The Christmas Village!
In 1987, Kate and I celebrated our first Christmas together. We had very little to start our life with, and I remember taking the bus all over Long Beach, California, stopping at every second hand store I could find, to purchase Christmas decorations for our tree. I did buy new, six small, ceramic, houses, which I believe were intended to serve as candle holders. The six houses became the start of our village.
Every year the village is slightly different, as is has grown through my own additions and through gifts from loved ones. I do not know if the photographs will do her justice, but I hope you will enjoy taking a look at one of our favorite holiday traditions.
Three of the original buildings.
Old Town
Looking out from the skating rink!
The School Yard — a gift from Susan and Andy!
Upon seeing my little village, Phil said that every town must have a Jewish Section, and that he had the solution. The next time I saw him, he brought me this menorah for the village!
The water tower and Old Town musicians!
To Market!
A sleigh ride together with you!
Fun on the ice!
Waiting on the Children, who are at play.
The Woods
Busy woods on a cold winter’s night!
An abandoned shack, in the woods — also from Joy
The ice house — from Joy!
Ice Fishing!
A tired woodsman.
Everyone needs a break!
The Christmas Turkey!
Sailors home from the sea!
Can you see the poor over loaded mailman?
Mail boxes stuffed with Christmas Cheer!
Rudolf and friends — also from Caroline!
Nesting birds!
Downtown
The town’s center piece — a Nativity, given to me by Caroline.
An overview of Downtown
Every town needs a clock!
Wildlife in the trees!
Snow geese!
New this year — a Marching Band!
And Choir!
How could any town be complete without ducks!
The flower shop on Main Street — a gift from Joy!
Central Park, at night.
Chestnuts roasting over an open fire!
Fresh baked pies for sale!
Inspired to paint what she sees!
(The stones which pave Central Park, were picked up at Old Orchard Beach, in Maine – all perfectly smooth!)
Christmas shopping!
So great! I want to go there!
Your village is unbelievable. It makes me think about my Dad who had one when I was growing up. He also was constantly on the lookout for new pieces to make the village tell different stories. Thanks for sharing your village with all of us.
I can’t believe how much work you have put into this. The detail of every piece makes you really feel Christmas.
What an accomplishment.
Beautiful!
Thanks for bringing this village
of timeless beauty into each of
our homes.
I didn’t realizr it had gotten so big!!!! I will have to be on the look out for just the right piece to add….. I remebered that you had it but I guess I never thought to add to it. Love you!
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[…] but all of the additions from both my travels and collecting, to gifts from family and friends. http://thatisallfornow.com/?p=2152. This year, The Village was put up in the Library, on a new table; there are quite a few new […]