Monthly Archives: December 2012

Decor – Department 56 North Pole Village

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North Pole Village 2012

The Department 56 North Pole Village is one of the highlights of our Christmas decorations.  It brings me great joy to create something whimsical for the family during the holiday season.  Even with the same main buildings displayed every year; such as Santa’s Workshop, Elves’ Bunkhouse, Reindeer Barn and Santa and Mrs. Clause’s Home and the North Pole Gate – the display can look different from one year to the next.

When I unpack the boxes from storage every year, I will try to arrange the various buildings and accessories in different ways.  Some years I will even display the Department 56 North Pole in a different room of the house.  Last year I added a mountain platform and a blue sky background.  Please, take a look at the photos below and see how the display has changed over the years.

So, if you have one of the Department 56 villages, think about displaying it in a new way or perhaps even in a different room.  Maybe purchase another building or accessory to add to the collection.  Suddenly, with a little creativity or spending just a little money, a Christmas village can look fresh and new.

    

History of the Department 56 Villages

Over 25 years ago Department 56 began as a part of the premiere retail florist, Bachman’s, in Minneapolis, MN.  Bachman’s used a numbering system to identify each of their departments and the number assigned to the wholesale gift department was 56.  Department 56 has been a leader in the collectible, home and holiday decorative products and is now a division of the Enesco Company.

Known for their Christmas Village and Snowbabies collections, the brand began with the Snow Village six ceramic houses in 1976.  Some of the names of the original houses were the Mountain Lodge, Gabled Cottage and Inn.  Currently the collection consists of over 225 pieces and accessories.

The Heritage Village Collection started with the porcelain Dickens Village in 1984.  The charming houses depict the time of Charles Dickens and are named for places or characters relating to the stories he wrote.  Some of the pieces are The Old Curiosity Shop, Scrooge and Marley Counting House and the Cottage of Bob Cratchit and Tiny Tim.

The New England Village was introduced in 1986 and includes churches, such as the Old North Church in Boston, lighthouses and other buildings and places in the New England area.

The Alpine Village collection started in 1986 and some of the pieces have very European names, such as Josef Engel Farmhouse, Bessor Bierkeller and St. Nicholas Kirche Church.

The Christmas in the City collection was introduced in 1987 and depicts American life from 1930 to1940.  Pieces include the Palace Theatre, Ritz Hotel, Dorothy’s Dress Shop and St. Mark’s Church.

The North Pole Series started in 1990 and the first pieces introduced were Santa’s Workshop, Elf Bunkhouse and Reindeer Barn.

The Little Town of Bethlehem collection was issued in 1987 and there were only twelve pieces.

For further information on Department 56 Villages or to see what houses and accessories are currently available or to get additional ideas see their website.  www.department56.com

Travel – Pearl Harbor, Hawaii

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December 7, 1941 – “A day which will live in infamy”.  There are other historic dates in American history, such as: November 22.1963 – the day John F. Kennedy was shot or September 11, 2001 – the day terrorists attacked the World Trade Center and the Pentagon.  Every generation seems to have pivotal moments in time when we remember exactly where we were, what we were doing and who we were with when a national tragedy happens.

My husband’s grandfather was on the U.S.S. California battleship when the Imperial Japanese Navy launched an aerial assault on the United States Naval Base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.  This direct attack on American soil was the action that led to the United States involvement in World War II.  When we were planning a trip to Hawaii, we knew that we wanted to take our daughter there to see the place where her Great Grandfather was on that fateful day.

The new Pearl Harbor Memorial and Visitor Center is located on the island of Oahu, Hawaii.  The facility serves as the main entrance and centralized ticket location for tourists visiting Pearl Harbor’s four historic sites:

  • WWII Valor in the Pacific Monument (also known as the USS Arizona Memorial)
  • USS Missouri Memorial
  • Pacific Aviation Museum
  • USS Bowfin Submarine Museum

When we visited in 2008 it was before they built the new visitor center and had an advanced reservation ticket system.  We took the 75 minute memorial tour that included a 23-minute documentary on the 1941 Pearl Harbor attack and a shuttle boat ride out to the USS Arizona Memorial.

Dedicated in 1962, the 184 foot Memorial structure spans the sunken remains of the USS Arizona battleship and has many viewing areas of the submerged shrine.  At one end of the assembly room is a huge marble wall with the engraved names of the 1177 crewmen killed on the USS Arizona that day in 1941.  After our return boat ride back to the visitor center we spent a couple of hours in the museum which was filled with historical memorabilia, multimedia exhibits and interpretive displays.  It was a very somber feeling to view the memorial site but our visit to the museum helped us understand the planned Japanese military attack and it was a very important history lesson.

