Christmas Story

Restoration of Antique Nativity

Restoration of Antique Nativity

The historic church's  Nativity Scene was brought out to be set up for its fiftieth Christmas, but the group was very worn-looking and needed repair and restoration.   Most Certainly!   It was clear that the group was much loved by the people and so I just loved it, too.   Later that  year came the easy opening to ask Father if I might restore the figures, to say thank you for the community support for me while healing from an injury.  I had the interest and love and skills.

Restoration of Antique Nativity - FDR/WPA/FAP

Restoration of Antique Nativity - FDR/WPA/FAP

The historic church's  Nativity Scene was brought out to be set up for its fiftieth Christmas, but the group was very worn-looking and needed repair and restoration.   Most Certainly!   It was clear that the group was much loved by the people and so I just loved it, too.   Later that  year came the easy opening to ask Father if I might restore the figures, to say thank you for the community support for me while healing from an injury.  I had the interest and love and skills.

Krustiki - story and recipe

Krustiki - story and recipe

The Krustiki-making at Holidays! The heavenly sweet wafer crisps!   The image on this page  is of the irons used to make them -  passed to me from my Mother, from her Mother, and one day to my daughter. It's not just a treat - it's a life thing and for the love.

"JingleBells" - the crisis!

"JingleBells"  - the crisis!

Controversy over the origin of the Famous Winter Holiday Song

 

By RUSS BYNUM, Associated Press Writer 

SAVANNAH, Ga.

- Dashing in the sun, through oaks and Spanish moss. Sleigh riding's no fun, when there's no snow to cross. Could "Jingle Bells" really be a song of the South? It's not hard to see why balmy Savannah has a tough time selling the Christmas carol as a native creation. Or why the claim makes folks in Medford, Mass. _ hometown of the song's composer _ cry humbug. 

This much is known:

Oscar the Mouse

True family winter story - first published in 2004

Both of our two childhood homes and neighborhoods were classic:  this one, in 1959, was part of my Mother's inheritance from her Father. In happy and prosperous times, she and my Father remodeled it completely, and he carved her name in a heart on the foundation. Respectable property with vegetable garden, iconic local flowers and fruit trees, and , on the fence Mother and neighbor Julia Mills grew concord grapes and there was jam-making every summer!  There were huge maples and oak with a swing always tied to its branches, and evergreens to tantalize us with promise of Christmas, all year long! 

The Twelve Days of Christmas Decoded

The Twelve Days of Christmas Decoded

An Underground Catechism ~

You're all familiar with the Christmas song, "The Twelve Days of Christmas" I think. To most it's a delightful nonsense rhyme set to music. But it had a quite serious purpose when it was written. It is a good deal more than just a repetitious melody with pretty phrases and a list of unique gifts. 

The Tablecloth - TrueYule loveStory

The Tablecloth - TrueYule loveStory

THE TABLECLOTH is a true winter holiday story  - with a wonderful happy ending!