Archive for the ‘Christmas’ Category

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Christmas Ornaments

Monday, December 14th, 2009

Christmas ornaments are just like jelly beans. You can never have just one. What do you have when you have two or three? Why, you have the beginning of a collection. Every year, I look forward to seeing the ornaments that have been so carefully packed away in acid free paper for a year. I carefully unwrap each one and place a hook on it. Some of the older ones are too fragile to remove hooks, so those stay year round.

This year I decided to take an inventory of the ornaments and create a pictorial essay in the form of a slideshow for the web so that you can see them, too. Today, after four days of doing photo edits on the more than 200 images that Jim took, I asked him to create a slideshow format, the first time we have done anything like this. I am pleased to say that you may now view our new file that consists of a brief essay and a link to the ornament photos.

Enjoy the show!

Patricia and James Cummings
Quilter’s Muse Publications

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The Season of Light: A Christmas Commentary

Sunday, November 29th, 2009

The Christmas season is upon us. How do I know this? Why, the neighbors have strung their Christmas lights and turned them on, Christmas music is playing in restaurants, and Christmas specials are already airing on PBS. This afternoon, I was treated to a beautiful rendition of “White Christmas” on TV, by an Italian tenor; and earlier, a virtual trip to France, Germany and Italy, the footage shot during past holidays there.

antique Bluework - collection of Patricia Cummings

Antique Bluework Embroidery – collection of Patricia Cummings – This piece is featured in the Song file, “Los Peces en el Rio”

As a Christian, I enjoy the Christmas story of Bethlehem, Christmas carols, and long-standing family Christmas traditions. In my family that blends distinct cultures, I enjoy my husband’s French-Canadian tradition of making “Tourtiere” for our Christmas Eve meal. My mother always made a White Cake with Buttercream Frosting, sprinkled with Coconut, and “Stollen,” an Austrian recipe passed down her matrilineal line.

At home, we always had a sprig of Mistletoe in the living room, hanging from a beam, as well as a Christmas Tree. At one time, Mother had a little device with a battery. She could turn it on and it sounded like a bird. To accompany the sound, she placed a “bird” ornament on a branch. She was the queen of stocking fillers, and got quite innovative in seeking out fun things for “Santa” to leave. I have good childhood memories of Christmas.

I love to make Christmas presents, a trend that has continued since childhood. I’ve made all sorts of things: crocheted afghans, baby sweaters, clothes, homemade cards, Christmas cookies, and later, quilts and ornaments. I love to make gifts! At this time of the year, when I can avoid shopping in stores, I do! In my opinion, gifts should come from the heart. It doesn’t matter what they cost. It just matters that they are NOT an obligation.

In giving of ourselves, we celebrate the true nature and meaning of Christmas. Christians believe that Jesus came into the world to die, as a sacrifice to the Father, in atonement for the sins of Mankind. Jesus, “King of the Jews,” shine on us and bless our ways in this Season of Light!

Today, I don’t understand why Christmas has become so commercial. Last year, a man was trampled to death as mad crowds ran over his body to get to their desired consummable goods. This year, brawls broke out in some Walmart stores across the country as people grabbed for the same, limited merchandise. Some of those stores were shut down completely for a few hours. The shoppers epitomize everything that Jesus was not. He did not compete for material goods, only the souls of men.

This year, as usual, we will make our way to the La Salette shrine in Enfield, NH, a site for pilgrims who have traveled a long distance, in some cases, to see the hillside display of lights, to visit the small chapel, and to enjoy a cup of cider, a hot dog, and a homemade cookie, just enough to tide a pilgrim over. There is a small gift shop that sells a wide variety of items, most of them religious in nature: musical tapes, books, jewelry, etc.

There are a number of Christmas songs on our website’s Song Playlist that I have recorded in English, Spanish, and German. In addition, there are other files related to Christmas. Just key in “Christmas” in the word find site navigation feature, and you will find many choices.

The Coventry Carol

I wish you the happiest Christmas season ever; and a time of joy to our Jewish friends as they celebrate Chanukah. No matter what religious orientation we have, we are all brothers and sisters under one sky.

