Show Me Christmas

Each year families all over the country delight in unpacking their precious Christmas decorations. And, there’s nothing worse than discovering one of your favorite ornaments is broken. Don’t let this sad scenario happen at your house. Take action now to make sure that this year your Christmas ornaments are safely packed to prevent breakage.

1. Wrap each ornament in tissue or newspaper.
2. Use gifts boxes to store the ornaments in.
3. Don’t cram the ornaments in a small box.
4. Don’t stack other boxes on your ornament storage boxes.

It the thought that counts, at least that’s what they say. So, when planning your Christmas decorating scheme this year don’t be afraid to include a few handcrafted ornaments. Most people don’t know that many common household items like Popsicle sticks, string, and tinfoil can be used to make ornaments.

Making your own ornaments is also a great way to save money. We’ve all felt the affects of the economy this year, and many people are wondering how they’re going to afford gifts this year. Making ornaments can save money that will be better spent on gifts.

This group of hand blown ornaments are the perfect gift for all occasions for anyone from the breast cancer survivor to the loved ones of our military personnel. 

 They make great gifts year round and especially during the holiday season.  What a great way to say Merry Christmas and to let them know our thoughts and prayers are with them!! 

The most beautiful wooden articles in the world come from the Erzgebirge region of Germany.  The earliest wooden products were simple ones, easily made.  But as time passed, the pieces became more sophisticated.  German smokers or smoking men and the smell of incense belong to the Erzgebirge Christmas just like the German nutcracker.  An important component in the development of the German smoker was the use of frankincense.  In the Christmas tradition, frankincense was next to gold and myrrh, one of the presents the three kings brought to the baby Jesus.

The nutcracker traditionally represented officers and other officials but the smokers represented everyday people such as miners, shephards, chimney sweepers and other traditional German occupations.  

Today, in the Erzgebirge Mountains, the tradition of creating beautiful wooden folk art is much unchanged from 100 years ago.  New models are devised each year, however the tradition of the Erzgebirge handcrafted product is the same.