Christmas brings out the kid in all of us. One thing that kids of all ages have in common is our love for animals. They can be cute and cuddly or regal and magnificent. And they have long been the best of subjects for legends and great stories. Think of how a little reindeer saved Christmas, and how all the mice slept right through Santa's visit in The Night Before Christmas.

When it's time for some light-hearted fun, artists and cartoonists seem to find that animals make the best comic characters around. New designs this week embrace that attitude and philosophy - and we can see that around Christmas time, animals have a lot of fun.

We begin with beautiful ornate Victorian-style panels. These panels feature creatures of nature set in decorative backgrounds, with frames inspired by antique tapestry. The elegant reindeer, goose, hare, peacock, butterfly, and dove are reminiscent of the designs that might have been found on Old English Christmas cards. These designs make a wonderful series of holiday wall hangings, and are perfect as seasonal pillows.

Venture on to merry animal designs that will tickle your funny bone. Delight to the animals on skates -- pigs, flamingo, penguin, kangaroo, turtle, ducks, and alligator, too -- it's embroidery that will keep everyone smiling though the whole holiday season.  Then, critters like chipmunks stringing popcorn, caroling mice decking the halls, and a moose entangled in lights, and many more will help keep our humor bright as we prepare for the holidays. Add text for baby's first Christmas and use on bibs, stockings, and ornaments. They're also wonderful on jumpers, guest towels, and tree skirts.

Bring a light heart to your embroidery this week, and enjoy the new designs!