Peace under the stars,

Patricia Cummings
Quilter’s Muse Publications

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Downtown Concord, NH on Christmas Night

Friday, December 26th, 2008

Christmas tree 2008 - downtown Concord, NH

Usually, downtown Concord is a bustling place. Sometimes, we have to circle around and around, before finding a parking place. However, on Christmas night, it was an enchanting, almost empty sight. The creche set up by the Rotary Club and the Knights of Columbus was set in place, alongside a tall, lighted Christmas tree with a star at the top, both placed in front of the State House.

The dome of the State House was repainted gold, in recent years. When I worked there, I was invited to climb to the top of the dome, one day, and there is quite a view from that vantage point. The State House is located in back of the manger scene and is not visible in the photos here.

manger scene - Concord, NH

The night was cold but not too breezy. I asked Jim to take a photo of the temperature, as it appeared outside of Merrimack County Savings Bank.

0 centigrade - 32 Fahrenheit

For one night, peace reigns on the sidewalks of Concord, New Hampshire.

Patricia and James Cummings

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Mistletoe Use at Christmas

Saturday, December 20th, 2008

During the holiday season, we always hear many songs with the word, “Mistletoe” included. Etymologists can only guess at the origin of the word itself. Of the variations of Mistletoe, all of them are parasitic plants (hemi-parasites) that utilize the resources of a host plant or tree, and have the potential to eradicate that plant.

Mistletoe was once considered an undesirable ecological phenomena until scientists realized that hundreds of species of nesting birds, as well as animals, benefit from its presence. Birds are responsible for pollinating the flowers of Mistletoe. Birds eat the plant’s white berries and distribute its seeds on the bark of trees, causing the spread of Mistletoe. The plant is found in Britain, North America, Australia, and Africa, and perhaps other locations.

Knowing all of that, how did mistletoe come to be associated with Christmas? The tradition of “kissing under the mistletoe” appears to be a transmutation of an old Scandanavian custom. Should enemies happen to meet under the mistletoe, they would call a truce for the day. So, today, should you want to be kissed, I suppose you could carry your own sprig of evergreen mistletoe and hold it over your head, when approaching your intended boyfriend or your beloved. :-)

Alas, all I have ever seen are the fake sprigs of Mistletoe that my mother used to hang from the beams in our living room at the farmhouse. If you happen to have the “real McCoy,” remember to not let children or animals ingest it. The plant’s leaves are poisonous, and if eaten, may cause severe abdominal distress and other adverse symptoms. Conversely, Mistletoe was considered, during earlier times, as a fertility aide, and today, scientists are finding ways to use it for medical benefits.

So you have seen, Mistletoe has had many responses to its existence. First considered a pest, it was later viewed as a safe haven for wildlife and birds. Considered poisonous, it has found medical uses in the past, and more are being developed. Most of all, Mistletoe is part of Christmas. To read a list of many songs in which it is mentioned, read the whole article from which I gleaned the above information:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mistletoe

Hope you are enjoying the Saturday before Christmas. In New Hampshire, it is a snowy day and we have a lot more snow on the way, predicted for tomorrow. I love learning about the history of our holiday customs. I hope you enjoyed this post about Mistletoe.

Patricia L. Cummings
Happy Holidays!

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Holly and Its Legends

Thursday, December 18th, 2008

The recollection of the song, “The Holly and the Ivy,” made me wonder a bit today about the significance and the symbolism of “holly.” This is what I learned. A legend that is told worldwide is that when King Herod sent his soldiers to find and slaughter any male children, Mary attempted to hide baby Jesus under a scraggly bush. Immediately, the leaves began to grow to plush proportions and the wee child was spared.

Holly survives in the coldest climates and is available in many places to bring into the home as a decoration. It is believed that holly once had white berries, but that the crown that was placed on Jesus’ head caused blood to stream over the berries, transforming them to the red color we know today. For Christians, holly can be a symbol of Christ’s sacrificial blood.