We had also purchased tickets for a tour of the USS Missouri battleship which is located on historic Ford Island.  Due to Navy security restrictions the only way to get there is on a bus shuttle that we boarded at the Visitor Center.  We took the “Mighty Mo” tour which was a 35 minute guided tour and my husband enjoyed all the detailed information about the battleship.  We had a bit of luck when our tour guide let us into the special battle control center only available on the VIP tours and even turned off the lights to simulate battle conditions. The USS Missouri was the site of the Japanese surrender on September 2, 1945 in Tokyo bay.  There is now a bronze plaque marking the exact spot where the surrender ceremonies were held and we got to see the original documents signed by General MacArthur.

    
USS Arizona Memorial information:

  • Memorial Tour tickets for the USS Arizona and admission to the Visitor Center are FREE.  Ticket reservations are advised and highly recommended at Recreation.gov.  There is a non-refundable fee of $1.50 per ticket.  Please visit the website for current information.
    TRIP NOTE: When we went in 2008, we had to get there very early in the morning and stand in a long line to get tickets – this sounds like a much better system!
  • If you are interested in seeing all four historic sites at Pearl Harbor, consider the one-day Pearl Harbor Passport.  The passport includes the official audio tour of the Arizona Memorial, the “Mighty Mo” pass which includes admission to the USS Missouri and a choice of four different tours, admission to the Pacific Aviation Museum and admission and audio tour of the USS Bowfin Submarine and Museum.
  • For parents traveling with small children, strollers are allowed in the Visitor Center, but NOT in the theaters or on the shuttle boats to the USS Arizona Memorial.
    NOTE:  Please be advised that the noise level in the theater can get rather loud and the subject matter might frighten small children.
  • Parking is FREE and there are two large parking lots in front of the Visitor Center but visitors are encouraged to arrive early.
  • Due to heightened security measures the following baggage and parcel control policy is in effect for all Pearl Harbor attractions.  Visitors are not allowed to bring bags of any size. This includes backpacks, diaper bags, fanny packs, camera bags, purses, luggage, shopping bags, large cameras or other items that can offer concealment. This policy is subject to change without notice.  Please check ahead of time for current restrictions and plan accordingly. 

For current information see the National Park Service website at www.nps.gov/valr/
or the Pearl Harbor Hawaii website at www.pacifichistoricparks.org

USS Arizona Memorial facts:

  • Oil from the sunken battleship can still be seen rising from the wreckage to the surface of the water.  The oil is sometimes referred to as the “black tears” of the Arizona.
  • One of the three 19,585 pound anchors of the USS Arizona is displayed at the visitor center at Pearl Harbor and another anchor is on display at the Arizona State Capitol in Phoenix.  One of the USS Arizona’s two ship bells is also on display at the visitor center and the other one is in the clock tower at the University of Arizona in Tucson.
  • In a benefit concert on March 25, 1961 Elvis Presley raised $64,000 for the USS Arizona Memorial Fund.

Celebration – Hallmark Ornaments

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I have been collecting Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments every year for over thirty years.  I buy at least one for the family and one for each of my children.  I’ve also collected different series like: Betsey Clark, Disney, Unicef and Star Trek ornaments for my husband.  My son’s collection includes: Peanuts, Looney Tunes and Star Wars.  My daughter’s collection includes Disney Princesses and Barbie.  Our total ornament count is easily over two hundred.

It takes a couple of hours to unpacked all the ornaments and it is something that my daughter and I enjoying doing every Christmas.  Eventually, when my children get married and establish their own homes, for their first married Christmas they will receive a large storage box filled with their Hallmark ornaments to decorate their own Christmas tree.  My wish is that when they open the boxes it will bring them happy memories of their childhood.

        

        

HISTORY OF THE HALLMARK KEEPSAKE ORNAMENTS  

In 1973, the Hallmark Greeting Card Company introduced six glass ball ornaments and 12 yarn ornaments as the first Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments.  This started a new tradition of Christmas decorating and created a new collectible industry.  Since that first year of production, Hallmark has manufactured more than 3,000 different Keepsake Ornaments and over 100 different ornament series with specific themes.

Since the first year Hallmark produced the first Keepsake ornaments, many different styles, materials and technologies have gone into creating these wonderful collectibles.  Ornaments are made with a wide variety of materials that includes glass, acrylic, bone china and porcelain.  The technology includes ornaments that light up, motion and voice recordings in recent years.

Each ornament is dated with the year of production and this makes them highly collectible.  A new Hallmark Keepsake Ornament Collection appears every year in July and a “Dream Book” is released prior to that time and shows all the ornaments for the upcoming year.  For additional information on Hallmark Ornaments  please see their website at www.hallmark.com/keepsake-ornaments.

Not only are Hallmark Ornaments used for decorating the Christmas tree, but they make wonderful gifts for family and friends.  There is such a variety of choices that it is easy to find that perfect ornament for the newlyweds, new homeowner, parents-to-be, baby’s first Christmas, teacher or even a special friend.

