Christmas Eve family and friends are gathered together inside of your well appointed home; filled with warm and welcoming Amish custom built furnishings. The fireplace is burning a with an amber glow, friends are cozy on your sofa, delicious holiday treats are spread out in a buffet on your solid wood dining room set and you are nestled in your leather Morris chair while all the children play at your feet. Now what? Why not share some of the world’s favorite Christmas stories? Whether you have them in a handsome leather bound edition displayed on your custom built Amish bookcase or you are an ultra-contemporary who has turned your laptop into a digital reader, reading aloud classic Christmas stories and poems builds lasting traditions that are remembered, shared and passed on for generations.

TOP CHRISTMAS TALES TO SHARE THIS CHRISTMAS EVE:

• A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

Legend has it that author Charles Dickens’ story, “A Christmas Carol” may have saved Christmas. In 18^th century England, Christmas celebrating was fading from tradition. Dickens wrote the story of stingy, unlovable and very angry, Ebenezer Scrooge, to teach readers that Christmas was a time of joy, respect for their fellow man, and also a time when everything that seemed wrong all year now seems all right. Supposedly he rekindled the season, along with the traditional tree and gift giving. (All ages will benefit but younger children may be frightened of tales of ghosts)

• The Gift of The Magi by O. Henry

Through this unselfish tale, O. Henry tries to teach us about gifting. He believes the young couple in the story has each sacrificed their most valuable possessions for the person they loved. They, like the Magi – the wise men who brought presents for Jesus Christ at his birth – represent giving your best to those you love even at a loss to yourself. This type of gifting was the original idea behind Christians giving presents on Christmas Day, representing the Magi’s gifts to Jesus. (This is a very good story for young adults and couples)

• How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss

This story was not just a movie by Ron Howard but a book by Dr. Seuss. This story shows that you can take away the presents and the trees and still have the Christmas spirit. (Great for all ages, but especially for those who may be feeling a bit out of the spirit.)

• The Night Before Christmas (A Visit from Saint Nicholas) by Clement Clarke Moore

Clement Clark Moore is responsible for Santa Claus as we know him. Graphic artist Thomas Nast’s wife would read him Moore’s poem while he designed the covers for Harper’s Weekly that came to depict the jolly old elf as Moore described him. (While adults may recite it from memory, children adore this poem.)

• Excerpt from “The Holy Bible” Book of Luke Chapter 2

When you are looking for a reason for the season you are celebrating there is no better source than the original author and book. Here Luke lays out the birth of Jesus Christ in Bethlehem the town of David. (This story is perfect for all ages.)

• Olive the Orphan Reindeer by Michael Christie

Now, of course, everyone knows Olive the other reindeer and thanks to this contemporary tale of an orphaned reindeer you can find out who “Olive” is. (Especially good for younger audiences.)

• The Three Kings by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

This poem is a classic view of the trek of the three Magi, that legend has named Melchior and Gaspar and Baltasar, looking for the Messiah they had seen foretold in the stars. (This is an American classic poem and great for any audience.)

• Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus by Editorial Page, New York Sun, 1897

A real letter from an eight-year old girl was generated to the editor of the New York Sun that resulted in one of the most eloquent editorial replies in history. (This is appropriate for all audiences.)

Enjoy your Christmas Eve by sharing yourself, your home and a great story. As wonderful an heirloom as your Amish custom furniture will be, there is nothing that can improve upon the heirloom memories your Christmas reading will create.  

Wreaths on the door year round are welcoming sights but no more warm a welcoming beacon than at Christmas time. No matter if your wreath graces the door of an Arts & Crafts bungalow or an ultra contemporary modern design, a wreath says home. Today, wreaths are used all year long but particularly as holiday adornments on front doors or even as attractive center pieces.