The Ancient Druids that occupied Ireland viewed holly as a religious symbol that possessed mystical powers. This superstition carried forward to the Celtic people who inhabited the same area. They placed holly at entry points of the house, thinking that it would ward off evil spirits.

Even the ancient Romans used holly while observing their December 12th Festival of Saturnalia, a special celebration to honor the Sun God, Saturn. The god supposedly favored holly by allowing it to retain its deep green color all year long.

The holly bush was thought by Roman scientist, Pliny the Elder, (23 A.D.-79 A.D.) to have the ability to convert water to ice.

Some Christmas traditions are observed in song and in action, without our giving even a thought as to the custom’s origin. I thought you might enjoy learning all of the above. Next time you hear the song, “The Holly and the Ivy,” perhaps you will recall these tales.

Patricia Cummings

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The History of the Poinsettia, “La Flor de Nochebuena”

Wednesday, December 17th, 2008

A lovely story about the origins of the Poinsettia’s associated with Christmas is one that I wrote about in an article for The Quilter magazine, and which also was re-published on my website as follows: http://www.quiltersmuse.com/christmas-stockings.htm

The Poinsettia and its connection to Christmas are rooted in Mexico, where it was customary to bring gifts for the Christ Child to Christmas Eve church services. Legend has it that two poor children had nothing to bring for the baby Jesus on Christmas Eve. All they could do was to pick some green weeds that were growing by the side of the road. When the reached the village church, they lovingly placed the weeds around the altar. Miraculously, the scraggly weeds turned into bright, beautiful red flowers because of the purity of the love of the children.

This year, Gerald Erichsen, the about.com guide for Spanish language, offers more information and historical details about poinsettias, in Spanish, “La Flor de Nochebuena.” The about.com Spanish language site is a terrific resource for learners. If you are interested in improving your language skills, check out the site! Gerald puts a lot of work into it! (Thank you!)

No matter in what language Christmas stories are retold, there is something comforting about tradition, from the Christmas tree to holiday gifts and other celebratory engagements. I make no apologies for mentioning Christmas often. It’s “my” holiday. At the same time, I respect others who have different faith traditions and will make it a point to learn more about them, as I go through life.

My best … de mi casa a tu casa,

Patricia Cummings

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Tidbits of News

Tuesday, December 16th, 2008

We hear that the book Massachusetts Quilts: A Common Wealth, ed. by Lynne Bassett will be available in about three weeks. This is a much awaited quilt history book that seems to be loaded with good information, if the preview is any indication.

Of course, the title is a take off on “The Commonwealth of Massachusetts,” the collective title of all the towns and cities there.

In other news, we went to the Newington (NH) Mall today, home of Ixtapa Mexican Restaurant. The place is about an hour away, but to celebrate special occasions, it is our destination. As usual, I ordered Pollo Yucatan, and Flan. As usual, it was wonderful. Now, I won’t eat for a week.

There was a lot of traffic on the roads, everywhere, and the mall parking lots were crowded, a good sign considering all the talk of the economy going downhill. Lines of shoppers were long. With more storms predicted for the area, people moved around today. At least the pavement was dry.

Today, we are working on another article (for the May issue of The Quilter). Jim always takes a lot of care in photography and I have a new appreciation of the art due to his efforts to do it “right.”

A nice site came to my attention this morning. Featured are Victorian images can be downloaded free of charge, and directions for how to make a round Christmas ornament.

If anything else interesting comes my way today, I’ll be sure to let you know.

As always,

Patricia Cummings

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Christmas Poem

Friday, December 12th, 2008

Christmas scene with Fireplace quilt, Christmas tree skirt, and stocking ornaments made by Pat.

A Christmas Poem

©2007. Patricia Cummings, Concord, NH

‘Twas the night before Christmas and all through the manse,
the urchins were awaiting a man of expanse.
The stockings were hung with diligent care,
in hopes that the Gentleman, soon would appear.

