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features 2014

18 2 The Christmas Wreath

4 Caroling, Caroling Poems by Caroler Fans and More!

7 Lane The Many Styles of Christmas

10 Hot Chocolate Know-How

12 Accessories

15 “A ”

16 A Few of Our Favorite Things It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

16 7 Sweetway to decorate

“You can never overdo Christmas.”

First Lady Pat Nixon stands next to the first White House house, 1972.

othing marks the arrival of the holidays more than Nthe smell of gingerbread baking in the oven or the tradition of decorating a . This rings true for the White House as well! During her tenure, First Lady Patricia Nixon initiated the tradition of the annual White House gingerbread house during the holiday season. The practice has continued since, and the gingerbread house is one of the most popular White House Christmas decorations. Early constructions were basic A-framed houses standing 2 feet tall; simple compared to modern designs which have weighed in over 300lbs!

First Lady Laura Bush requested that the gingerbread house actually represent the White House building or a structure in its architecture (something that still continues today). Over the course of several weeks, this annual gingerbread house is expertly designed and crafted by the White House Pastry Chef and staff. As part of White House holiday tradition, the famous confection is displayed in the State Dining Room.

Sugar Cottage Resin Gingerbread House

www.byerschoice.com 1 history of the

For many, the first sign of Christmas is no beginning and no end. From a the hanging Christmas wreath on the Christian religious perspective, it front door of the house. But wreaths represents an unending circle of are more than just decorations. The life. The evergreen, most frequently art of hanging Christmas wreaths used in making wreaths, symbolizes originated from the Romans who growth and everlasting life. Holly hung wreaths on their doors as a branches have thorns. When used in sign of victory and of their status a wreath, it represents the thorn on in society. Women usually wore ’ crown when he was crucified.

them as headdresses as a symbol of The word wreath comes from the pride, and also donned them during word “writhen” that was an old special occasions such as weddings. English word meaning “to twist.” Additionally, the victors of sporting Traditionally, Christmas wreaths have events in ancient Greece were given been made by twisting or bending laurel wreaths. This tradition is still evergreen branches into a large circle being used to this day during the which were then decorated with pine Olympic games in which the medals cones and a red bow. Today you can are engraved with sprigs of laurel. find wreaths made of flowers, paper, fabric, ribbons, ornaments, beads and The wreath also has significant even candy canes! meaning for the season. Its circular shape represents eternity, for it has

Cries of London: Crier Selling Wreaths, Kids with Wreaths, Street Clock, Glass Ornament Market Stall

2 BYERS’ CHOICE LTD. 215-822-6700 3 “A Carolers Hymn” by Kathy Cummings

Whistling wind and knee deep snow Remember Christmas long ago Off a-caroling we would go Faces aglow - Faces aglow

Singing our songs of love and cheer From behind closed doors folks appear We’d trill loudly and we’d trill clear So they can hear - So they can hear

Joyful noise flowing through the air Grandma sat in her rocking chair Leading us in song and prayer Melody shared - Melody shared

Voices soft as the turtledove Harmonize in correct octave Praising our God’s Gift from above We know His love - We know His love

Right: Family Decorating, Market Stall, Snow Trees Bottom Right: Family with Gingerbread, Gingerbread Market Stall

A thrill OF hope, the weary world rejoices . “Caroling Poem” Happy children, women too, As well as men with deep tones true, By Jared Pinkerton Arrived with many gifts to bear. In days gone by long ago, The warmth they shared spread near and far, Through Winter’s chill and blowing snow, To every church, shop, home and bar, A curious sound rang through the air. Holiday cheer covered every being. Over the clip-clop of horses’ feet, They sang songs of love and joy and hope, And vendors selling in the street, They hung bright baubles with twine and rope, The sound seemed to come from The revelers’ voices continue to ring, everywhere. Through the grand tradition of caroling.

4 Caroling caroling Now We Go Christmas Bells are ringing

A thrill OF hope, the weary world rejoices .

