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Did you know?
  • The original Rudolph did not have a red nose. In that day and age, red noses were seen as an indicator of chronic alcoholism and Montgomery Ward didn’t want him to look like a drunkard. To complete the original picture, he was almost named Reginald or Rollo.
  • The Christmas wreath was originally hung as a symbol of Jesus. The holly represents his crown of thorns and the red berries the blood he shed.
  • The three traditional colors of most Christmas decorations are red, green and gold. Red symbolizes the blood of Christ, green symbolized life and rebirth, and gold represents light, royalty and wealth.
  • Tinsel was invented in 1610 in Germany and was once made of real silver.
  • The oldest artificial Christmas trees date back to the late 1800s and were made of green raffia (think grass hula skirts) or dyed goose feathers. Next the Addis Brush Company used their machinery that wove toilet brushes to create pine-like branches for artificial Christmas trees that were less flammable and could hold heavier decorations.
  • ‘Jingle Bells’ – the popular Christmas song was composed by James Pierpont in Massachusetts, America. It was, however, written for thanksgiving and not Christmas.
  • Coca-Cola was the first company that used Santa Claus during the winter season for promotion.
  • Hallmark introduced their first Christmas cards in 1915.
  • The first recorded date of Christmas being celebrated on December 25th was in 336, during the time of the Roman Emperor Constantine. A few years later, Pope Julius I officially declared that the birth of Jesus would be celebrated on that day.
  • Santa Claus's sleigh is led by eight reindeer: Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Dunder (variously spelled Donder and Donner), and Blixem (variously spelled Blixen and Blitzen), with Rudolph being a 20th-century inclusion.
  • Outdoor Christmas lights on homes evolved from decorating the traditional Christmas tree and house with candles during the Christmas season. Lighting the tree with small candles dates back to the 17th century and originated in Germany before spreading to Eastern Europe.
  • That big, jolly man in the red suit with a white beard didn’t always look that way. Prior to 1931, Santa was depicted as everything from a tall gaunt man to a spooky-looking elf. He has donned a bishop's robe and a Norse huntsman's animal skin. When Civil War cartoonist Thomas Nast drew Santa Claus for Harper's Weekly in 1862, Santa was a small elflike figure who supported the Union. Nast continued to draw Santa for 30 years, changing the color of his coat from tan to the red he’s known for today.
  • Christmas 2018 countdown has already begun. Will you be ready???
  • Why do we love Christmas? It's all about the traditions. In this chaotic world we can miss the "good old days." Christmas reminds us of that time.

jabber6

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jabber6 last won the day on January 5

jabber6 had the most liked content!

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About jabber6

  • Rank
    Advanced Member

Profile Information

  • My favorite Christmas story
    The Original Grinch
  • Location
    Forest Hill MD
  • Biography
    Retired CWO4, U.S. Coast Guard. Currently work for the Federal Government.
  • Interests
    Christmas Displays, Shooting Sports, Kayaking.
  • Occupation
    Logistics Management Specialist
  • About my display
    Some plywood cutouts, house lighting and blow-ups

Recent Profile Visitors

287 profile views
  1. jabber6
    Thank you jrbryant. They were definitely a team project with my wife doing the detail painting.
  2. jabber6
    Looks great - very nice displays!
  3. jabber6
    Here are this year’s additions to my small display. I need to be selective with a townhouse size yard. ?
  4. jabber6
    Beautiful work!
  5. jabber6
    MrMatt - I did not make the presents. I considered it, but found this set at walmart this year already lit and thought I would try them out. So far they've worked great, I wire tied them to the sleigh to keep them in place. For the cutouts I try to start with decent 5-ply 1/2 inch plywood; fill any gaps in the edges after cutting with wood putty and finish them with 2-3 coats of quality exterior enamel. Occasionally a small split or delamination will start on a plywood edge. I've generally repaired those with gorilla glue, clamping the ply's back together, and touching up the paint. This has been the exception rather than the rule, but catching them while small keeps them from spreading. Storing them completely upright will help to keep them from warping. The original manger in the nativity set is approaching ten years old so I'm calling it a success.
  6. jabber6
    Thank you jrbryant!
  7. jabber6
    Looks great! Love the vintage items!
  8. jabber6
    TED, it is small enough to fit on a tabletop, approx 2' high.
  9. jabber6
    Nice looking display bbskip!
  10. jabber6

    Pawn Shop Find

    jabber6 replied to Digger61's topic in Sharing It!

    Great find and they look to be in very good condition!
  11. jabber6

    2017 Display

    jabber6 replied to chad's topic in Showing Off

    Looks great Chad!
  12. jabber6
    Nice work! That is a lot of zip ties!
  13. jabber6 started following Show a picture of your nativity
  14. jabber6
    Here is mine.
  15. jabber6
    Thank you all for the kind words! Planning to try their table top Christmas Ferris Wheel next; that should be an adventure!
  16. jabber6
    Those are nice! And the knock down feature is key for me as everything I have goes in a townhouse basement; might have to give them a try.
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