When I think of Christmastime, one thing that permeates the majority of my thoughts are all of the beautiful music! I was reminded of Christmas carols, Christmas music from some of Motown’s favorites, such as the Jackson 5 Christmas album. What Christmas is complete without the iconic voice of Melvin Franklin on the Temptations’ Silent Night? Or, Nat King Cole singing, “Chestnuts on the Open Fire”? Christmas is by far my favorite time of the year. It is the time of year where the birth of Christ is celebrated.  Everywhere you go, your senses are delighted by harmonic melodies of Christmas, whether by Motown, Bing Crosby, Mariah Carey, or my personal favorite, Christina Aguilera’s “This Year”; Whether traditional, gospel, or contemporary, it’s all inviting and provides a feeling of warmth and happiness.

However, this time of year also brings me challenges.  The shortened day and less sunshine brings Seasonal Affective Disorder, which exacerbates depressive mood swings.  Studies show that over 11 million  people in the US suffer from S.A.D.  The exact cause for the mood disorder is unknown; however, there are theories that range from shortened days  to hormonal changes.  Through therapy, I’ve learned to recognize those things that trigger the feelings of depression, arrest them, and channel the energy into something positive.  Thus, I get moving!  I found that the key ingredients to my cocktail for coping with SAD is exercising, and doing something that I love to do.   I love to create, and even more, to give these tokens of handmade kindness to friends and family.  Another key ingredient is faith.  I am reminded of Philippians 4:8.  Instead of dwelling on things that sadden me, I am reminded of Philippians 4:8, which says to dwell on things that are good, noble, and true.  With this, I keep dear memories of loved ones lost close to me and am grateful for the time I had with them. 

This card reminds me of some of those wonderful Christmas memories.  I was inspired by a card made by Stampin’ Up demonstrator, Connie Stevens.  I coordinated the Tidings of Christmas DSP with the Merry Melody embossing folder on Thick white cardstock. I used Cherry Cobbler cardstock as my choice of color for the card base and mat and added a little bling by way of the bedazzled glitter specialty paper and the cherry cobbler bow as a finishing touch.

The measurements are as follows:

• Cherry Cobbler card base – 4 1/4″ x 5 1/2″
• Cherry Cobbler mat – 2″ x 5 1/4″
• Thick White Cardstock – 8″ x 5 1/4″; scored at 4″
• Evening Evergreen cardstock
• Evening Evergreen ink
• Evergreen Elegance Stamp Set
• Be Dazzled Specialty Paper – 1/2″
• Merry Melody Embossing Folder
• Christmas Pine Cone Die
• Cherry Cobbler and Gold Metallic Ribbon – approximately 6 – 8″
• Red Rhinestones