Framed Christmas cross-stitch sampler with holiday motifs and text. Frame 9 1/2 x 11 .25 inches

Cross-stitch is a form of embroidery where X-shaped stitches are used to create a picture. It is one of the oldest forms of embroidery, dating back to the Middle Ages. Samplers, which were originally used to teach and display stitching skills, became popular in the 18th and 19th centuries. They often featured alphabets, numbers, decorative borders, and sometimes moral or religious sayings.

This particular sampler appears to be a more modern interpretation, likely from the late 20th or early 21st century, given the style and the reference to "JBW Designs" and "Judy Whitman." Such samplers often incorporate holiday themes, like Christmas, and are popular as decorative items or gifts. The inclusion of phrases like "Peace on earth, Good will to men" reflects traditional holiday sentiments.