My Magic Christmas

My most memorable Christmas was the one from the 1950s when I was six years old. My father announced to me on Christmas Eve that he and I were going for a drive to look for Santa Claus. My mother chose to stay home. We drove around, expectantly looking up into the beautiful December sky. The lovely moonlit photo entitled "Waiting for Santa" is from Etsy store Citygirltoo. The cute red coat like the one I wore is from Etsy store Poshcouture.

The night was crystal clear, and the stars twinkled in a wondrous way. My eyes eagerly searched for the image of a sleigh and eight reindeer flying across the moonlit sky. The vintage Santa in a sleigh from the 1950s is from Etsy store Bluebirdsales. The vintage "Here Comes Santa Claus" sheet music is from Etsy store TheIDconnection. As we drove for what seemed to be forever, my father urged me to keep watching and then emphatically announced, “Oh... listen….do you hear the sound of bells?” We actually heard the sleigh bells that night…they are forever etched in the deep chambers of my memory. Whether they were real or imaginary was not important at the time. The vintage sleigh bells are from Etsy store ImSoVintage.




When we returned home that night, Santa had visited our house and left a doll, doll bed, doll house, and a cowgirl outfit with boots. The vintage doll is from Etsy storeLollysCubbyhole. The vintage doll bed is from Etsy store NotYoMommasHandbag and the dollhouse is from Etsy store energyforthesoul.

This was my Magic Christmas, and one that I will cherish forever. My father has since passed away, but every year during the holidays, I think of that Magic Christmas ride with my Dad.

What Is Special About Vintage China?

What's so special about vintage china? It reminds me of days in the past, special times spent with family and friends around the table. This is a simple set of white china from RosemarysGarden.

During the 1950s we owned a set of Homer Laughlin "Virginia Rose" dinnerware with pink roses. There were also pink and green pottery bowls that held vegetables. In those days, we always sat down to a family meal, and the food was placed in serving bowls or platters and passed from left to right. I found a beautiful bowl in the "Virginia Rose" pattern pictured above at Vintagecottagegarden.

One of my aunts owned a set of Ballerina dinnerware, pictured above. I always loved dining at her house because I loved the colors of the dishes: a mix of chartreuse green, moss green, dove grey, and burgundy. I found a place setting of this lovely dinnerware at AndysAttic.

I remember the Ruby Red glassware from the 1950s that we used on holidays; plates holding tidbits, sandwiches, and homemade goodies. The cups held the aromas of coffee and spiced tea. I found Ruby Red glassware at AnniesVintageRedone.

There was a set of pink Melmac that my mother bought during the 1960s. It was the latest craze during that time, and it was used on a daily basis. It was great because it didn’t break. This dinnerware is featured in MKRetro.

My Mom also bought a set of Noritake fine china in the 1960s. We used it for special occasions like Christmas, Thanksgiving, and birthdays. The cups were small and delicate with saucers. The set has been passed down to me, and it is packed away for a future daughter-in-law or grand-daughter.

During the 1970s, everyone collected Pfaltzcraft china. My mother bought the “Village” pattern. I also bought my first set of china, a set of “Geranium” by
California Poppytrail. This china is pictured below and can be found at at TimeValley.

I continue to love using vintage china. I love drinking coffee or tea from the small cups with dainty saucers. They have an old-fashioned feel and bring back memories of days spent with familiar people who loved and laughed and spent time in long conversation at the dinner table.

"To Plant A Garden is to Believe in Tomorrow "

.....Audrey Hepburn

Find the seed at the bottom of your heart, and bring forth a flower……Shigenori Kameoka

Promises of Spring

Bethany Lowe’s Spring Collection really captured my heart this year….and I will be offering some of her products on my website. Spring bunnies, birds, eggs, lambs, chicks….all of these remind us of new life, Spring and the coming Easter Season.

“Our Lord has written the promise of the resurrection, not in books alone, but in every leaf in springtime.” ------Martin Luther, 1483-1586

Many have attributed the little creations of nature to pagan worship, and some have been used as such. But I think it is interesting that God chose even nature to reflect his promise of new life and resurrection from the dead of winter.

Please enjoy browsing on my websites to view the little symbols of Spring and new life.

THANKSGIVING MEMORIES

"Imagine a morning in late November. A coming of winter morning more than twenty years ago. Consider the kitchen of a spreading old house in a country town. A great black stove is its main feature; but there is also a big round table and a fireplace with two rocking chairs placed in front of it. Just today the fireplace commenced its seasonal roar." -----Truman Capote from A Christmas Memory.


As I was writing today, I tried to find the picture of a Thanksgiving kitchen bustling with activity so imprinted upon my memory. But it was not to be found--maybe some day I will find it, and be able to share with you. This picture, however, did remind me of the trip over the river and through the woods to my grandmother's house every Thanksgiving. My parents and I even sang the song as we traveled with excited anticipation of family, food, and togetherness. My grandmother could make a simple meal of garden vegetables into a luscious feast, and top it off with a chocolate pie made with homemade crust. Her dressing was made from the prized hen in the barnyard. All of this took place in that bustling Thanksgiving kitchen while the children played together, and the men discussed work and politics. Beautiful thanksgiving memories....live forever.

"Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout joyfully to the rock of our salvation. Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving; let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms. For the Lord is a great God." Psalm 95:1-3

Memories of Christmas

You are invited to visit me at the Delta Zeta Marketplace in Huntsville, Alabama, to be held next Friday--Sunday, November 20--22, at the Von Braun Civic Center. Hours are Friday-Saturday 9AM-6PM, Sunday noon-5 PM. Look for the Laurel Tree Booth, children's clothing boutique, and my sister's store in Huntsville.

These are just a few of the goodies that will be featured in my booth! They are reminicent of the 1950s and evoke memories of Christmas past. We appreciate your support, and hope to see you at the show! If you are not able to visit the show and are interested in any of the products, please visit the Rosemary's Garden website, or send me an e-mail.