Stevie was sleeping alone in his bed,
while Jackie laid, bug-eyed, hearing the tread
of reindeer and Santa, near the chimney they strode,
making dear Jackie run for the commode!

The mayhem on the roof was clearly proof certain.
Running to the window, Jackie drew back the curtain.
Alas, the old man made a quick get-away,
leaving Jackie to wonder, to hope, and to pray.

Did Santa leave presents or a black lump of coal?
To check this situation, could result in a scold.
For Mother and Father snoozed peacefully now.
To disturb their slumber could result in a row.

But he crept down the stairs, with nary a sound.
And, indeed, did see presents, strewn all around.
In the morning, over breakfast, he told his yearly yarn,
to complement the other story of the wee, lowly bairn.

Born in a manger, no room at the inn,
Come to save sinners from God-awful sin,
Redeemer and Savior, Emmanuel, too,
The Christmas tradition, ever old, ever new.

This poem is inspired by the antics of my oldest brother, Jack, who loved presents and did, indeed, report hearing Santa on the roof, each year. Anything is possible when we BELIEVE, and whether you call him St. Nicholas, Kris Kringle, or Santa Claus, “he” is the embodiment of the Christmas spirit. Please save a cookie or two for him, will you? And, while you’re at it, please set aside a carrot or an apple for each of the reindeer!

Blessings to you, this Yuletide, and peace, prosperity, and good health to everyone in the coming year.

Patricia and James Cummings
Quilter’s Muse Publications

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Who Is the Father of the American Christmas Card?

Thursday, December 11th, 2008

The answer is simple: Louis Prang. To read more about his background and fascinating life, click on this link.

Patricia Cummings

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Christmas Decisions

Wednesday, December 10th, 2008

In one of her writings, Ellen Webster states that her father gave their local, small town church, Christmas trees each year, with which to decorate. They smelled wonderful, were decorated in a simple manner, and enjoyed by all. That seemed to be a comforting thought to her – that he was so generous and could share the bounty of God’s blessings with others.

A photo of their 1892 Christmas gathering (that appears in my latest book) reveals her sisters, their boyfriends and husbands, her parents and a nephew, all in Victorian garb, and all gathered in the farmhouse that was the Hardy home in Hebron, New Hampshire. I found out that Christmas that year fell on a Sunday. The congregations that shared the one common town church must have had to do some fast scrambling to figure out which group would use the building and when.

The Christmas we celebrate today, with all of its commercial aspects, had its roots in the nineteenth century. For example, Christmas greetings were not generally exchanged until the commercialization of the greeting card industry. The antique card on the front of our website looks very much like a spin off of a Kate Greenaway illustration.

With the economy being uncertain, many people are cutting back on what they might normally spend. I am convinced that it not the quality of gifts that matter. Rather, it is the sincere good wishes to please another person, and to bring them joy (and something they would like).

Some Christians really wish to get back to basics. After all, the tragedy of the poor man who was trampled to death at Walmart should teach us that life itself is more important than trinkets. No gold bracelet or diamond ring, or pair of earrings will have any long term effect on your ultimate journey. It is in considering these matters that we can begin to learn and celebrate the true meaning of Christmas, an expression of God’s love for man.

My goal is not to superimpose my own religious/faith beliefs on my readers. Rather, I started out to say that I think that too much emphasis is put on material goods for their own sake. We will all live without a big screen tv, or the latest book (ok, maybe not), or the anything that is store-bought.

The meaningful essence that we can impart is a strong sense of family, a willingness toward forgiveness, and the joy of celebrating what we do have, rather than condemning what we don’t have. Re-think the goodness of other people and try to understand that we are all struggling with our own humanity. Christmas gives us hope that our lives are not spent, in vain. An even more important Christian holiday is Easter – with its promise that there is eternal life that is offered to those who believe.

Enjoy Christmas, and certainly, exchange gifts. Just keep in mind the word, “Simplify.” Often, you will find that the simple moments of life are the most unforgettable ones. Time is the greatest gift of all. This moment will not come again. Enjoy the season and find the joy that is there for the looking.

Patricia Cummings

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