Fleeces, Daffodils, and Christmas Cards

 Ah, what a week it’s been. The kind of week where you question every life choice you’ve ever made, starting with why you thought a fleece was adequate outerwear for what felt like the Arctic tundra. Every morning, I’d confidently stride out the door, fleece-clad and borderline smug, only to spend my afternoons near the nursing station, silently bargaining with the heating gods. “Please,” I’d whisper, “just one degree warmer. I’ll even stop complaining about the rain. Well, maybe.”

But hey, spring is technically in the air. I know this because I spotted a few rogue daffodils blooming bravely next to the shed. Bless them. They’re like the overachievers of the plant world, blooming weeks early just to flex on the rest of the garden. Of course, this is Ireland, so spring doesn’t mean sunshine and picnics—it just means slightly warmer rain. Still, those daffodils are a glimmer of hope. A glimmer, mind you, not a guarantee.

Now, onto my Christmas card. Yes, you read that right. Christmas. In February. Look, I’m not saying I’m organised—I’m saying I’m terrified of December. This year, I’m getting ahead of the game. The card in question is a box card designed by Lori Whitlock. It’s one of those clever designs that folds flat for mailing, perfect for my family in the Southern Hemisphere. I always feel odd sending cards with snowmen while they’re in 40°C heatwaves. “Merry Christmas! Here’s a reindeer in a scarf. Enjoy the sunstroke!” This design, though, works for any gender and any hemisphere—whether it’s a chilly northern December or a warm southern summer. No more seasonal mismatches, just a universally thoughtful card.

click on pic for a better view;)

The cardstock is from my stash (read: hoard), and the Christmas tree is cut from a piece of dark green glitter card I’ve had for years. It’s so old, it’s practically vintage. I embellished the card with Ranger Glossy Accents for a bit of shine. When folded flat, the card measures about 19cm x 11.5cm, which is the perfect size to fit in an envelope and also to make me feel like a crafting genius.

I’m entering this card into a few challenges:

• Merry Little Christmas Challenge Blog #60 - Anything goes
• The Holly and Ivy Chriatmas Challenge: Anything Christmas Goes Challenge #176
• The Four Seasons Challenge: Winter Season - February 2025
• Christmas Kickstart Challenge:  #95 - Fold it Fancy!
• Jingle Belles: Holiday Shape Up
• Peace on Eart Christmas Challenge: #81 - Anything goes
• Cardz4Guyz #365 - Clean and Simple

So, there you have it. A week of questionable fashion choices, premature daffodils, and Christmas cards that would make even Santa proud. Life is chaotic, but at least I’ve got my priorities straight: fleeces, glitter, and pretending I’m not cold. And to anyone else out there who’s already thinking about Christmas in February—solidarity, my friend. We’re not crazy. We’re just… prepared. Or delusional. Either way, pass the glitter.

Until next time, stay warm, stay crafty, and maybe invest in a proper coat.

Wendy R.