“Caroling” by Ernest Clayton

It was a silent night. But if you listened carefully You could hear voices Beautiful voices, young and old Singing words that filled your heart with JOY! 5 Red & Velvet Classic Combo

6 Very V i n tage Santa Christmas Claus Lane From modern to vintage, simple to over-the-top . . . there are many styles of Christmas and Jolly Old Saint Nick!

When decorating, festive touches make the holidays all the more merry — and memorable!

Left: English Countryside Santa and Mrs. Claus, Wine Santa, Red Velvet Santa & Mrs. Claus, Nautical Santa & Mrs. Claus Above: Vintage Sage Santa, Caribou, Nordic Santa & Mrs. Claus, Polar Bear Cub, Seated Polar Bear Cub www.byerschoice.com 7 Bold Moder n Motif

Santa with Black/White Check

The distinct black and white check on this Santa is a Scottish tartan named Sillitoe.

The “” Santa for this holiday season is the third figure in our Favorite Christmas Carol series. Inspired by one of our best-loved holiday songs, “Jingle Bells” was originally written to be sung for American Thanksgiving.

8 BYERS’ CHOICE LTD. 215-822-6700 Jingle Bells Santa 19” Display Chimney Sweep

According to legend, an English King (some versions say George II) was once riding through the streets of London when his horse spooked at the sight of a mangy dog and nearly threw the king to the ground! A chimney sweep was passing by as the horse reared. Thinking quickly, the chimney sweep grabbed the reigns and calmed the startled horse.

In thanks, the King invited the sweep to attend his daughter’s wedding. Since then, it is said to be lucky for a bride to see a chimney sweep on her wedding day and even luckier to have one attend the ceremony!

Buying newlyweds a Christmas-themed wedding present is a thoughtful gift which has become popular in recent years.

Our First Christmas as Mr. & Mrs. Coachman, Traveling Woman, Coach

www.byerschoice.com 9 Snow Day: Kid with Sled, Kid with Snowballs, Mom with Hot Chocolate, Boy with Snowboard, Toddler with Snowball, Toddler with Skates

When was It is easy to make at home and once you try it, you’ll have a hard time going back to those hot cocoa packs. Real the last time homemade hot chocolate is thick and rich — the real essence you had a of what chocolate in a glass on a cold day should be!

real cup of Be sure to start with quality chocolate. Guittard, Scharffen hot chocolate? Berger, and Valrhona are all great choices if you can find them. Use bittersweet or semisweet chocolate for a higher cacao percentage and richer chocolate flavor. Semisweet chocolate is usually 35-40% cacao, bittersweet up to 75%.

10 www.byerschoice.com Use whole milk for the creamiest and sweetest hot chocolate, but feel free to use lowfat or nonfat milk if you prefer. For a thicker, richer consistency, try switching out 1/4 cup of milk for cream.

Experiment with spices and herbs to create unique flavors with your hot chocolate. Vanilla, , orange and peppermint are all good choices.

Brew your choice spices into the milk during the initial heating process. After the milk is steamy, strain out the spices, before adding the chocolate as you normally would. Don’t forget the whipped cream! Continued on page 14

Left: Snow Day Kid with Sled, Snow Day Kid with Saucer

If you like a little extra heat, try adding some ground chili peppers to really spice it up.

4 cups whole milk 1 Tbs. powdered sugar

8oz. chocolate 1 tsp. vanilla extract (60% cacao, preferably) 1/8 tsp. salt

Finely chop the chocolate into small pieces — they need to dissolve easily in the liquid.

Place the milk into a small, thick-bottomed pot on low heat and bring to a low simmer. Whisk once in a while to ensure that the milk doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pan.

If you plan to steep herbs or spices: add the herbs or spices to the milk, bring to a simmer then take off heat and allow to steep for 10 minutes. Strain the liquid then place back into the pot and return to a simmer.

Add the vanilla, powdered sugar, salt, and chocolate and whisk vigorously until the Hot Chocolate chocolate has melted.

