Countdown to Christmas: 24 Days Kurt S. Adler Santa Claus Redux

Who doesn't love to accessorize!

Somewhere, I could have sworn I had already posted a blog featuring this particular Santa but I've either lost it or my mind...but probably both.

So, here goes all the things I thought I had blogged about this Kurt S. Adler Santa.

First...Let's talk about Kurt S. Adler, the leading importer of holiday decorations for over 65 years, and not Kurt Adler, the composer. Just so you know that there is a difference.

As an importer of some of the more quality decorative items, his company's products are generally very collectible.

This particular Santa just needed a bit extra. In my efforts to encourage my readers to add to their favorite Santas and create their own heirlooms, I felt this one was another good place to start.

Originally, he came with a bag of toys and a simple plastic bugle in his hand.

I've upgraded him a bit and I hope this is an encouragement to others who want to make their Santas extra special.

I spruced up the bag by adding a blown glass polar bear Coca-Cola ornament, moved the horn to the bag, added a shiny candy cane, and an older plastic nutcracker.

My personal favorite was adding a baby doll to his arms and classy green tassel ornament.

Even though she was in "played with" condition, she still added personality that some of the small porcelain dolls just could not do!

My favorite place for him is near the fireplace because the flickering flames reflected so beautifully off the sequin design on his coat.

I hope this give you some ideas!

Countdown to Christmas: 25 Days WHITE RABBIT! WHITE RABBIT! WHITE RABBIT!

For years my son, Ross, and I have a tradition that was derived from a tradition I learned in college from my friend, Tracy. On the first of the month I attempt to "White Rabbit!" him before he"White Rabbit[s]!" me in order to have good luck throughout the month...or at least BETTER luck than who got "White Rabbit[ed]).

Yes, it is for real!
"Rabbit rabbit rabbit" is one variant of a common British superstition which states that a person should say or repeat the word "rabbit" or "rabbits", or "white rabbits", or some combination of these elements, out loud upon waking (or first moment) on the first day of the month, because doing so will ensure good luck for the duration of that month.

Countdown to Christmas: 26 Days

Countdown to Christmas: 28 Days

Countdown to Christmas: 29 Days HAPPY TURKEY DAY!

Countdown to Christmas: 30 Days

Countdown to Christmas: 31 Days

Countdown to Christmas: 32 Days

Countdown to Christmas: 33 Days Farewell Sweet Princess, May Angels Sing Thee to Thy Rest.

Our family was blessed to have Hero as such a wonderful member of our family for almost fourteen years.

She was named after the character "Hero" from Shakespeare's "Much Ado About Nothing" because she just didn't look like a Beatrice.

She was truly the best of both her breeds (Weimaraner/Labrador) with a tall, thin, elegant body, short shiny coat, silky long ears, and the color and loyalty of Lab with the quirky personality of Weimie.
Unlike the typical Weimie, she was great with small animals (mostly because she was obedient and we asked her to be nice to our rabbits, Guinea pigs, hamsters, gerbils, birds, but most importantly, she loved out cat, Storm. They were sisters.

She would have been an ideal therapy dog were she not so ticklish. She was not one to jump on people and allowed strangers to pet her briefly before insisting they throw her ball.

She was always a healthy dog except for the fatty tumors that are typical of both breeds.

About a month before she passed, she slowed down significantly and I noticed she was anemic. Even with veterinary support, her body began to shut down until she refused food and then water.  She slipped away in her sleep with my husband, oldest son, and I by her side.

It was so much like the week before my father died which only deepened my despair.

With the popularity of having your pet "put out of his/her misery", (Have you ever wished humans had that option for themselves?) I knew in my heart that I was supposed to let Hero pass away on her own.  She was not in any obvious pain and we pampered her and made sure she was comfortable. She slipped into a coma a couple of hours before her actual passing but that did not stop us from loving on her every time we passed her.

As those who know our family will confirm, she had a great life and we were lucky to have her.

Countdown to Christmas: 34 Days

Countdown to Christmas: 35 Days

Countdown to Christmas: 36 Days A Little Lamb Can Make A Difference

I've had this Santa for a couple of years AND I've also had the vintage (or vintage style) lamb for equally as long. Both purchased at my local Goodwill so I have to send a shout out to whoever donated these two, because I am certainly enjoying them. Thank you!

The little lamb, as I mentioned, is either vintage like these German primitive putz (Christmas village) matchstick sheep, or a very good reproduction. Either way, I think he's adorable!

Available on eBay

So, seeing that this little lamb really needed a place to be (other than just standing off by himself) I decided to pair him up with someone and I found this particular Santa suited his style similar vintage appearance.

See what a difference!

Then I noticed the American flag in the back of the sleigh was not prominent enough (but the lamb is enjoying looking at it) so I did a little rearranging!

See? Better, don't you think?

Just because it came from the store or shop one way, does not mean it always has to be that way! These little personal touches will make your Santa extra special so, go ahead, make it your own!

Countdown to Christmas: 37 Days