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The legend of Santa Claus is derived from the European figure St. Nicholas and American writers who wrote children's poems in the 19th century. Santa Claus became the jolly man clad in red -- the folk hero all children dream about on Christmas Eve. (OWC)
Meet Felix the Frog, a World Market Exclusive ornament, hand blown and decorated by master German craftspeople in the historic village of Coburg. Made in Germany using traditional techniques, Gary is designed to give pleasure for generations. (CPWM)
I wonder who Gary is? Well, a good friend gave me Felix, and I like him.
Because of the eye-like feathers, the peacock is known as the "bird with one hundred eyes" and serves as a Christian symbol of God, who sees all. Additionally, the elegant peacock represents beauty, royalty, prosperity, love, compassion and peace. (OWC)
Star ornaments originated as symbols of guidance and faith, representing the Star of Bethlehem. Stars are often placed atop the Christmas tree as part of cherished family tradition. Glassblowers have created star ornaments for centuries as reminders of the true magic of the heavens. (OWC)
This last pair of stars are supposed to be "patriotic stars":
The Patriotic Star reminds us of the stars on the American Flag, where they represent each state of the United States. The stars rest upon a field of blue which symbolizes the fact that all fifty states are united together into one great country. (OWC)
Ignoring the grammatical error (which I've left in for you to spot), the stars on the US flag have five points, not six. I assume they think they're "patriotic" because they sold red, white and blue stars. I think they look more like the Star of David. I've heard blue and white are hanukkah colours, so I only got the blue and white ones.
The Gingerbread House depicts one of the favourite traditions of the holiday season -- sweets! The popular custom of creating elaborate little housees made entirely out of gingerbread, candies, and sweets, started years ago and continues as a favourite holiday activity today. (OWC)
Lighthouses are sources of inspiration and comfort. Sturdy structures with an ever-beaming light, lighthouses guide sailors to safety during dark skies and tempests. As beacons of light, they symbolize the Light of Christ, Jesus' love, and His guidance throughout the year and the holiday season. (OWC)
"When life gives you lemons, make lemonade!" The lemon is prized for its vibrant yellow colour as a beautiful addition to any holiday or culinary display. It has a sour taste, however, the tart flavour of a lemon, like life itself, is enhanced and enjoyed with some sweetner. (OWC)
Ever notice some of the little paragraphs on OWC ornaments are a little hokey?
Long ago when parents decorated the Christmas tree they hung the pickle ornament last, hiding it in the green boughs. When the children were allowed to view the tree, they would begin searching for the pickle ornament because they knew they would receive an extra gift for being the most observant. (OWC)
I've always wondered if this one were true, or just a good sales pitch to sell pickle ornaments.
The drum ornament recalls the legend of the little drummer boy who traveled to Bethlehem to give the Christ Child the only gift he could -- a song played on his drum. This ornament reminds us that humble gifts given with great love are the best. (OWC)
Originally, the Rocking Horse was developed in the 17th century to teach riding skills, but today, it is a classic toy that every child dreams about and every adult remembers. This Rocking Horse ornament recalls some of those favourite moments of childhood. (OWC)
Egyptian history describes mourners collecting their tears in beautiful glass bottles. Our exclusive ornaments are hand crafted in this ancient tradition by skilled glass blowers in Giza, Egypt. (CPWM)
Cones are natural decorations that grow on majestic fir and pine trees. They were among the first molded glass ornaments made. Cones were believed to be symbols of motherhood and fertility, so were often given to brides to hang on their Christmas tree. (OWC)
My first year in grad school I couldn't afford to buy ornaments, and I hadn't brought any with me when I had initially moved. I made paper ornaments for a cheap mini tree: snowflakes, and a Star of David for the top. (One of my roommates that year was jewish.)
These are ornaments I made as a kid.
I got the following ornaments from Christmas crackers:
OWC: Merck Family's Old World Christmas
CPWM: Cost Plus World Market