We have a mantel now, but we didn’t when we started the tradition of hanging the stockings from the bookcase. I made these during my needlepoint phase, which lasted just long enough to complete an eyeglass case, a stocking for Mr. Karen, then later one for me to coordinate, and a piano bench cushion cover for Mr. Karen’s mom. I started but did not finish another eyeglass case and a pillow top before I got thoroughly distracted by quilting.

One year ago, I went to church.

Two years ago, I did not read.