Shadow Box Swap Tree!

Whitman Chocolate Box Swap...
I am way overdue posting my thanks for all the lovely shadow boxes that came my way.  I saved a small lighted tree just to showcase this special swap.  The challenge was to take a small Whitman's Sampler box and turn it into a miniature Christmas wonderland.  How fun is that?  Earlier this week my box arrived and I couldn't wait to see what my friends had created.  I planned to show each box, but some of my photos didn't work out, so I will just show a few as they grace my little tree.  Please forgive me for not showing them all...each one was a small work of art that I will treasure. 

The Whitman Tree...

The tree sits on a table just inside the entrance to my "looky-no-touchy" room.

That was the name our kids gave the parlor...lol!

It sure is a "Wonderful Life!"

Little Red is a removeable brooch!

A lovely frosty scene.

Old-Fashioned Christmas.

Sweet deer in a lovely landscape.

My theme was "Department Store Christmas."

Bigby's has everything you need!

"Buddy the Bigby's Elf."

Elizabeth of Creative Breathing hosted this wonderful swap...

And sent Buddy to guard my tree!

Thank you so much!

 

Random Acts of Crafting and Decorating...

 

This has been a "Pinteresting" week for crafting...

Dollar store wineglasses made the perfect domes for little landscapes.

Visit this post from Musings From Kim K to see Kim's cute creations.

Polkadot boxes and sugar coated deer...

...and a wee mushroom.

It's looking like a Kim K Christmas around my kitchen.

Click the link for Kim's darling vignette.

I hope she knows how much I love her decorating!

My vintage Christmas porcelains...

I just can't say no to little choir boys and orphaned salt shakers.

 

I realize this has been a rather long and picture heavy posting.  I felt I needed to combine a couple of posts so that I could leave Tuesday free of posting.  It's been a sad and rather solemn weekend.  I haven't had much to say or comments to leave.  I just haven't the words to express the sorrow we all feel.  Maybe even this post is out of place at this time.  I don't know.  What I do know, is how grateful I am for each and every one of you.  Bless you all.

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

Repost...Memories of Mary Pulley's Hill!

Mary Pulley's Hill...

American Fork circa 50's-60's...
This story is for all the children who grew up in and around American Fork, Utah during the Mary Pulley years. I have many happy Christmas memories, but there is one I share with thousands of others. This was long before modern drive-by light displays, electronically controlled spectaculars with lights flashing to the rhythm of "Party Rock." or something by Mannheim Steamroller. This light display was something to behold in our low-tech lives. Trees bedecked with countless strands of colored lights surrounded a peaceful nativity scene, carefully painted wooden backdrops large enough in scale to be seen from the street.



Mary Pulley...

Before I continue I want to say a few words about the woman behind the display. Mary Pulley was one of those wonderful women every town should be blessed with. Her long life was filled with service to the community beginning in 1929 when she represented American Fork as our first "Poultry Day" Queen. She presided over the picnic, parade, ball game, races, carnival, program and dance...a very full day indeed. She kept her poise even when a young server at the banquet spilled hot cocoa on her white satin gown. She simply blotted it up and went on with the festivities. Her later photos show a woman of graceful stature and serene demeanor.

A Beloved Tradition Begins...

Miss Pulley began her traditional Christmas display in 1942 as a gift to the children and it continued until her death. Her home was situated at the bottom of a hill on several acres of graceful lawns planted with large trees...the perfect site for a large display. People could easily drive by to see the lights. She brought in Santa Claus to stand at the gate at the end of her driveway and hand out candy-canes and oranges to carloads of children. This gift was considered extraordinarily generous...because this was during that period of war rationing. In the picture above, a local family and Santa are standing next to the sleigh from the Santa display...you can see how large the scale needed to be. I wish there were more pictures. I would love to have one of the display to show you. All I have is my memory...and we know those are unreliable! If anyone wants to share their memories in the comments...I would love that!

A more modern Santa.

A few years ago, some well-meaning folks tried to revive the tradition.

Some things you can't bring back.

A Memory Movie...

