As the snow started to fall at our house I couldn't resist getting out a few holiday ornaments to enjoy for the next few weeks. I said I would resist since a surfing, snorkeling, birding, and yoga-filled 2 week holiday vacation is coming up. I had told myself that I would not be putting out these decorations, that it wasn't needed and it would be nonsense to bother. But I just can't help myself. I love the winter holidays and I probably have enough decorations and holiday paraphernalia for two houses so I figure one litte holiday "alter" can't hurt!
Framed trees arranged on velvet made of vintage costume jewelry picked up at the thrift store many years ago for $2 each.
As you can see, I have quite the collection of holiday woodland folk! When my Grandpa McAlpin died I inherited all his Christmas decorations. I unearthed a large box full of the pinecone elfs. Each one had a double and there were at least 10 sets. Over the years I have gifted the duplicates to other family members and have continued to collect them for my family. They hold books, lanterns, instruments, gifts and trees. Right now I have about 40 different ones!
I have also been collecting vintage deer figures, little snowmen and other woodland creatures as well. Most of these items are vintage "made in Japan" decorations. To keep the creatures contained this year I used two matching tiered silver tray thingys, set on top of an antique pie safe, and displayed the deer and friends around them. The plastic elfy gnome couple above watches over it all.
I love this photo. It appears to be a Scandinavian Christmas pageant complete with snow, crowns, costume gowns and Father Christmas. The back says "xmas 1916."
Leafless tree full of tiny vintage glass bulbs sitting on an antique plant stand between the dresser and the pie safe. And the penguin is vintage chalkware. The green tree a beeswax candle.
On the left is a photo of my dad around 1950. On the right is a photo of Chad around 1979.
The grouping of pictures above contain images of the display on top of an antique dresser next to the pie safe and plant stand. The two soft white Santa's are reproductions, not vintage, but all the feather angels and buildings are vintage made in Japan.
On Saturday I took the boys to Yulefest at The Nordic Heritage Museum in Ballard to check out the festivities and celebrate our Danish heritage. I am a Nielsen, after all.
Jasper with Santa at Yulefest. I couldn't get August to be in the photo. Uggghhh....teenagers.
The Snow Queen, her sleigh and Reindeer.
We hung our Danish flag garlands in the window, attaching them to our net collection. Jasper wanted the Danish flag we bought for his room. Some day we will travel to Aarhus, where our ancestors are from to visit and discover our roots. We can't wait!
Is it trying to snow where you live? Does it make you want to decorate for the holidays? We usually have a big Winter Solstice celebration. It will be strange to not have a tree and be in the tropics for Winter Solstice. But I think I'll survive it. Surfing on Solstice, Christmas and my Birthday will suffice!
xoxo
Jennette
No comments:
Post a Comment
Hello! Thanks for leaving a comment! I have yet to figure out how to comment back to you if you leave me a comment but i do super duper appreciate it and love comments! thanks!