Holiday Candy!

Yum! I get to cover the "good" stuff! Of course, there's so much out there I could show you, but I'll limit to a few.

Click on photos to be taken to links!

Have you heard about the Peppermint Pig tradition? 

I'm not sure I could eat this, it's just so pretty! Old fashion ribbon candy:

There's always the good old standby, candy canes:

Have you tried Ghirardelli Peppermint Bark? I have, it's awesome!

When I was a teenager, I was lucky enough to work in a factory called Shelly Bros. one summer vacation. They made the most amazing rock candy pieces. Both free standing and lollipops! The factory was bought out by Brach and is no longer in business but it brings back fond memories. I have never found rock candy made like they made it, in such wonderful shapes but you can still find a few others.

Another thing from my past is Slap Jack candy!! I can still get it today but I do have to travel for it since I moved north and it doesn't seem to make it up over the mountain! LOL! Here is the story regarding Slap Jack:

A newer one that I love are Christmas Dots! These aren't easy to find and are well worth the search! I find them at Walmart if you get there early enough!

What would Christmas be without Pez? Oh yes, I must mention Pez. You have Santa and snowmen:

Elves and reindeer:

And of course, Mrs. Claus:

Do you have a favorite holiday candy? Let us know what it is in the comment section!

We have one more post (dude's Friday post) for this year! I can't believe how fast this year has gone. After that, the crew of ACollectiveJournal will be taking the week off to spend time with our friends and family over the holidays. We'll see you next year!

Wishes to all our followers and readers for a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

VS/RWS

The week in review!

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The Christmas Nativity Scene

One of the traditions I enjoy the most during the Christmas season are the nativity scenes. There is such a variety, from the childlike to the living nativities.

Saint Francis of Assisi is credited with creating the first nativity scene in 1223, and this was a living nativity. He used an ox, a donkey, and a feeding trough, which are still used today. Also making up the total scene are Mary, Joseph, Baby Jesus, and other animals such as sheep and camels. Nativity scenes may also include the shepherds, angels, or the wise men. Except for the basic three people (Jesus, Mary, and Joseph), a lot of artistic license is given, which makes for a very interesting variety.

The nativity scenes are made from wood, clay, paper mache, fabric, silver, or stone,
and can be simple and childlike or extremely ornate and elaborate.


Have a very Merry Christmas season, and I hope everyone gets a chance to just relax and enjoy it.....
pepper

Advent Calendars

 Advent Calendars

The first Advent calendars were based on 24 days with Christmas Eve as the last night to either put up a picture or take a candy. Today, the traditional German calendars still show 24 days, but in the United States, it's not uncommon to also find ones with 25 days -- the last opening to occur on Christmas Day.  (http://collectibles.about.com/od/adventcalendars/a/Advent120101.htm )

My mom had made and advent calendar out of felt. It was a Christmas tree with little pockets at the bottom containing ornaments to decorate the tree.

My sister and I would fight over who got the last day (the 24th) because that was when you got to put the star at the top of the tree. 

It was similar to this one;

TeaterTots

I found so many different and fun advent calendars that I wanted to share, I had a hard time narrowing it down…..

There are some vintage ones;

magnoliavintage

melanieperalto28

 

2numerous

Some that look old, vintage or shabby chic;

CraftyMunchkin

WhitePapyrus

RoyalPaper

Some already made and some you can do yourself;

EconChic

 

iheartchelsyanne

twosistersoriginals

        

And of course don’t forget that miniature one for the dollhouse;

maiastwinklemin

Just a little FYI…I got the original advent calendar that my mom made, and we put it up every year for my girls. My mom made another one for my sister and her boys, but I got the good star for the 24^th day  (*snicker*)

(jj)