Christmas time is here . . .

Note: I had this post typed up last Thursday night, and then I fell off the face of the earth. Actually, it was hardly that dramatic, but almost as stressful - company, unexpected weather, and lots of work (subbing and a last-minute dress commission). Sorry for the absence!

Christmas time is here . . . Happiness and cheer . . . Isn't that such a great song? For me, it perfectly captures the soft, subtle excitement that creeps over me as the Advent season approaches. And links like these only add to the excitement!

• Simple and elegant gift wrapping ideas from A Little Hut (3 separate links). Keep an eye on this one, she's promised more!
• Lime and red: a fresh twist on the traditional color scheme
• I've always disliked earmuffs, but one look at these was enough to stop me in my tracks AND change my mind. The store offered a much wider range of cheery tweeds. Way over priced, but these shouldn't be impossible to make, right?
• Easy and adorable stacking trees. It doesn't get much easier than that, does it? Check out Calvin's version!
• Last year I was fascinated by 3D snowflakes, this year it's paper ornaments that are just as cool and even easier
• And finally, isn't this photo from Jenny enough to get you into a creative Christmas mood? If not, check out her one-hour challenge!

Note2: At this point in the post, I began to innumerate my Christmas project ideas, along with a slight musing on how busy life gets and how little I actually accomplish. I consider the events of this last week proof of that musing, and shall henceforth not tell of my projects until they are DONE.

Merry Christmas crafting, all!