The Christmas Church

Hi everyone! Church has always been the most important part of Christmas for our family. Being a musician also meant that so much of Christmas has been centered around the beautiful carols of Christmas. To honor that tradition, I searched for a vintage (not made in China:-) ceramic Christmas church this fall. When I found one in my price range, $9, I was lucky enough to win the bid. However, when it arrived it was broken into several pieces. Never fear, because I am great with Elmers, and I glued it back together:-)

Oh how I love this one made in 1965 right here in the USA. I created a very simple setting on the piano placing it on a burlap and lace runner I made for my etsy shop, surrounded by little Christmas trees and candles. 

I filled this wash tub with arborvitae branches because they are so fragrant. 

I placed my grandmother’s red Church Hymnal here along with a photo of her holding my mom in 1943 when my grandfather was away in Europe during WWII. She was the music leader in her church for many, many years. It had not really dawned on me until I created this vignette, that I have followed in her footsteps. 

These pine cone candleholders are from the 1960s…

It’s a nice place to gather, or for one of us to be practicing something on the piano. 

Thanks so very much for stopping by:-)

Anita

I’ll be joining

Wow Us Wednesdays

17 Comments

  1. Jaybird
    December 10, 2012 / 6:08 pm

    Practise being the operative word :^) (I am minister of music at my church, so practise has been at the top of the list for a few weeks)
    Your vignette is lovely…now you have me hankering after a beautiful church to add to the server in my dining room (uhhh the piano top is already full :^)
    Blessings to you and yours,
    J

  2. Pam - @diy Design Fanatic
    December 10, 2012 / 6:09 pm

    I love your vintage church Anita. So sorry it broke,but it looks like you glued it perfectly, because it looks great! Love the whole vignette.

  3. Adrienne
    December 10, 2012 / 6:13 pm

    I've loved watching Christmas arrive at your home! The church it just perfect as part of your Christmas and the tribute to your grandmother is just right!
    ~Adrienne~

  4. Carlene @ Organized Clutter
    December 10, 2012 / 6:16 pm

    I love your all American vintage Christmas theme. Love the old lighted church, the arborvitae in the tub, and the piano photos. Lovely as always.

  5. Susan
    December 10, 2012 / 7:05 pm

    Anita, everything is so beautiful and peaceful, just as it should be. You are such a blessing to me and I praise God that I found your blog several years ago. I hope you and yours have a very Blessed Christmas.

  6. Barbara F.
    December 10, 2012 / 7:09 pm

    Anita, I just love the vignette with the songbook and the photo. I always learn something new when I visit. Like the name of those pretty greens. xo

  7. Pinky at Designs by Pinky
    December 10, 2012 / 7:30 pm

    You sure are good with Elmer's, I would never have known it broke! It is beautiful!!!! I love the vignette and wish I had access to some fresh greens. The picture is priceless. XO, Pinky

  8. myletterstoemily
    December 10, 2012 / 9:09 pm

    i love that you decorated your piano for Christmas.
    my hymnals are some of my most cherished
    possessions.

  9. Emelia DiCarlo
    December 10, 2012 / 9:25 pm

    So elegant and precious Anita. I love how you searched to find what you had in mind. It looks so peaceful and lovely on your gorgeous runner with little candles. You did an amazing job of love deporting your wonderful home. Thank you for sharing an American real Christmas! God bless you all. Thank you for another inspirational year of blogging while maintaining so many important roles. Take care and thank you.

  10. My Cozy Casita
    December 10, 2012 / 9:26 pm

    Hi Anita I love the vignette is so beutiful and peaceful.
    Blssing
    XO
    Isora

  11. NanaDiana
    December 10, 2012 / 9:41 pm

    Anita- What a special, beautiful post. I love it. You would never know that it was broken- you did a great mending job. Fresh greens just add so much- xoDiana

  12. Red Couch Recipes
    December 10, 2012 / 10:42 pm

    I love your church resting on your piano, but what I really love is the photo of your Grandmum holding your mom. I have very few pics of my parents during thos years. Joni

  13. Sara
    December 10, 2012 / 11:02 pm

    Each time I see your home, I feel as if it's wrapping me in its embrace. The love for your family, faith, and friends shines through in everything you do, and this vignette is poignant with special memories. What a blessing you are in my life!

  14. Pamela Gordon
    December 10, 2012 / 11:04 pm

    I'm sorry your church arrived in pieces but it's a good thing you could put it back together. The vignette is beautiful and so meaningful too.

  15. Shenita @ Embellishments by SLR
    December 11, 2012 / 7:57 am

    Anita, you just never disappoint! What a lovely vignette; and the church is a beautiful focal point. I just love reading your stories and hearing of your family history. You implement it into your home so well!

  16. Cindy
    December 11, 2012 / 10:03 pm

    Anita, I enjoyed your O Holy Night recording, very beautiful! You are obviously a multi-talented lady, you sew, decorate and sing like an angel. And you are good with glue, one would never guess that the church was not always whole. Merry Christmas!
    Hugs, Cindy

  17. Pam Kessler
    December 12, 2012 / 2:17 am

    What a beautiful post. Your hymnal vignette is so pretty. I love that photo of your Mom and Grandmother.