Theme Thursday: Keeping Warm

Although my region is experiencing a below average amount of snowfall so far this season, our cold temperatures are not letting us forget that it is winter! Cold weather is not unusual in Upstate New York, but it can be a struggle to stay warm during these brutal months. Fortunately, if you experience the chill of winter, there are some great seasonal handmade items on Etsy that can help keep you warm.


RainyDayArt offers this hand knit Classic Grey Hat with Pink Stripes. It fits most adult heads and is machine washable in the gentle cycle.



This hand knit Black Opal Traveler Shawl, made by FoxyGknit, is currently on sale. It is a versatile piece that can be worn to the office or to a soccer game, and it is perfect for traveling. It is soft and tailored and the colors will match with many things already in your wardrobe.



If you like nature-inspired handmade items, check out these Cattail Hand Warmers by RagamuffinDesign. They are made with 100% wool and lanolin oils to help keep them water repellent.



Northwoods stitch pattern was used to make the unique textured pattern in MagdaleneKnits' Cafe au Lait Crocheted Scarf. It's narrow design makes it practical for wearing outside in the cold or as a fashion accessory.

Theme Thursday: Festivus

In my opinion, one of the best episodes of Seinfeld was the one about Festivus, a made-up sitcom holiday based on a true story. In reality, the fake holiday was "created" by the father of a screenwriter for Seinfeld, but in the episode it began with George's father, Frank, in a store fighting over a doll that he wanted to buy for his son. The doll was destroyed, and Frank realized that Christmas was way too commercialized and was getting out of hand, sentiments that lead to the holiday Festivus.

Ugly Doll Head from AVintageSeason

"Festivus" is a nondenominational winter holiday that is celebrated on December 23rd, according to that episode. You still may hear it be referred to as a "Festivus for the rest of us," and some fans of pop culture continue to recognize the holiday today.

Snowman - Warm Winter Greetings from MerryBluesArt

There is no Christmas tree for Festivus, just an undecorated aluminum pole, which has "an appropriate strength to weight ratio."

Happy Festivus from Bambinamia

George took the holiday a step farther by creating donation cards for a fake charity called The Human Fund, on the premise that it would be better to donate to charity than to exchange Christmas gifts at the office. After being called out by his boss, who donated $20,000 in "money for the people," George agrees include him in the so-called Festivus dinner to try to further cover up his charitable lie.

Happy Festivus Human Fund Donation Iron On from Jersey Girl Gifts

The Festivus festivities begin with dinner, which is followed by the Airing of Grievances, a tradition that allows you tell your family how they have disappointed you in the last year.

Complaint Department Decorative Plaque from KimsKandyKreations

Airing of the Grievances is followed by the Feats of Strength, clearly George's least favorite part of Festivus, in which Frank chooses someone to wrestle with - the episode ends with the sounds of George screaming.

Survivor Girl from JCSpock

Throughout the episode there are references to a "Festivus Miracle," similar to what most would call a Christmas Miracle. How does your family celebrate the holidays? Do you have an unusual tradition?

"It's a Festivus Miracle" Pendant from DeborahSavage