Keep the magic alive
Traditions & Decor
Why we do what we do — and how every generation decked the halls.
Sleeps until Christmas
…
Where Traditions Began
Stir-Up Sunday
The last Sunday before Advent: everyone stirs the pudding and makes a wish.
Advent Calendars
Born in 19th-century Germany as chalk marks on a door — one per day.
Tinsel
Originally real shredded silver from Nuremberg, meant to shimmer in candlelight.
Christmas Crackers
Invented by London confectioner Tom Smith in 1847 — snap, paper crown, terrible joke.
Bubble Lights
1946's must-have: glowing tubes that bubbled as they warmed. Pure Mid-Century magic.
Caroling Door to Door
Wassailers once traded songs for a cup of spiced cider — a fair bargain.
Decking the Halls, by Era
Paper Chains & Cornucopias
Cut from colored paper, filled with sugared almonds, hung from every bough.
Glass Kugel Ornaments
Heavy, mercury-silvered balls from Germany — handle like heirlooms.
Shiny Brite & Ceramic Trees
Pastel glass baubles and a glowing ceramic tree from Mom's ceramics class.
Felt, Yarn & Big C9 Bulbs
Handmade felt ornaments, macramé angels, and fat colored bulbs on the eaves.