Crafting Christmas Magic: Timing and Inspiration for Year-Round Handicrafts
Do you begin your Christmas crafting journey in July or closer to the season? For many, the timing can vary based on their personal preferences and the nature of their crafts. I, for instance, start my preparations immediately after the holiday feast and often find myself engrossed in various projects throughout the year.
Personal Tradition and DIY Journeys
My own Christmas crafting journey is well under way today, July 15. This year, I have four Christmas stockings, two sweaters, and two sweatshirts adorned with crocheted owls for Harry Potter fans, and one shawl to complete before the end of November. My self-imposed deadline is mid-November because I enjoy the holiday atmosphere at the mall and the company of family and friends during this special season.
Crafting Beyond December
Beyond crafting for Christmas, I also create jewelry, sew, and knit various handicrafts. Occasionally, I even bake delicious cookies to give as gifts. These activities, to me, are deeply rooted in the winter months. However, the climate and activities in Alaska influence this perspective. During the summer, the beauty of the great outdoors encourages me to embrace outdoor activities like boating, hiking, cycling, fishing, and enjoying the wilderness. In contrast, the shorter and more challenging winter months provide the perfect backdrop for cozy indoor projects.
Seasonal Inspiration and Practicality
Winter, with its short and colder days, makes it an ideal time for crafting. The cold and snowy outdoors make indoor activities more appealing and comforting. Working on projects like knitting, crocheting, and sewing not only keeps the house warm but also fills it with delightful scents that can instantly elevate the atmosphere. My work space, located upstairs and filled with overhead and bedside lamps, offers a warm and inviting environment in the midst of chilly winter days.
Daylight Availability in Alaska
Apart from the cozy crafting atmosphere, Alaska's unique climate illuminates an interesting yearly pattern of daylight. The longest day of the year, around the summer solstice on June 21, provides approximately 19 hours and 20 minutes of daylight. This extended period of sunlight is a beautiful sight, but even on those extended daylights, the twilight persists throughout the night due to the sun not setting far below the horizon. Conversely, the winter solstice on December 20 brings only five hours and 20 minutes of daylight, with long, pitch-black nights. These seasonal contrasts add to the inspiration and practicality of crafting both indoors and outdoors.