
Thank you and a blessed and joyful Christmas to you and yours!
What a treasure…so happy you have this collection of stitched cards. Merry Christmas!
I know you understand why I value these cards so much. A blessed Christmas to you and Gary, Valerie, and to the rest of your family!
Beautiful! Merry Christmas
A blessed and beautiful Christmas to you and your family also! It’s good to hear from you!
Beautiful!
Thank you.
Those keepsakes are such lovely touchstones for us at this time of year. Hugs to you, Audrey!
Thank you for the hug, Kathleen. I like that word choice of “touchstone.”
May the Christmas spirit stay with us throughout this new year.
Much-needed as we enter year three of the pandemic.