Hallmark Ornaments can also be used to decorate a home.  Some ideas include:

  • add a ribbon to an ornament and tie it around a napkin at each place setting
  • incorporate ornaments into the centerpiece of the table
  • with ribbon, hang special ornaments in a shadow box
  • use several themed ornaments to decorate a pine wreath
  • tied with a ribbon special ornaments can add to a presents gift wrapping
  • use several themed ornaments to decorate a pine garland on a fireplace mantel

The high quality and superior craftsmanship ensure that Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments will become family heirlooms and cherished collectibles for years to come.

Craft – Christmas Wreaths

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What could be more traditional then a Christmas wreath during the holiday season.  I decorate our house with several different wreaths – some are classic and some are whimsical in design.  For this craft project, I will show you how to create three unique wreaths.  The first wreath will use small Department 56 porcelain house ornaments from the Dickens Village collection.  The second wreath will also use small Department 56 house ornaments but this time from the North Pole collection.  For the third wreath, I will use a collection of a Hallmark series ornaments featuring Disney characters as a marching band.

NOTE: The small Department 56 Village house ornaments can be hard to find in stores and I recommend checking EBay as a good source for purchasing them.

    

DICKENS VILLAGE WREATH

For the Dickens wreath, I used a 12” pine wreath, several small Department 56 Dickens Village house ornaments and small resin pine trees.  I also used a 6 X 3” piece of balsa wood painted brown and the piece of wood will provide a flat surface to securely glue the Department 56 house ornaments and a few small pine trees.  Holes should be drilled at each end of the wood piece and attached to the wreath with wire.  Next, I added a coordinating bow to complete the wreath and give it a finished look.

    

NORTH POLE WREATH

For the North Pole wreath, I start with a 12” pine wreath, several small Department 56 North Pole house ornaments and small pine trees.  I also used a 6 X 3” piece of balsa wood painted brown and he piece of wood will provide a flat surface to securely glue the Department 56 house ornaments and a few small pine trees.  Holes should be drilled at each end of the wood piece and attached to the wreath with wire.  To complete this North Pole themed wreath, at the top I attached a small resin sign that says “Believe”.

NOTE: If you cannot find an appropriate sign for the top of your wreath, use small snowflake ornaments attached by wire and cascading down from the top for a wonderful winter look.

     

DISNEY CHARACTERS WREATH

For this Disney themed wreath, I started with a 12” pine wreath, a collection of a Hallmark series ornaments featuring Disney characters as a marching band and several plastic musical notes.  I attach the Disney ornaments and musical notes to the wreath with wire – creating a pleasing arrangement.  Next, I added a black sparkle bow to complete the wreath and give it a finished look.

    

For additional ideas on decorating with Christmas wreaths, please look for this week’s Décor post.  Also, check out last month’s Craft project for a special Memory Wreath decorated with small photo frame ornaments.

Decor – Christmas Wreaths

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At Christmas time, I decorate with several different wreaths throughout the house; some are traditional in design while others are more whimsical.  There is always a wreath on the front door to greet our holiday guests in a festive way along with the other front porch decorations.   Every year it is a different one and I have a couple of wreaths that I rotate from year to year.  One it is a large pine wreath decorated with pinecones and red berry sprays, another one is a wreath covered completely with velvet holly leaves and then another is a pinecone wreath with holly leaves and red berries.

Christmas wreaths are not just for the front door – try using them in other rooms of the house.  We have a fairly large size kitchen that is open to the family room and there are several areas that I decorate for Christmas.  One area had a long counter work space with two chairs (this is where my daughter does her homework while I am cooking dinner).  I have a Department 56 gingerbread train that is displayed in the space above the cabinets with two large pine boughs and red “sugared” berries.  To complete this area, I hang two holly leaves and berry wreaths from the doors of the cabinets.  The decorations are out of the way so they don’t take up any counter space and the wreaths are hung from long hooks so the cabinet doors can still be opened.

    

Other ideas for wreaths:

  • Use several baby themed ornaments on a wreath to hang from the door to the baby’s room.
  • Use several Barbie ornaments on a wreath to hang from the door to a little girl’s room.
  • Use several Matchbox cars attached to a wreath to hang from the door to a little boy’s room.
  • Use seashells and starfish for a beach themed wreath in the bathroom.
  • Use screwdrivers and wrenches (check before using!) for a tool themed wreath in the garage.

Last month I posted a Craft project for a special Memory Wreath decorated with small photo frame ornaments.  For Thanksgiving I used family photos but for the Christmas season you can use photos from your children’s visits to Santa or maybe use your children’s school photos taken over the years.  It is a wonderful way to remember special times and to see how much your children have grown and changed!

For more wreath projects, please look for this week’s Craft post.  I will show you how to create three unique wreaths using a collection of themed ornaments – two different Department 56 wreaths using small ornament houses from the Dickens and North Pole collections and also a Disney character wreath.

So, please let me know what you think of these wreath ideas or send me a photo of ones that you have made – I would love to see them!