Happy Holidays! Our family tradition of doing a craft after dinner (and maybe a few drinks) was born in 2006 when my family and my husband’s family celebrated the holidays together for the first time.
My mother, @niki_ketchman is a professional artist and made the suggestion that we all make our own ornaments together. She brought a big box of miscellaneous items and materials from her studio and poured them out on the table for everyone to browse. What came naturally to her caused everyone else complete anxiety at first! We all just stared at the pile drawing a complete blank and glancing side to side to see if anyone else knew what to do. Then gradually we each picked up a button, a piece of fabric, a glittery thread, a shiny piece of metal, a section of wire, etc. and the creative process began to evolve. To everyone’s amazement, we each created something special that we never expected.
It turned out that the ornament pictured above that Mark’s mom created that night was the one and only ornament she made before she lost her battle with pancreatic cancer.
Ever since then, Mark has carried on the idea and made it a tradition. So we have painted ornaments, wine glasses, dinner plates, and this year, aprons! We have had a blast doing it, (now that we’ve gained some confidence). The best thing about it is that we incorporate the items from previous years into each year’s decor and festivities, and it enriches the ambience while bringing back the fun memories of holidays past!
What is your favorite holiday tradition and how did it start?
Luxury Coastal Real Estate Specialist | Fairfield Beach, Southport & Westport CT | Waterfront & Lifestyle Transitions | William Raveis Real Estate
Buying or selling a home can feel overwhelming, or exciting. It is one of life’s biggest transitions — and it often comes with more questions than answers. How do I price my home for top dollar? What upgrades matter most to buyers? How can I compete for Fairfield Beach or Westport CT homes for sale without overpaying?
I’m Linda Raymond, a Fairfield County Realtor with William Raveis, and I'm here to guide you to make informed decisions so your move is smooth, strategic, and successful!
As a lifelong Connecticut resident who has lived and worked in Westport, Fairfield, Southport, and neighboring towns, I bring deep local knowledge and community connections. My clients trust me for personalized service, innovative marketing, and results-driven strategies that help sellers achieve the best price and buyers find the right fit — whether that’s a luxury home in the Fairfield Beach Area or Westport or a first home in a welcoming neighborhood.
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Whether you’re upsizing, downsizing, or relocating to Fairfield County, I’ll start by listening closely to your needs and priorities. Then, I’ll create a custom plan to help you move forward with confidence.
Let’s make your next move rewarding — and even exciting. Call or text me today at 203.912.4440 to connect with a trusted Fairfield and Westport CT Realtor.