MERRY CHRISTMAS — I am sitting before a crackling fire in my front room (no fireplaces at “44” – removed during an 1850s “modernization”) – I shared with you last evening, and exactly a year ago I shared with you. Remember I write to remember, and to share, but again tonight wish to remember how I have things of enjoyment surrounding me.

This evening was the Live Nativity in front of my home on Walpole’s Common. A tradition now for almost fifty years, begun in 1975 only two Christmas Eves have been missed – a flood in the village and a COVID year. You should know the story. This year I was asked to be the narrator, so if you wish, I can send you the Bible verses that relate the story. Since I was up on the Gazebo, my image taking was limited this year. Here is a view with part of the large crowd this nice year.

In the background you can see “44” and walking home I took the image below to share with you my “Major Award” in the second floor window, and my Santa Blow-Mold at the front door.

I do not wish to be too repetitive, so I am going to document for me, and share with you, some changes I have this year. BUT – I invite you to visit THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS AT “44” – 2022

“Fred Puddles” moved in with me a few weeks ago to round out (pun intended) my Blow-Mold collection. Now in the kitchen for enjoyment, I have to be careful with this great trio of candlesticks I got just last week (now well over 150 “flickering flame” holders) – cannot have them burning too long or Mr. Puddles will live up to his name.

Any of my images you can click for a larger size to truly enjoy.

My center island in the kitchen is changed a tad this year — I love my new Santa addition acquired a month ago.

on the table in the kitchen are two new treasures found on a scouting trip to the other side of the state three weeks ago. I love the 1940s-50s Santa candle holders, and could not resist the tree. It spoke to me – the 15% off at the dealer’s booth was not the motivator, but resulted with the ridiculously low price of $4.25.

next to the main computer in the kitchen is this wonderful hanging star a neighbor hand-made and left at the door for me – thank you again, Beth.

Hopefully you read my history of Yule Logs that I published in the December issue of the Walpole Clarion and shared with you in a previous post. If you did not have a chance, here again is a link to my article on the History of Yule Logs. Featured in my article, below is the Yule Log I made in 1959, this year on the porch table.

and, I just finished dinner in the dining room – this year the center again changed a tad

and at the side table in the dining room, Santa is out in this restored 1930s Kingsbury Camper. Most of my collection of vintage camper toy trailers is now put away – on the schedule is to build an addition behind the bookshop for their display.

And, speaking of traditions, on Christmas Eve 2020 I compiled a post of my Christmas Season Festivities and traditions going back to 2013. this summary linked below has links to the full stories which you may also enjoy. Maybe tomorrow I will be updating that page — Please click below and enjoy —

CHRISTMASES PAST and HOLIDAY TRADITIONS

MERRY CHRISTMAS and HAPPY NEW YEAR, love, RAY