”Just when you thought I couldn’t get any sweeter,” I smiled to my husband, “I’m starting a Christmas village.” Something about having children has made me crazy for Christmas. I have a growing pile of holiday outfits gaining height in tartan plaids. Cookie recipes clutter my Pinterest page. A light up village is the most logical and necessary extension of my Christmas spirit! After careful research, I’ve found Department 56 to be the mainstay of little winter village collections. While there are new expensive versions of the Bob Cratchit house and the like, it is the well-cared for vintage pieces that are the most desired. Of course, I am not the first mother to feel both the pressure and joy in creating holiday magic for their children. I remember my aunt’s collection of caroling dolls and my grandmother‘s light up ceramic tree. My mother had box after box of ornaments - many tattered after years of use, others newly gifted and commemorative. Grandmas, Memeres, Aunties and moms have always been at the helm of holiday magic. This year I am happy to join their ranks!
As my appreciation grows for vintage Christmas, so does my calendar with holiday church fairs! I have been delighted by the recent posts of the Reverend Jon Chapman at Westfield United Church of Christ in Danielson. He has been wittily and diligently counting down to the Westfield Church Winter Wonderland Bazaar and Craft Fair that will take place at the church this Saturday. While the fair will be graced with new beautiful items, a Farmers’ Market, and ”church-lady cookies”, I’m fairly confident you could find a bottle brush tree or vintage tinsel for your holiday village. Stop by and jump-start your holiday spirit.
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