I know it's not possible that there was snow every year...but in my memories our car moves slowly in the endless line of vehicles waiting to pass by the display. I can hear the crunch of tires on packed snow...that is...I could if my little brothers and sisters would just settle down for a bit. They bounce about in the old station wagon like balls in a pinball game...getting on Dad's last nerve.

Finally, just as Dad has bluffed for the last time about getting out of line and going home...we pass the last house and trees that conceal the magic. There's plenty of time...in the slow lane...to admire the manger scene. To "ooh and ahh" over the lights and enjoy the tinny blast of "Rudolph the Rednose Reindeer" coming through the speakers nailed to trees and power poles. When the vignette of Santa's Sleigh moves into view we grow more and more excited. Santa is there! He's waiting at the end of the drive with treats for each of us. I'm hoping for a candy cane or maybe a small Hershey Bar.

Dad tells us to open our windows. We do so and the frigid air pours into the car. Santa is stamping his frozen feet and steam from his breath "encircles his head like a wreath." We yell out our Christmas wishes like one chaotic fast-food order and receive our long-awaited treat of chocolate marshmallow Santas. I hate marshmallow Santas, but I would never be ungracious to the Big Guy. With a "Merry Christmas" he waved us on.

Update...New Pictures!

Santa's Sleigh

The Nativity

Photos taken in 1958

Shared by Don Hansen

Downtown...

I still have dreams of the downtown stores and businesses of my childhood. My favorites memories of Christmas include the decorations that hung across Main Street.

The Christmas Train!!!

 

Santa's Sleigh and Tiny Reindeer!

I so wish I could see them again...hometown mainstreets were magical in those days. Still...after a fun family drive to see the lights...we all wanted to end up here...

The Hi-Spot Drive Inn!

When little brother Tommy learned to read...Hi-Spot was his first word! We were so proud! This was not our only family favorite, but I love this picture.

A Cozy Winter Scene...

I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas in American Fork this year!

What are your hometown Christmas memories?

 Post Script...2014

Mary Pulley's Home 2014

 Are Santa's Reindeer waiting patiently for Mary to return?

Photo by Randy Blackburn.

I'm Dreaming of a 1930s Christmas!

Disney Department Store Christmas!
I really don't know if this cute little card is from the 30's, but it has that feeling.  I'm sure most of you are aware that the Disney California Adventure Park was remodeled recently to reflect Hollywood and Los Angeles of the 1920s and '30s.  I love the feeling of stepping back in time to old Buena Vista Street...to admire the Art Deco-style of the shops, the mission-style Carthay Circle Theater and hear the whistle of the old-time cop warning you not to step into the path of the Red Line Trolley cars.  It's a trip to a golden age...but even more so at Christmas!  George and I always make a trip for our anniversary which coincides with the unveiling of the holiday decor.  This is the first Christmas that California Adventure has almost more merry decorations than Disneyland itself.

Christmas on Buena Vista Street...

Oswald's Service Station.

I remember bells like these...even in the 60's!

"Ginormouse" Christmas tree!

All the music played is from that era.

Toy Train big enough for a child to ride.

All of our favorite vintage ornaments...large scale.

Classy Elias & Company Department Store.

Elias Window Display...vintage ornaments!

 

Another lovely window...

Happy Vintage Shoppers...

 

Millie the Messenger delivers Christmas packages...

Thirties glamour on the balcony...

Lots of tinsel on the tree...

Ho! Ho! Ho!

Department Store Santa!

It was almost a wish come true...my "Department Store Christmas!"

 

Merry Disney Christmas 1935!

 

 

 

 

Happy St. Nikolas Day!

St. Nicholas Day...
Today, December 6, is known throughout Germany and many European countries as St. Nicholas Day.  Children in those countries put their shoes on the front step in hopes that the kindly gentleman will fill them full of treats.  Traditional gifts include chocolate, fruit, small toys and gold coins...chocolate coins most likely.  The legends about St. Nicholas begin with the story of a poor man with three marriageable daughters.  He could not afford to provide them with a dowry...in those days girls could not get married without a cash dowry.

Wooden shoes filled with treats...

