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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.

Light in the Dark

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Light in the Dark last won the day on March 25

Light in the Dark had the most liked content!

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About Light in the Dark

  • Rank
    Senior Member

Profile Information

  • My favorite Christmas story
    I love municipal lanterns and seeing my children's eyes light up with Christmas lights.
  • Location
    Pennsylvania
  • Biography
    College professor
  • Interests
    Municipal lanterns, blow molds, mold craft, shiny brite striped ornaments, chalkware, general electric sugared bells
  • Occupation
    College Professor
  • About my display
    Large retro display featuring lights, beco nativity, blow mold choir, blow mold angels, and over 10 municipal lanterns.

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  1. Light in the Dark
    Oh my. They are seriously awesome. Look to be on great shape. Do you put them out? What is the backstory on them?
  2. Light in the Dark
    Thank you Mel... She is pretty.
  3. Light in the Dark
    Rich that tree sounds so nice. My grandmother had one that she said I could have, but it was in really bad shape. Maybe one day I'll break down and get one. Do you put special ornaments on it? Shane, awesome display! Would love to get a look at some closeups when you get a moment.
  4. Light in the Dark
    I came across this Union angel. Custom painted?
  5. Light in the Dark
    I saw that too. I thought about bidding when it was in the 200s.
  6. Light in the Dark
    Really well done.
  7. Light in the Dark
    I'm still looking for my grail piece. I think I'm close to it... Congrats on getting yours. Nice condition? Mel and the rest of the community... What is your favorite piece? Can you send a pic?
  8. Light in the Dark
    Ooohh... Very nice unusual pieces! I really like the Santa sleigh. How about other people's favorites. Would love to see them!
  9. Light in the Dark
    Size of a tree topper. We always used it as an angel for a nativity set. I think my grandmother got it at Ports of the World maybe in the 70s or early 80s. Her little light still works after all these years.
  10. Light in the Dark
    Yes, I have both sides but the back isn't very interesting to look at so I don't put it out. Each half weighs about 65 pounds. It is a beast! Can you post a few pics of your favorites?
  11. Light in the Dark
    Thought it might be fun to take a look at the most prized Christmas decorations of our fellow collectors. These are some of mine. Some are sentimental (one is from one Grandmother, another is from my other Grandmother) and some are just my favorites. How about yours?
  12. Light in the Dark
    Yeah digging those candles by the fireplace, too. Nice work!
  13. Light in the Dark
    I came across these general plastics catalog pages. I have never seen them before. Has anyone seen one of these in person or ever for sale? I'm wondering if any survived.
  14. Light in the Dark
    Wow that is a crazy price by today's standard... Even the shipping was reasonable.
  15. Light in the Dark
    Hi everyone, I'm hoping we get a revival on this site as maybe people who stepped away start coming back. I'm one of those who love the history side of blow molds (especially, but not limited to, municipals) and looking through old threads is where I learned so much! I truly appreciate everything that this community and those who contribute so much to it have shared in the past. Thank you many, many times over. Christian
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