Take a look at these snowflakes. Can you believe they are made from cardboard? These beauties are pretty rad just as they are, but you could paint them or add glitter to really crank up the awesome-meter. The set comes with 4 snowflakes: the 2 large ones are 3D, and the 2 small ones are silhouettes.
![Laser Cut Snowflakes](http://www.northpole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Etsy-LaserCardboard.jpg)
What a fun take on a snowman! This 9.5″ tall snowman is made from a vintage book and is adorned with a felt hat, wool scarf, and stick arms. The snowman satisfies the book lover, the lover of cute things, and the Christmas lover in me all at once!
![Vintage Book Snowman](http://www.northpole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/il_570xN.365960320_rdiu.jpg)
I adore the gradient of colors on this Ombre Tree Skirt. And the ruffles? Oh, yes! This tree skirt is absolutely beautiful. The rich shades of red ruffles exude elegance. I’d love to have one under my tree!
![Ombre Tree Skirt](http://www.northpole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Etsy-OmbreTreeSkirt.jpg)
Another one of the places Raymond went this year was Orlando, Florida. With so many theme parks in Orlando, there is definitely a lot to do. We didn’t have time to visit all the parks on this trip, but maybe we will go back again sometime. Can you guess where he went?
![Raymond in Orlando](http://www.northpole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/IMG_7614.jpg)
Universal Studios! Neither Raymond nor I had been to Universal Studios, so this was a special treat for both of us. The first thing we saw as we approached the entrance was the BIG spinning globe. Raymond was so excited, so naturally we had to stop to take a few pictures.
![Raymond in Orlando](http://www.northpole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/IMG_7616.jpg)
Raymond is so thrilled to be here!
We spent the day in the park visiting shops, admiring the sights, and, of course, riding rides! Some of the rides we went on were ET, Terminator, Men in Black, and Twister.
![Raymond in Orlando](http://www.northpole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/IMG_0237a.jpg)
Raymond wearing his 3D glasses for the Terminator ride.
The next day we went to Islands of Adventure. As soon as we walked through the turnstiles, we were greeted by happy surprise—the Port of Entry Christmas Shoppe! We strolled into the shop, taking a gander at the walls covered with ornaments from floor to ceiling. What a beautiful sight. 🙂
![Raymond in Orlando](http://www.northpole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/IMG_0235a.jpg)
The Port of Entry Christmas Shoppe reminded Raymond of home.
After we left the Christmas shop, we explored the wild jungle of Jurassic Park, took a trolley ride through Dr. Seuss’ imagination, rode through the storybook The Cat in the Hat, and watched Spiderman defend justice!
![Raymond in Orlando](http://www.northpole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/IMG_0243.jpg)
Raymond discovered a giant dinosaur footprint!
While all the rides were a lot of fun, Raymond and I were really stoked about visiting Harry Potter World. We walked up and down the streets, peeking into the windows of many of the shops. We even bought some butterbeer and pumpkin juice from one of the street vendors.
![Raymond in Orlando](http://www.northpole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/IMG_7792a.jpg)
Raymond in the streets of Harry Potter World.
Can you take a guess at where else Raymond went this year?
This set of wee hoops has been hand-stitched with lovely lettering spelling out “hope” and “joy.” At only 3″ in diameter, these simple & pretty embroidery hoops would work as ornaments on your tree, decorations for your wall, or as stocking stuffers. You can also purchase each hoop separately [“joy” here and “hope” here].
![Hope & Joy Embroidery Hoops](http://www.northpole.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/etsy_hope-joyhoops.jpg)