Deck The House With Green Boughs and Wreaths

Hemlock displayed over the mantle with a traditional holly wreath, with red bow, in the center.
Pine boughs are hung above the windows and picture frame. Holly wreaths are mounted on the 
window panes and a sprig of mistletoe is hung between these...

        Of the many ways in which we can give expression to the Christmas spirit there is none more lasting than the attractive decoration of the house. The pleasure of exchanging gifts is soon over, as is the enjoyment of each of many festivities, but the home decorations remain throughout the holiday season, always reminding us that it is Christmas and of what the season means.

Mistletoe sprigs are nailed above the door frames and wreath. The wreath is 
made using bay leaves and dried cranberries. Two hardy laurels are on either
side of the hutch. Lovely formal red ribbons adorn the plants.

       On this post are shown a few simple suggestions which can be inexpensively carried out. Holly wreaths are always identified with Christmas, but in connection with them very effective use can be made of other evergreens, such as hemlock and laurel. Why not try to make the home more Christmas-like this year than ever before?

Above is a long pine garland draped down the banister of the staircase.
Small clusters of holly and berries also between the garland. 

Festoons of Christmas greenery also decorate more mantles in this home and pots filled with
 hemlock and small conifers.

Coming

 Coming
by M. J. Savage

When disease and want and sorrow

Are beneath thy gladsome feet,

When are broken all earth's shackles,

When as one all nations meet,

When the wide earth is a garden,

When love driveth out all hate,

When earth's once terrific forces

Like trained servants on thee wait,-

Then the God who through the ages

Did thy toilsome progress lead,

He who was and is and shall be,

Will have come in very deed!

The Taper

 The Taper by Hezekiah Butterworth

I stood in the old Cathedral
Amid the gloaming cold;
Before me was the chancel
And unlit lamps of gold.  

From the mullioned window's chalice
Was spilled the wine of light,
And across the winter valleys
Was drawn the wing of night. 

The frescos of the angels
Above me were unseen,
And viewless were the statues
Each pillared arch between.

The chancel door swung open;
There came a feeble light,
Whose halos like a mantle
Fell over the acolyte. 

And one by one he kindled
The silver lamps and gold,
And the old Cathedral's glories
Before my eyes unrolled.

The jet of light was feeble;
The lamps were stars of flame
And I could read behind them
Immanuel's wondrous name. 

The taper - light's evangel -
Touched all the chandeliers;
As if by Heaven transfigured.
Appeared the Saints and seers. 

Along the sculptured arches
Appeared the statues dim;
And pealed the stormy organ
The peaceful advent hymn. 

And as the form retreating
Passed slowly from my sight.
Eclipsed in lights it kindled
Was lost the taper's light.

One taper lights a thousand,
Yet shines as it has shone,
And the humblest light may kindle
A brighter than its own.

And if within these pages,
One touch of sympathy
May to a heart more helpful
An inspiration be,

Not vainly moves the taper
O'er life's cathedral floor,
Though it may pass unheeded
Without the chancel door.

Christmas In The Woods

 Christmas In The Woods
by Henry Clayton Hopkins

What season can it be but Christmas Eve,
When drowsy Nature's icy fingers weave
Such pure delights in frost-bound earth and sky
As warm the heart and captivate the eye?
The sunset burns across blue-shadowed snow
And gilds the trees, all blackened, with its glow;
The azure heaven sparkles as it fades
To deeper hues that herald nightly shades.
In all the bracing air a gladness floats,
As sweet as music from the swelling throats
Of summer birds, and Nature's children feel
A witchery of concord o'er them steal
Deserting burrow, nest and hollow tree,
In fur and feathers, Little Folks in glee
Dance down the meadow path and forest lane,
And thoughts of cruel traps and guns disdain.
To many a festal tree their gambols lead,
Where stored against the barren winter's need
The golden corn and rosy apples peep
From drifts of snow in luscious, tempting heap.
In jolly circles round and round they go
In step to merry shout of Jay and Crow,
And whistle of the Red-bird, as they flash
Among the trees in many a headlong dash.
Perhaps they do not know 'tis Christmas Eve,
Nor in its vague enchantment sweet believe,
But on this day they feast without a fear,
Who live as foes thro' all the changing year,
Till stars look down with laughing eyes that seem
To send a joyful message on each beam.

The Illustrated Printable Copy Below

Lovely illustrated poem in color of forest animals.

Our Town Library by Bailey

        What child doesn't love to visit a small town library? And... librarians are some of the kindest people I have ever known! Don't forget to take your children to the library this weekend and share in one of life's simplest of pleasures... a story read together.

A classic design for a small town library; it would look perfect in your Christmas village!

Detailed pattern and sizes for a miniature library building.

Our Town Fire Station House by Bailey

        For as many things that do change over time, this fire station is amazingly similar to those that are built today, particularly when these are tucked away in areas near homes. Many fire stations in St. Louis look just like this one! Except for the finishing on the exterior. That, has a tendency to be brick.

This fire station has living quarters on the second story and Giant "stable like doors."

 

Very detailed plans for a miniature fire station house from 1927.

Our Town Movie Theater by Bailey

       Long ago, every small American town had it's own movie theater. Now that we all have big screen T.V. monitors these are fast becoming a thing of the past. I still enjoy an occasional night out to see a movie, eat popcorn, and enjoy the company of friends, although it is getting pretty expensive for my thinning wallet...  (Bailey Town Prints, 1927)

The outside of the theater should look like this one shown above.

The inside of the theater, minus seating should look like this.