Vintage Christmas
I wasn’t sure if I had time to sneak in one last post for 2017, but then while going through old pictures I decided why not just toss on a few. A nice excuse to again wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Hope those who celebrated Hanukkah this past week had a wonderful time, as well. This first picture inspired the title of the post and shows my sister and I on Christmas morning many years ago. I’m on the left with my brand new top.
And here we are with Mom watching our grandparents take a turn on the saucer. We’re in Maine with their wonderful woodshed in the background–one of my favorite hangouts. 
I’ve just remembered one of these pictures ran before in my post about the woodshed from a few years ago. Here’s the link.
Next up a couple of long ago pictures of my children waiting for Christmas day.
And just to make sure my usual bookish theme gets into the post, here is a picture-book-covered wreath my library coworkers and I made for a charity drive.
I’ve been checking out my friend Barbara’s blog where she’s posting all about advent calendars and other Christmasy things. Inspired, I dug out my own calendar. Everything is cut out and the bottom extends forward for a 3-dimensional look. It’s hard to see how deep it is, but it’s about 5″. When you pull the tab, the characters move from one position to another. Can you find the four differences between these two pictures?
Above a side view and below a close-up of some open windows:
It’s a Scandinavian Advent calendar. My parents and sister go to a fair each year (I’ve been a couple of times, too) where these sort of goodies are sold.
As Porky Pig used to say, “That’s all folks!”
- Posted in: Art ♦ Maine ♦ Picture books
- Tagged: Christmas, kids, Maine, Scandinavian, Vintage
Marcia Strykowski 
This is such a lovely post Marcia and the falling snow really adds to the magic. I love those two pictures of your grandparents and can see just how much fun you all had.
The picture-book-covered wreath is such a good idea, and I love it!
Thank you for mentioning me, I enjoy the way we all inspire one another.
I’ve not found those four differences yet, but I’m not giving up! I have to cook some supper now, but I will be back to have another look later.
Have a Very Merry Christmas and a happy New Year.
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Thanks, enjoy your supper! I’ve added in a side view of the calendar, so that might help a bit. Also the four characters who move have a tiny brass button on them. Happy happy holidays!
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I see them! Thanks for the clues it was a great help. Supper was very nice if I do say so myself! 😊
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It’s only 4:00 here, but I could do with some supper, too. Must be afternoon slump time. 🙂
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Wow, amazing! Thanks for sharing
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I love those photos of your grandparents on the saucer!
Happy Solstice and Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and yours, Marcia!
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Happy holidays to you, too, Tracy! 🙂
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I LOVE the Advent Calendar. You look adorable with your new top! The tree is so nostalgic! Thank you, Marcia for the lovely photos. I always enjoy your posts! Merry Christmas!
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Thanks so much Colleen. I hope you have a wonderful Christmas, too!
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Such a beautiful post, Marcia. It’s full of warmth, memories, family, and children! Love seeing all the vintage Christmas items. I also love the falling snow, May you have a Blessed Christmas and Happy 2018!
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A very happy holiday season and new year to you, too, Lynn, thanks for your friendship!
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I love the book wreath.You always come up with such clever ideas. The vintage pictures are wonderful. Such great memories. Enjoy your Christmas!!
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Merry Christmas to you, too, Darlene, thanks!
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A nostalgic post to end the year! Wishing you a happy 2018!
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Sending many good wishes to you, too, Yvonne. Here’s to 2018!
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Those are all fabulous – although you look just a little suspicious of the new top! The book wreath is great too.
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You may be right about that top, Anabel. 🙂 Happy Holidays!
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And to you!
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Great post, Marcia! Love them all…though my fave are your grandparents in the saucer!! Wheee! Here we go – into the New Year. Have a wonderful Christmas weekend. XO
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Ha ha, you, too, Pierr, enjoy!!
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Merry Christmas! I love that your grandmother is riding the saucer in what appears to be a dress!!
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How funny, I think you might be right– a tough New Englander! Merry Christmas, Joyce!
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I enjoyed seeing pictures of you when you were little. That Advent calendar is quite something! I’ve never seen anything like it. Merry Christmas! Hope you have a grand holiday.
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Merry Christmas to you, too, Anne, enjoy! 🙂
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Such a beautiful post Marcia. Lovely memories. 🙂 Merry Christmas and a fabulous New Year to you and yours. x
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Best of the holidays to you, too, Lynne. Thanks!
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Gets me in the mood to finish up my wrapping! Lovely photos.
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I’ve got a bunch of wrapping to do, too. Merry Christmas, Michelle!
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Merry Christmas, Marcia. My, you were so cute! I loved the sledding pics too. Fun memories. 🙂
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I’m so glad we live in a time of photography. Pictures bring back so many memories. Merry Christmas, Diana!
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What a lovely collection of photos and memories. Happy Christmas!
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Merry Christmas & Happy New Year, Norah! 🙂
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Thanks, Marcia. Happy days!
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I love your post filled with so many wonderful memories! Fun to see the pictures of your childhood when life seemed so much simpler then. I love your advent calendar and yes I did see the changes in all four! I too am very grateful that we live in an age of photography. There is nothing like old pictures to bring you right back into time. Wishing you a wonderful holiday season filled with joy, love, health and peace! Your post has put me in the Christmas Spirit! Merry Christmas!
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I’m glad to see the Christmas spirit has found you, Bette. 🙂 Thanks and Happy Holidays!
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Oh, what a marvelous post, Marcia. Wonderful old photos and memories. Merry Christmas! 🎄
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Thanks, Jennie, Merry Christmas to you, too!
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🙂
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How beautiful, Marcia! Unique memories formed by unique people! I wish you all the best and happy holidays, dear friend, all the way from Greece!
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Thanks so much, Agatha. We ended up with a very white Christmas here. I don’t think that happens too often where you live. 🙂 Happy Holidays!
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Hi! Marcia, well around the towns and up the mountains it’s full of snow, i see the snow capped mountains from my window! Central Greece and up North has a lot of snow, indeed. Wishing you Christmas bliss to last! Happy Holidays, to you, too!
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Oh nice, sounds like you have a BEAUTIFUL view!
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Such beautiful memories, and they aren’t even mine! 🙂
Like a good librarian, you have made an evocative compilation. What strikes me is how consistent and connected the generational celebrations are. This is a part of what it’s about, *Christmas.*
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I agree, I think with any holiday it’s the traditions that keep the day special year after year.
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Awesome post as always! Happy New Year Marcia!!
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Thanks, Ashley, Happy New Year to you, too!
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It’s fun to see the vintage pictures. Your were adorable when you were a child. It’s amazing that your grandmother wore a dress when sledding. Times have changed. Happy New Year!
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Happy New Year, Sheryl, thanks!
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Wow Marcia– this post takes me back– have a picture of my sis and me in front of a tinsel covered tree that looks a lot like your photo!! And– loved loved your book wreath!! Did yo make those little mini books?? It is great! Perfect in the library! ANd– just a little jealous of your snowy Christmas times!! (we did get rain yesterday!!). Happy 2018!! I’ll be reading ahead through your year! xox
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I did make the mini books, that was my contribution to the wreath project. 🙂 Happy New Year to you, too!
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It was charming!! (can you save it for next year??!) Hope you’re staying snug & warm Marcia! xo
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Each year the wreaths are auctioned off for charity, but we can always make another. It actually is warmer today, thanks! xo
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Oh what a great idea Marcia! Enjoy it and then use the funds to help someone. I had fun doing the favorite 5 books! Thanks for tagging me on that! xox
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