Article Archives: What’s in the Attic?

The Party’s Over

December 24, 2020 | by Linda Hamer Kennett

The gifts are gone from under the tree, there is scarcely enough ham left to make a pot of soup, and you now realize that you should have asked Santa for a new bathroom scale because the old one is weighing five pounds heavier that it did last month. Yes, … Read More

Bringing Peace and Goodwill: The Nutcracker

December 17, 2020 | by Linda Hamer Kennett

Sometimes whimsical and fun, other times quite stern and intimidating, the Nutcracker has become as much a part of Christmas in America as Frosty the Snowman and sleigh bells. The Nutcracker dates back to the latter part of 17th Century Germany when a doll craftsman from Seiffen first made them … Read More

The Belsnickel: Santa’s Grumpy Cousin

December 10, 2020 | by Linda Hamer Kennett

For many years I’ve collected vintage Santa figures and tree ornaments. As a result I quite often received them as hostess gifts or under the tree on Christmas morning. Of the dozens of pieces in my collection there was one little guy that always made me feel a bit uneasy. … Read More

The Best Things Do Come in Small Packages!

December 3, 2020 | by Linda Hamer Kennett

Is there anyone who doesn’t love candy? If nurturing a sweet tooth is one of your guilty pleasures, then get ready for the Christmas season when candy abounds and no one cares how much you eat. The gifting of Christmas candy in decorative containers originated in Germany in the early … Read More

We Gather Together

November 26, 2020 | by Linda Hamer Kennett

My Grandmother was a survivor of the Great Depression and my Mom was in her teens for the worst of it. Is it any wonder that I grew up surrounded by an attitude of appreciation and respect for material blessings? From as far back as I can remember Mom was … Read More