Have you seen the Angel?

We’ve been blessed by visits from an angel this season, and I’d like to share some of her experiences with you, in her own words.

“October 24, 2011

-My first day as an angel…..Kristy, another employee and I are talking when I ‘feel’ someone staring at me. I turn and a lone woman sitting on a bench inside the store is watching me intently. I am drawn to her. “Excuse me,” I say to my companions and walk in her direction. 

Introducing myself, I ask if she’s been ‘touched by an angel recently.’ She takes my hand, almost gratefully, but seems to be having trouble speaking and has tears in her eyes. Another woman, her sister, appears and tells me that they have both just recently lost another beloved sister. They tell me that Christmas Place was the departed sister’s all-time favorite store to visit and that this third sister collected angels. They said that seeing me there was almost a sign, for them, that everything was all right….

I have a  Masters Degree in Educational Psychology and some experience in grief counseling but more importantly, I have the Holy Spirit.  I spoke quietly with the two women, who left smiling. I hope I helped….

 -One of my favorite things to do is talk to children. The littlest ones who might be somewhat afraid of Santa don’t seem to be afraid of me and many will eagerly approach me as they might a Disney princess. Some will break free of their parents to run and hug me. Some will stop dead in their tracks as they spot me. One little boy continued walking behind the adults but his eyes were glued to me. As the adults stopped, he failed to notice and ran into them. I suppressed a giggle and waved to him from my position on the landing.

Sometimes I’ll offer folks a fluffy, white feather and I’m often asked to pose for a picture with a child or children. At times, I’ll get down to their level and ask, wide-eyed, if they’re angels too. Some will absolutely assure me that they are indeed. Often a nearby parent will beg to differ.

I also enjoy the teens. The teen-age years are such a roller-coaster, often involving way more questions than answers. So many adopt a jaded and world-weary attitude at such a young age that I worry about them. But I have been able to ‘engage’ most, through humor, direct eye contact and of course, the miracle of Christmas itself. Christmas Place celebrates the joy of the season all year long and that spirit seems to permeate and penetrate even the most hardened souls.”

Have you seen our angel?  I don’t have a picture of her .. but I have more stories to tell.  Stay tuned!

~Janet @ The Christmas Place

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and it is nice to see how many vendors participate by adding special products to their collections, and donating a portion of sales to the cause of finding a cure!  Here are two of the items we carry in the store.

Jim Shore’s beautiful carved angel ornament, with his signature quilted-looking details, is a lovely piece.

 I’m a fan of these two personalized ornaments – if you’re participating in a walk or run, what a great way to remember the event, with names and dates.

Check out the other items we have on our website in commemoration of the fight to survive and conquer this disease!

~Janet @ The Christmas Place

Pretty Stuff! (Part II)

As promised, here are the rest of my pictures .. for now!

In our nativity area, we’ve updated the large tree in front of the stained glass window with a collection of lush purple, burgundy, green and gold decorations, along with all the other colors of the rainbow.  Here are close-ups of some of the highlights.

 

In the next shot, I wanted to highlight for you another peacock feather we have – this delicate gold one is just amazing!  Also notice the perky little green bird with the extravagant tail feathers – a real charmer.  (So, his tail is mostly hidden ~ oops!)  The camera’s flash makes the peacock feather appear a little bolder than it is in natural light – it’s a very subtle, light gold shade with a pretty aqua, brown and tan eye.

 

Now, take a look at this stunning tree – decorated by our floral team.  This one literally touches the ceiling.  Again, the camera’s flash is making those green blooms jump out a lot more than they do in reality – they are tart, but not blindingly so!  Notice the giant gold butterflies positioned on the tree and above it – without the lead of a designer, would you think to put something so large on your tree?  Yet they work beautifully.

 

 

Velvet Magnolia Wreath

The petals of this magnolia are velvet, and there is also a mesh petal layer woven into the bloom.  This is a very champagne-colored wreath, and a striking way to incorporate metallic leaf sprays into an arrangement.

