At some point every year during the holiday season, I can hold out no longer, and I succumb. The holiday spirit wins. Some years it happens the day after Thanksgiving. Others it isn’t until a few days before Christmas. Either way, there comes a time when you need to be surrounded by friends and family with a hot beverage in your hand, a goofy hat on your head, and a readiness to jump to Santa’s aid, if ever he calls.

Notions – Measuring tape, tapestry needle, fiberfill or wool scraps.

Skill level – Advanced beginner (crochet in the round).

Size/Finished measurements – Newborn Child, Adult Small, Adult Medium/Large to fit 14 (17, 20, 22)”/35.5 (43, 51, 56) cm circumference head. Finished circumference: 12 (15, 17.5, 20)”/30.5 (38, 44.5, 51) cm, after blocking.