Passing by the home of the poor girls one winter's evening, Nicholas was moved to pity by their penniless state and wanted to help them.  Wishing to remain anonymous, he secretly tossed a bag of golden coins into the window of the girls' room.  The story claims that the coins fell into some stockings hanging out to dry by the fire.  This is how the tradition began of filling stockings with gifts.  Next year on the eve of St. Nicholas day, it might be fun to have your children put their little shoes on the front porch.  Wouldn't they love to find a little bag of gold chocolate coins in their shoe when they get up the next morning?  Be sure to tell them to leave a carrot out for St. Nicholas' white horse.

A fun new tradition!

Our family tradition of celebrating St. Nicholas (Nikolas) Day only lasted a few years...but it was fun while it lasted.  We wouldn't wait until morning...St. Nicholas came just before bedtime in our little corner of Germany.  Children would get ready for bed and put their shoes on the porch.  Then there was a special program on television for them to watch while one of the parents filled their shoes.  Bedtime television featured a character call the Sandmännchen or "little sandman."  I suppose the purpose was to make children sleepy.  They might show a cartoon, then the Sandmännchen would tell a bedtime story.   When the Sandmännchen said "Gute Nacht...und schlaf recht schon" it was time to see if St. Nikolas had left candy or a switch in their shoes.  Nikolas had a helper named Knecht Ruprecht, a dark and sinister character who just might put naughty children into the big sack on his back.  There are many legends and traditions about the Knecht Ruprecht character...in some he later became "Der Weihnachtsmann," the German version of Santa Claus.

Der Weihnachtsmann shopping at the Christmas Market.

He could also be wearing blue or brown.

Christmas Eve in the home of our German friends, the Dahnkens, was the time when the Christ Child...or Christkindl...decorated the tree and left presents.  They didn't use Christmas stockings, but the Christkindl left plates full of cookies and candy.  In other homes, gifts were left by Der Weihnachtsmann. 

I loved learning the customs and traditions of Germany.  Thank you for letting me share the story of St. Nicholas Day.

Frohliche Weihnachten!



Tick Tock! Christmas is Coming!

 

"Christmas Time" Clock Characters...

 

I saw these cute ornaments on the Traditions website.

There is a Santa as well...so cute.

I decided to make my own versions.

 

"Christmas Time" Gang!

Painted small round 2" and 3" boxes.

The Graphics Fairy has clock faces...can't remember where I got this one.

  

Santa is the small 2" size.

 

Elf is 3" size.

I had some vintage heads in my stash.

Target has cute snowmen heads in the $1 ornaments.

I bought some to make snowmen clocks later.

 

Just a quick craftie to share...

Enjoy your decorating!

 

Note: Cute candy border is from Imagimeri's blog.

She's doing a fun giveaway...so head on over!

 

Germany...Christmas 1980!

Merry Christmas from Germany...
Our little family spent three Christmases in Germany...or West Germany as it was called then.  By the time 1980 rolled around we had added a little boy to our clan.  Our little German boy was named Geoffrey Georg Hatfield.  We used the German spelling on his middle name, but we just pronounce it George!  Little Missy on Santa's lap...an American Santa at our Detachment Christmas party...doesn't seem sure if she likes him or not.  This was her first experience with the jolly old guy.  This post is just a little trip down memory lane for my kids.  I will be sharing some of the German Christmas traditions we brought home with us in the next few posts.  As we move farther into December, I hope that your holiday preparations are going well and that the spirit of the season warms your hearts.

Frohes Fest!

Amber and Missy get treats from Santa...

Only 14 months difference in age...they seem more like twins.

Big Baby...Geoffrey Georg!

Born in August he was only four months old in this picture.

Oh, Tannenbaum!

Closeup of our sad little tree courtesy of George's new camera lens.

Two sweet little sisters host a Christmas Tea Party.

Fisher Price and the Sears Wish Book were my best friends that year.

Geoff's first Christmas present...a German toy train.

German toys were wonderful...durable...and very expensive!

Again...thank you, Sears Wish Book!

Just be sure to order two months in advance!

Have a lovely day!