Its nearly time...

I entered the Elzybells blog giveaway (didn't win for 25 days. Sob!) and we were asked what our fave thing about Christmas was. When the draws started I realised I had written a LOT more than most people. But it is so true

My favourite thing about Christmas is the worship i get to be part of - the pyjama service for kids on Christmas Eve (pj's and a soft toy to snuggle are mandatory); the midnight service - so full of wonder and expectation and then Christmas morning when we are all so happy (and tired!)

I've got the traditional making of the cashew nut and parsnip layer first - which is preceded by the traditional hunt for the recipe (its on a photocopied page). Delish but oh so fiddly. And a last minute present to buy as I have been let down by the BBC. And the snow. But then the shops will shut and it will be too late to do anything but anticipate and enjoy. By some Christmas miracle my voice is now fine. the ominous throat disappeared completely which was wonderful. And I am actually all ready service wise (not always a good thing mind as I get over confident then!). SO I had time to do the Salt challenge for today which I really didn't think would be feasible. Ruth came up with a lovely idea for this - Jesus Joy

I decided to use one of the spare pictures I had printed up and the left over items from the churhc Advent journal class which we did over 5 weeks. The last week's theme was Preparation which was about really looking forward to greeting Jesus and thinking about what his birth means for us today. The title had to be Joy to the World as it is my favourite carol. its the first one we sing every year on Christmas Day (ah the perks of being the Minister!)
I wanted to keep the layout minimal NOT as Phil sid, because I couldn't think of what to fill the page up with. The stripy paper and die cuts are from Kand Co Hannah. Really lovely double sided papers in that pad. the heart shape is a sizzix die cut from Cosmo Cricket early bird papers. The flourish is a Maya Road chipboard one covered in Dabber gold paint which I used round the edge of everything else. FOr some reason I knew I wanted a kraft circle journalling spot which is also an echo of a halo. The button is Bazzill and is tied with the gold string from a Tesco angel ornament that I used on some Christmas cards. The gold ribbon is a tiny scrap from Ikea. Oh and the letters are Adornit.

Here's a close up of the journalling

And now some pictures of my finished Advent journal. I did manage to muck up the holes for the wire. AGAIN. I panic and then don't think proerly. But so far it all stays together. I have made the photos small so this post isn't huge but you should be able to enlarge them by clicking on them. There is a lot of writing and not all will be in focus so it is not your eyes!


Happy Christmas!