Wednesday, November 20, 2013

Christmas Blessings Clip Art

At Christmas-Tide 
By Susie M. Best
 
At Christmas-tide, fair friends, forego
Your ancient feuds, and far and wide
Disseminate love's golden glow,
At Christmas-tide.

In fellowship and faith abide, 
Deny to all the name of foe,
For sake of Christ, the Crucified.
At Christmas-tide.

Rejoice in Error's overthrow,
Refute the doubters that deride,
And loud the Gospel bugle blow,
At Christmas-tide.

"To wish you all the joy and 
peace of Christmas-tide."

Description of Clip Art: Church windows, church steeples, church interiors, plus cursive brown texts...

"A Christmas filled with joy and every 
blessing I wish for you and yours."

"Good wishes for every 
Christmas joy and blessing."

Saturday, November 16, 2013

A Topsyturvy Concert

 By George Bradford Bartlett

      This is one of the funniest entertainments ever seen, and one of the easiest to prepare. 
      It needs only a screen or a curtain stretched across any room. 
      The height of the curtain may be determined by the size of the children who sing in the concert, for they stand in a row behind the screen or curtain. 
      It is well to have these singers nearly of the same size, as the screen or curtain should conceal all of their bodies except the head and neck. 
      The only preparation required is that the arms and hands of each should be covered with stockings, and that shoes be worn upon each hand, with the soles of the shoes pointed forward, so that the toes will be turned toward the spectators, who are seated in front of the curtain at a little distance. At the conclusion of each verse the singers stoop down all together and very quickly, and each, lowering the head, elevates the arms above the curtain. 
      The effect thus produced is that all the singers seem to be standing on their heads. 
      They keep time with their feet (or rather hands) to the music of the song, and the sudden changes, when done simultaneously, will never fail to amuse. 
      The idea of this unique performance probably originated in the fertile brain of a Frenchman; but it has been adapted for the use of children, and will prove an enjoyable addition to the holiday merrymakings. 

Polish Christmas Traditions

A Polish Custom - San Jaun Islander, December 24, 1909

       Peasant lads in the villages of Poland have a pretty Christmas custom which affords great delight not only to themselves, but to the other villagers. This is called the procession of the star. At Christmas time the boys make a large hollow star, two or three feet between the points, lighted from the interior. This is carries aloft at the end of a pole or staff. It symbolizes the star of Bethlehem. The three wise men of the East, Caspar, Melchoir and Belthazar-- are impersonated by toys. Others in the party bear a little puppet show cabinet, in which are performed the drama of the Nativity and other Scripture incidents appropriate to the occasion. From house to house around, the villagers present the boys with small coins as Christmas gifts.

Jack Stockdale talks about his experiences with Polish Christmas traditions

More Links to Polish Christmas Culture:

Friday, November 15, 2013

Free Christmas Gift Tag & Label Ideas!

A selection of printable Christmas gift tags from our blog.

      Looking for a fast free way to print of a Christmas gift tag or label? No problemo folks; I've linked to the best below.

Traditional Christmas Gift Tags and Labels:
  1. Printable gift tags from Sea Urchin Studio
  2. Printable Christmas Tags from The Scrap Shoppe
  3. Lovely, Classic, Christmas Greeting Tags from 1910 by Kathy Grimm
  4. Many different designs from The ClipartPal 
  5. Christmas Gift Tags from Skip to my Lou
  6. Free Printable Christmas Gift Tags
  7. Free Printable Christmas Gift Tags from freeprintigngifttags.net
  8. Large Printable Santa Gift Tags for BIG Gifts!
  9. Santa Claus Sugar Plums confectionary labels recolorized by Kathy Grimm
Vintage Victorian Christmas Gift Tags and Labels:
  1. Cherub Christmas 1873 from Wings of Whimsy
  2. Neutral vintage gift tags by Lilac & Lavender
  3. Printable vintage style Christmas tags by Miss Cutiepie
  4. Printable vintage Christmas Carol gift tags
  5. Craft and Print Victorian Christmas Gift Tags
  6. A Collection of Printable Little Victorian Ladies
Free Retro Christmas Gift Tags:
  1. Freebie Image: Vintage Christmas Tags by Free Pretty Things For You
  2. Very retro Christmas gift tag just for Dad
Bright, Bold and Playful Looking Contemporary Christmas Gift Tags:
  1. gift tags and labels from Orange You Lucky! - My Favorites!
  2. Holiday Snowmen Printables from Living Locurto
  3. Traditional cut themes from Mushy
  4. Printable Christmas Gift Tags by Poppies at Play
  5. Mrs. Fox's Christmas Gift Tags
Hand Crafted Gift Tags for Christmas:
  1. DIY Gift Tags from Trader Joe's Bags
Hand Crafted Gift Tags for Christmas: Video:
  1. Finally Friday - 3 Christmas Tags: TwoPeasInABucket
  2. Day 3 - Holiday Card Series - Gift Tags by K. Werner Design
  3. Gift Wrapping Tips: How to make gift tags
Unique Christmas Gift Tags and Labels:
  1. knick knack gift cards by Hannah
  2. Mail-y Christmas by babalisme
Color Your Own Christmas Gift Tags and Labels:
  1. Snowmen by Cheryl Seslar
  2. Gift box gift tags

Thursday, November 14, 2013

Hang a Unique Stocking On Your Front Door This Christmas

       Christmas stockings come in all shapes and sizes; it's true. However, I thought this botanical shaped stocking quite unique. Why not hang one of these from your front door or barn door if you have one, or fence post or anywhere really, this holiday season?


If you're looking for a fresh way to decorate your door for the holidays, 
Allen Smith has a different idea. With a little chicken wire and some moss, 
he shows how to create a stocking filled with greenery. Smith's YouTube