The wreath has a long history, dating back to the ancient cultures of the Persian Empire. From sporting events, to scholars and kings to religious associations the wreath is a long standing icon. Originally called a “diadem”, wreaths were a circle of fabric, used as a headband, and sometimes adorned with jewels. Diadema is a Greek word, meaning “a thing bound around.” Recognized by athletes worldwide, the Olympics used these circles of laurel leaves to crown the victors of ancient Olympic Games. When the Olympic Games started migrating from city to city, each venue would award wreath headdresses made of branches from local trees.

It was not only the Olympians who adorned themselves with wreaths. A symbol for peace, olive branch wreaths became in vogue. While the Romans tried to shun the fashion of wearing diadems it was not long before the upper classes wore garlands of oak leaves and laurel. The symbolism of laurel wreaths spawned the phrase “to earn your laurels.” Long recognized as an insignia for military attire and political status, even Julius Caesar was crowned with a wreath of fresh laurel.

As the Romans conquered the world, all roads led to Rome and the entire world shared in Roman culture. Other countries soon designed head wreaths of their own. From the head wreath idea evolved “crowns”. In fact, the word crown derives from the Latin word “corona”. Corona means garland or wreath. So important had the head wreath became in New Testament times that in the now infamous scene of Jesus Christ’s crucifixion the Roman soldiers placed a wreath thorns as a crown on Christ’s head and mockingly declared him “King of the Jews”.

No one knows for sure when wreaths went from head wear to home décor but simple deduction assumes that as victors came home they displayed their awards on the walls of their homes.

One particular wreath is seen only at Christmas, the Advent wreath. Advent, or “coming”, is the season celebrated in the Christian church symbolizing waiting and preparing for the celebration of the Nativity of Jesus or Christmas. The Advent wreath may have had its inspiration from the Swedish Crown of Lights. The Swedish Crown was a candle-bearing crown worn by young Swedish girls to celebrate a young Christian martyr named Lucia, who gave her entire dowry to the poor.

As pagans were evangelized wreaths, like many other religious practices, may have been incorporated into church ordained Christmas practices to appease the new converts. In Eastern Europe people had used candles to light up wreaths made of evergreen leaves in winters. This pagan practice supposedly brought about and early spring and longed for sunshine. The traditional Advent Christmas wreath has four candles in the circle and one candle in the middle. The wreaths are made of evergreen leaves a symbol of the permanence of life. The wreath’s circle shape also symbolizes no beginning or end and that God is eternal.

Interestingly, the wreath is a symbol used in many Amish quilt designs. From circles of tulips to boxes of simply wrapped Christmas presents, the Amish women have added them into quilts even more welcoming than a well placed wreath. Whether you have hung a holiday wreath proudly at your threshold or assigned one to the center of your highly polished solid wood Amish crafted dining room table, rest assured your Christmas wreath is part of a long and interesting historic tradition worldwide.

 Whether you are buying a live Christmas tree to replant later, a fresh cut real Christmas tree or an artificial holiday tree there are some simple and practical tips to be sure you are spending your time and money wisely. This should be a memorable family event including learning about different species, measuring and even pricing. This is a great activity for homeschoolers or any family active in educating their children on subjects from nature to math. There is something fun for everyone to do in planning the trip to the store or Christmas tree farm.

MEASURE: By taking the time to measure the ceiling height and floor space available in the room where the tree will be displayed you will prevent a very frustrating afternoon trying to cut down and trim an oversized tree. It will also allow you to be comfortable buying the fullest tree you can afford to fill the space. If you are buying a tree outdoor it is too hard to “eye” its size since the sky is literally the limit. Bring a measuring tape with you to the tree farm or retailer.

KNOW YOUR RETAILER: This tip is especially true when buying a tree you will be re-planting later but also important when buying a fresh cut to ensure longevity. The store, farm or lot should be visited in daylight or it should be well-lit. Get to know the retailer. Ask them when their trees are delivered. Is it once at the beginning of the season or is there a continual replenishing of fresh cut trees. For live trees be sure to get their guarantee policy in case it does not remain healthy.

