Christmas in Chicagoland consists of brilliant sunshine, or dark gloom, making photographing a challenge. Waiting for that medium light is a challenge.
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| oldnewgreenredo |
We are passive solar which means our windows are all on the south side, with overhangs that shield the windows during the warmer months, but let the full bolt of sunlight in during the winter months.
Our new windows don't go to the floor like the old ones, but that is a plus.
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| oldnewgreenredo |
The tree is centered and in it's Victorian 'crib' on wheels. That was great for decorating all around the tree.
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| oldnewgreenredo |
Ornament on the left is from family in the late 1800's.
Last year we only put 4 boxes of ornaments up---what came up the stairs is what went on the tree. This year the idea was to go through everything and cull...IMPOSSIBLE.
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| oldnewgreenredo |
Rudy was my hubby's childhood favorite.
We only put on the vintage, glass and favorites...so it is jammed.
Fifty-three Christmases and inheriting ornaments really makes it hard.
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| oldnewgreenredo |
We have half a tote of glass snowmen we didn't even touch. An entire tote of wooden carved Santas, a tote of Santa statues from all around the world, A tote of un-breakables, and multiple totes of village houses and accessories, that we never even got close to having room to put out????
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| oldnewgreenredo |
Each year I would buy a box of glass ornaments, or something unusual, as well as an ornament for every person. Well we inherited my parent's and grandparents also.
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| oldnewgreenredo |
There are memories attached to so many. The striped blown glass ball was from an artist I sat next to for 4 days every year at an art show. We became great friends and I bought one every year!
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| oldnewgreenredo |
I'm a total sucker for gnomes, fairies, and mushrooms.
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| oldnewgreenredo |
The wax angel on the left was a replacement for my grandmother's which melted.
The fairy---I found maybe 10 years ago.
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| oldnewgreenredo |
Hubby has contributed too, Rudolphs and some of his great grandparent's Victorian ornaments. We have two of these Santas...amazing the white fur is over 120 years old.
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| oldnewgreenredo |
The tree is full all the way around---how can we part with any????
We are going to see what the kids want....maybe NEXT year, lol.
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| oldnewgreenredo |
More memories and traditions. The china cabinet is filled with family Royal Copenhagen and Bing & Grondahl porcelain and figurines. I just add traditional red candles and a few baubles.
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| oldnewgreenredo |
Red candles are traditional in Danish homes---and I have kept up that tradition.
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| oldnewgreenredo |
I will use these dishes for our Christmas Dinner.
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| oldnewgreenredo |
My family was working folk in Denmark, farmers, fishermen, or cabinet makers.
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| oldnewgreenredo |
My mom was partial to the children figurines, while my grandmother had more adult ones and birds.
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| oldnewgreenredo |
We have so many serving pieces.
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| oldnewgreenredo |
I deep cleaned everything for Thanksgiving so they are ready to go.
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| oldnewgreenredo |
Hans Christian Andersen wrote the 'Snow Queen', 'Steadfast Tin Soldier', 'Thumbelina,' 'The Little Mermaid', and so many more fairytales that are part of Christmas traditions everywhere.
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| oldnewgreenredo |
On the buffet, I used family and thrift store found Silver, some polished, some not! Amazing that people gift sterling pieces to thrift stores and they sell them for under $10.
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| oldnewgreenredo |
I've added some silly fairy folk, and little lights with some vintage ornaments.
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| oldnewgreenredo |
All spread over a 'Turkish' weave 1800's tablecloth. It has just that wonderful deep red color and the right amount of tint to make the old items really popl
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| oldnewgreenredo |
The centerpiece is my largest fairy. I sold these in my store in the late 1990's. And of course kept one. she's sweet and like all the fairies is pose-able with wonderful fly-away hair.
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| oldnewgreenredo |
Such a face....he's just too much fun.
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| oldnewgreenredo |
This 'Pige' (small girl) was one of my mom's favorites. She holds her apron open all year long to catch something magical.
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| oldnewgreenredo |
Grandmother's silver candlesticks with the mini multi-colored lights just sparkling.
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| oldnewgreenredo |
From our home to yours, I am wishing you Happy Holidays and Traditions.
Do enjoy family and friends, safely!
coming soon
Part 3: Bedroom and Hall
Part 4: Rest of the Living Room
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Sandi
Sandi
