The BeardedManinTheRedSuit came by ....

This year I participated in Chookyblue's SSCS for the first time

I received my lovely parcel with THIS ornament and on Christmas Day I could open the main parcel from Sharon in New York

isn't this bag just awesome... I put it on a chair so you can get an idea of the size... yup... it will fit lots in.. almost the kitchen sink ... and has lots of pockets inside for all those treasures... 

The bag was wrapped in fabric... such a fun Christmas apron, which of course I will stitch together to  wear next year

(I've never had a special 'Christmas' apron)

... the bag was stuffed with lots of lovely little parcels.....

tissues... (which were needed, I do get tears from niceness), yummy different flavoured tea (I am having one right now as we speak), note book and cards and all those DMC perle threads.... and just when I want to learn to do some hand quilting.. these will be just perfect and a lovely quilt card came with it from Sharon

Sharon - thank you so much... what an awesome parcel..

and thanks to Chookyblue for hosting this fantastic Christmas swap - so well organised

There are loads of pictures of such a wonderful array of ornaments HERE on Chookyblue's blog - it's not too early to be inspired for Christmas 2012!!

I had a surprise gift from bloggy friend Cyndi ......I haven't met Cyndi of course so I was very touched to receive this lovely parcel from her...

Such a fun book with all sorts of interesting and different projects....

... it also has yummy recipes to try and pages discussing antique kitchen equipment

(it does worry me that most of these I remember having them in the home!!)

and these lovely charm blocks.... I just love these happy fabrics 

Thanks Cyndi... such a special gift from a special friend - I love it all

this next parcel was a fun charm swap coordinated by Sharon - we all had a few colours of fabric to buy and slice into 5" charms.. then Sharon split them up and sent us each a pack containing one of each of the charms.... what a lovely way to collect a rainbow... Sharon is planning on another rainbow swap next year so if you are keen to collect some rainbow colours pop keep an eye on her blog... 

There was some comments about the way we treat Santa in our house when I showed our decorations so I thought I would show you a close up....

I couldn't resist this ornament when I visited New Zealand a couple of years ago... I guess this is the way he needs to get into houses since we are 'down under' here....

I just wanted to clarify we are not abusers of BeardedManinTheRedSuit!!

I hope he bungied by your place.....