Hi Kids 🙂
I’m taking a “tea-break” so I thought I’d stop by to see what you are up to.
Are you relaxing, with your feet up, yet?
I didn’t think so.
Here, we’ve been immersed in shopping, cleaning, wrapping, cooking, and decorating. And, just in case I get too caught up in all this lovely Christmas reverie…. there’s the ever-present hamper of laundry to bring me back to earth (and also prevent me from getting too cozy in a chair just yet!) 😉
Would you like to see two of my favorite/most cherished ornaments?
This little angel was made for me by a very dear friend, many years ago.
It’s crocheted with thread and is so very delicate in person. Maureen spent hours with a very tiny crochet hook to create this treasure for me. I remember the moment I opened the package and caught a glimpse of it amidst the layers of tissue paper wrappings. I was overcome with tears of joy and appreciation.
This next little fella is 38 years old! Sir Beads-A-Lot and I bought him in 1971 for our first Christmas as husband and wife.
In those days, unusual ornaments such as this were not widely available. The concept of buying a single “special ornament” was just coming into vogue. Most of us bought ornaments by the box – usually a dozen glass (or satin) balls, or ovals with pointed ends. Even Hallmark wasn’t selling special ornaments at that time! It wouldn’t be until 1973, that they’d introduce their first collection of Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments (12 yarn figures and six glass balls).
We were lucky to find “Mickey Mouse” at a Christmas Shoppe in downtown Boston one blustery winter day. “Mickey” is special because he was unusual for his era, but mostly because he symbolizes our first Christmas together, and our first year of decorating a home together. You can imagine how carefully I pack him away after the holidays are over each year. 😉
Oh darn, my tea is all gone – I need to get back to being an elf! It was so nice chatting with you, though! What are you doing today? I’d love to hear what’s up in your corner of the world. (Please tell me that I’m not the only one with lots to finish before the 25th.)
Hugs for all,
Interesting info! I started collecting Halmark ornaments for a while, but not that early. I like to give them, and have given complete collections to my daughter and nieces and nephews over the years. They tell me they always think of me at Christmas. Part of my legacy I guess.
Merry Christmas, Miss Elf. I am off to work now, unless the ice they are telling me is on the roads is too bad. In that case I will forgo my holiday pay and stay home. Not worth wrecking my car over.
Merry Christmas and Much Love from me to you!
Hi Crystal,
Just sitting here taking a break and sharing your tea time. You see the Queen of Emeryville is baking today. But I gave myself something very special this AM – a massage. What a treat. now I’m relaxed and ready to get busy with the activities of today.
Have a great holiday.
Hi Again Crystal! I loved seeing your extra special ornaments! That angel is sooo beautiful, and Mickey is the cutest little guy. Great stories behind both too! Lets promise each other to put our feet up for at least an hour on the 26th! …I’ve run out of steam! Hugs, xoxo Paulette 😉
Hey! I’m sorry I missed this post– but as I’m sure you understand well, I was waaaay too busy to keep up my usual blog visits!:D But the joyous whirl is done, and now I move onto the thoughtful contemplation phase of my holidays.
That angel is fantastic. I hope that friend is still in your life?
The Mickey–you know, it hadn’t occurred to me, but of course it makes sense that specialty ornies are a pretty new concept. I was born in ’79, so they’re something I grew up with. It’s amazing how fast things become “the way it’s always been”.
My favorites are split– the Wizard of Oz character wooden jumping jacks that are the oldest ornaments I remember getting, from a small booth in the mall–both then still pretty new things themselves!–when I was still a toddler; and the salt dough ornaments my mom and I make together, renewing the stash every few years.
I hope your Christmas was as wonderful as you deserve!