Also in the floral department is this tree featuring a 3′ tall golden herald angel.

 

I also love that orange-and-gold-colored glass ball just to the side of the angel.  I love how you can work orange, burgundy and red into the same scheme – just like nature does in the fall, of course!  Here’s a close up of some of the other items on this tree – including a hanging votive candle holder, which would be perfect with a battery-powered votive candle or tea light.

 Wow, that’s a lot of serious decorating!  Next time, I’ll take you through some of the more whimsical decorations we have to offer – think Peter Pan, the Wizard of Oz, and Cinderella.

~Janet @ The Christmas Place

 

Two for Tuesday

The designers have created an adorable Christmas tree that is loaded with Delft ornaments, the blue and white style associated with Delft in the Netherlands – our tree is filled with bunches of white tulips, is sporting a windmill in the top, and is adorned with dozens of charming ornaments you can see here.  Near the tree I found a collection of amazing angel musical figurines reminiscent of the Delft style, including this lovely lady with a Christmas wreath on her arm.  There are several musical and non-musical figurines in this collection.  Notice the exquisite detail work in the banding on her gown and the image lining her coat.

I haven’t shown a snowman in awhile, so I’m sneaking in this cute little pillow that just came in – we have a big selection of styles and sizes of pillows, even some collegiate logo versions.  This one would be so welcoming tucked into a chair next to the fireplace.

Have a cozy evening!

~Janet @ The Christmas Place

Celebrate Mother’s Day

I think I’ve heard that, next to Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day is the biggest flower-giving occasion of the year (and I may have even that backwards), and the day of the year when more people dine in restaurants.  Of course, food and flowers, while vital to existence, and I include flowers intentionally in the vital category, are ephemeral by nature.  Along with such passing pleasures for moms, consider a more lasting gift for those that you honor on this day.

There is a lot to be said for the humble macaroni necklace and the hand pressed into a circle of clay.  A hand-made card with a personal drawing will always be treasured (as in, moved from house to house and attic to attic throughout Mom’s life, never to be disposed of no matter what without penalty of ‘you don’t love me anymore’).  Photos are always an excellent choice, too – framed, even better.  How about this delightful frame styled with buttons, bow and tag in a collage style – great for a scrapbooker.

Among the thousands of ornaments here, you know we’ve got you covered for Mother’s Day, too – Mother, Mother-in-Law, Grandmother, get your ornaments here!

 If you’re in the Pigeon Forge area, pop into the store and look over our collection of Crabtree & Evelyn luxury skin care items, too - absolutely lovely for gift-giving.

 

 

 

One of my favs is this angel figurine line (I told you about them earlier) – delicate pastel colors, a dusting of glitter, and a lovely message for Mother.  This one will be a year-round reminder of your love.

Here’s a good article on “green” ideas for Mother’s Day gifts, from Judy Weinstock.

 “My mom is a never ending song in my heart of comfort, happiness, and being.  I may sometimes forget the words, but I never forget the tune.” ~ Graycie Harmon

“On Mother’s Day I have written a poem for you.  In the interest of poetic economy and truth, I have succeeded in concentrating my deepest feelings and beliefs into two perfectly crafted lines:  You’re my mother; I would have no other!” ~ Forest Houtenschil

~Janet @ The Christmas Place

Oh, one more that you’ll enjoy – “Setting a good example for your children takes all the fun out of middle age.” ~ William Feather, The Business of Life, 1949

Two for Tuesday

Two things in the store this week:

Hand-painted on the inside of the glass, an incredible ornament from Ne’ Qwa.  Each of these unique ornaments is signed by the artist, and packaged in a velvet box.

Crafted to look like wood, this resin angel has wire wings and holds a twinkling star.  From the Willow Creek line, she will surely enhance your Christmas tree ~ and you might want to keep her on display all year long.

Have a beautiful day!

~Janet @ The Christmas Place