Vintage Christmas Ideas

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Old Santa Claus.

By M. Nora Boylan.

(To be sung to the tune of "Yankee Doodle." The verses may be given by a single voice, with the chorus by the school, or selected voices on the platform.)

Old Santa Claus is a jolly man

Who brings us lots of toys, sir;
And none are happier Christmas time

Than little girls and boys, sir.

Have you not seen our Santa Claus,

With hair so snowy white, sir?
Just hang your stocking Christmas eve,— Read the rest of this entry

By M. Nora Boylan.

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(To be sung to the tune of " Ta-ra-ra, boom-de-ay.)

Now's the time for Santa Claus;

Christmas comes with loud huzzas.

Hark! the bells! Oh, hear them ring!

Ting-a-ling-ling ting-a-ling.

Chorus.—Ting-a-ling-ling ting-a-ling, Read the rest of this entry

Only a perfect specimen of balsam fir will be worthy to bear upon its branches the fragile perfection of the straw figures that come to us from Sweden. Collecting figures and forms for such a tree would prove a delightful hobby the year round. In these works of art are contained sermons of the simplest and deepest concepts of life.

When you see the straw figures and the geometric designs decorating this tree, listen with your heart and hear the message they bring to you. Straw, to remind us the Read the rest of this entry

Why not follow the custom of the ancients and make use of the design qualities of the Palmetto?

For this highly stylized tree, take seven 4' lengths of Palmetto and cut the leaves with a sharp knife or scissors into an oval, spear, or free-form design.

The stems can be manipulated into pleasing curves by placing both thumbs on the under side of the stem with the fingers folded over the top of the stems. The heat from your hands will soften the stems. Bend and press gently but firmly until a curve is achieved. Tie a No. 32 wire just above the curve of the stem, pull the Read the rest of this entry

Why not create a smart gem of a tree based on the topiary art of orna­mental gardening where trees are trimmed into fancy shapes of a highly stylized design?

Place a dowel stick 3/4" thick x 40" long in a small tub of sand. Sink to a depth of 5". Paint tub and stick chartreuse green.

Cut three sets of circles from 1" chicken wire: two 12" in diameter; two 9" in diameter; and two 6" in diameter. Place a 2" layer of Read the rest of this entry

The people of Norway and Sweden have for centuries observed the quaint custom of preparing a Christmas tree for the birds. It is made from a sheaf of choice grain which has been carefully stored from the time of the harvest. The day before Christmas, the grain is tied to the end of a long pole, carried into the yard, and placed near the house to attract the birds who, they believe, bring happiness and good fortune to those within. No family would consider celebrating its own Christmas until the birds had first been provided for.

Could you and your children find a more delightful way to express the spirit of Christmas than to follow these customs?

I am sure that the children and even Dad will want to help make the trimmings and set up the tree. Don't be surprised if fixing the birds' tree becomes as happy a time as Read the rest of this entry

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Tracing the Roots of Christmas

It is a long road back to the first Christmas. The route is not direct, nor free from obsta­cles, nor is it clearly marked. Many will stand at the crossroads and beckon us down strange and Read the rest of this entry