KNOW YOUR SPECIES: Become familiar with the species popular in your area before shopping. Some species last longer and stay fresh longer than others in different climates. Spend time researching which tree performs best in your particular climate. This is especially important when buying a roots attached tree. A surprisingly important tip in knowing your species is to consider your decorating theme. Some species of trees have long needles, some are very open. What natural design works best with your scheme? Check on the bend of your chosen species trunk. Some, like pines, have a natural crook.

FRESH IS BEST: Don’t buy any Christmas tree you have not done the freshness test on. Like fresh vegetables green needles on fresh fir trees snap crisply when bent sharply. Fresh pine needles don’t break unless they are very dry, which is a bad sign. You do not want to see excessive needle loss, pliable needles, wrinkly bark, and discolored foliage or smell a musty odor. If you are buying a rooted burlap bag tree check to be sure the root ball has been kept damp.

DON’T FORGET TO THINK GREEN: Ask the retailer about recycling fresh cut Christmas trees in your community.

DON‘T BE SAPPY: You have the wisdom to have invested in heirloom quality Amish solid hard wood furnishings that make a stunning back drop to your holiday Christmas tree and seasonal décor. Be certain to use precaution when placing a natural tree in your home. Remember that sap can damage hardwood floors and furniture; even with a durable finish like ARESISTOVAR. Prevention is easier than repair and a few minutes putting on table pads or covering in sheets or floor skirts will keep your floors and Amish furniture free from sap damage.

Many a finely crafted Amish bookcases, corner cabinets and hutches holds the glittering gatherings of an avid Christmas and Santa Claus decoration collector. Although the image of Santa Claus has varied greatly throughout the centuries today we have Christmas decoration connoisseurs who are fastidious collectors of the old and new Santa Claus and Christmas themed decorations. Some are so ardently in love with the grand old elf and the entire Christmas festivities that they decorate a room or more in their home, year round, in the Christmas theme.

Many liberties have been taken in the portrayal of 300 A.D., real-life Bishop Nicholas, aka Saint Nicholas, aka Santa Claus. Originally described as a giver of gifts to good children and a corporal punisher to the not so good kiddies, thanks to Clement Clarke Moore’s 1822 poetic portrait called “The Night Before Christmas”, we now envision him as a jolly old omnipresent elf that sneaks in and out of every house in the world on Christmas Eve.

Santa’s wardrobe has varied as much as his disciplinary techniques. The 1862 Christmas season edition of Harper’s Weekly gave birth to an icon for collectors and children alike. Robed in almost every color of the rainbow it was not until German-American illustrator Thomas Nast depicted him in the now famous red suit that the contemporary idea of Santa Claus was permanently stamped into our mind as the ideal image of St. Nick. Nast’s wife would read the artist the Night Before Christmas poem and Nast created Santa as we know by sketching the images he felt were portrayed in the words. Nast also used Santa Claus as a sort of political tool during the Civil War since many believe some of his scenes included anti-Confederate sentiments.

Nast can also be thanked for relocating Santa’s home to the far away and rather chilly North Pole because he felt Santa needed a home not controlled by any country. Note that Nast, a die-hard Unionist, did not pick the South Pole! The finishing touches on the now rosy cheeked and very well fed Claus was added by the 1930’s Coca-Cola commercial illustrator Haddon Sundblom. Coke, in an effort to increase winter-time sales became forever associated with the red and white clad Santa drinking and gifting a Coke, a smile and a wink.

Today’s collectors still seek after Santa Claus figures from the early years, especially ones clad in mohair or fur. The more unusual the color of his garments the better. A nodder Santa crafted in papier-mâché and sprouting wool hair can run in the thousands of dollars. This year you too may start a family tradition of Christmas decorating collecting by adding a vintage piece or two into your collection. Showcase your vintage Christmas Santa Claus ornament collection inside an artisan crafted Amish display piece and you too may be tempted to leave them out all year long.