Zimsterne and a crayon case

 I quite like the week after Christmas. It's very relaxed is it not? That is, assuming you are lucky enough to be housed and fed! A friend of mine always does Crisis (link) at Christmas and I think it must be a great place to be, I would enjoy talking to people there.  Maybe one year I will do that instead, it is what Christmas should really be about - but then if you have a family - it is a time to appreciate them - however stressful may be the change of routine and all the work that goes into making it a festival.
 My niece was hiding under the table when we arrived at my brother's house on Christmas day, and I can remember that feeling quite well: its later than usual to eat and everyone is so busy and anticipating something while you aren't really sure why it is such a big deal. She was being a bit naughty but I can sympathise too. Anyway once the cooking and waiting is over everyone relaxes, and when we got round to presents she quite liked her rose-purse. My nephew bless him was understandably more interested in his remote controlled car than a lavender elephant but I enjoyed making it and maybe one day when he's older if he finds it down the back of somewhere and he'll enjoy it then. It's natural to be overwhelmed by it all when you are little. 
 Of all the things I made, the most-enjoyed on the day were these German Star biscuits called Zimsterne (recipe through link, my photo above) they are like macaroony-cinamoney-merangues and yes I did stay up till 3am on Christmas Eve making them, ensuring my moodiness in the morning (but I am moody in the morning anyway so what's the difference)? If you like cooking and eating (like I do) then I recommend them as a christmasy treat. 
 More of the family are coming over around New Year and I just made a simple quilted pencil case for another niece's present - some crayons. It's very easy, just two pieces of fabric lined with an old soft jersey for the padding, folded and sewn into a case. Looks nice though, I am a sucker for stripes. I am hoping she'll used them instead of felt tips, +crayons are better+!