Heat for another 4 minutes, constantly stirring. Serve and enjoy! 11 Accessories

set the stage for your caroler displays

Street Clock (19” High; requires 1 “N” battery) Lamppost (22” High; electric) Gumdrop Gables Resin Gingerbread House (9.5” Wide x 15.5” High x 13” Deep) Wrought Iron Fence (Plastic; 21.5” Wide x 6.5” High) “Axel” Kindle on Skates Bunch of Holly (17” Long; 5 sprigs per bunch)

This wooden calendar can be used year after year providing a tradition that your family is sure to treasure!

More styles can be found on www.byerschoice.com

Nativity (15”High x 18.5”Wide) 1 3

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1 Polar Bear Cub (5.5” High x 8” Long) , Seated Polar Bear Cub (4” High x 4” Long) 2 Glass Pickle Ornament (4.5” High) 3 Coach (15” High x 8” Wide x 26” Long) 4 Horse (13” High x 15” Long) 5 Display Risers (11” High x 20” Wide x 10” Deep) 6 Nativity Table (8” High) 7 Fireplace with Candelabrum (10” Wide x 8” High x 3.5” Deep) 8 Reindeer (8” High) 9 Red Tree (12” High), Green Candy Cane Tree (13” High)

www.byerschoice.com 13 14 BYERS’ CHOICE LTD. 215-822-6700 God Bless Us, Every One! Charles Dickens’ literary masterpiece, , continues to shape the way we celebrate Christmas over 150 years after the story of and the three spirits of Christmas first touched hearts in 1843.

Dickens on the Road Gerald Dickens, the great-great grandson of Charles Dickens, returns to the United States this Fall for his American tour of A Christmas Carol.

Mr. Dickens will be performing at Byers’ Choice 5th & 6th. Please visit our website for details and a complete tour schedule. www.byerschoice.com Bob Cratchit & Tiny Tim, Scrooge, Spirit of Christmas Present

“For it is good to be children sometimes, and never better than at Christmas, when its mighty Founder was a child Himself.” Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol

Left: Kids with Snowboards, Kids Holding Skates, Toddler with Skates, Kids Roasting Marshmallows, Small Snowman with Wreath, Snow Day Kid Building Snowman www.byerschoice.com 15 a few of our FAV O R I T E THINGS

Snowmen Clear Toy Candy

The sweetest toy under the tree! Long a mainstay of American Christmas tradition, clear toy candy has been a familiar sight at Christmas for hundreds of years, since the earliest settlers brought it from the Old World. It is sweet and simple — a little sugar, water and food coloring melted and poured into a variety of molds. The candy originally came to America by way of German immigrants, who brought with them the molds, recipes and traditions needed to make the special treat. For generations, children of all ages have delighted on Christmas morning to find the delicately molded sweets in their stockings. The children would play with them as long as they could bear before smashing the figures apart to enjoy their sugary Christmas treat!

Clear toy candy is still handmade at Shane , America’s oldest continuously run candy shop, located in Philadelphia, Pa. shanecandies.com Caroler Condo A tidy little home for your Carolers! Safely store your collection until the next time you put it on display. Stores 12 Caroler figurines; made of sturdy cardboard with protective vinyl cover.

16 BYERS’ CHOICE LTD. 215-822-6700 Salvation Army Band: Woman with Drum, Man with Tuba, Girl with Bell, Boy with Cornet, Kettle with Tripod The Red Christmas Kettle You know Christmas is near when you hear the familiar ringing of the Salvation Army bell and see the trademark Red Christmas Kettle stationed along Main Street corners and in shopping centers throughout the country. The tradition began in San Francisco 1891 by Salvation Army Captain Joseph McFee. Over the decades, the Salvation Army’s red kettle collections have raised millions of dollars in donations for the organization’s work.

www.byerschoice.com 17 Decorated Tree with Lights Decorating the is a family tradition enjoyed around the world. This Victorian Christmas tree is beautifully decorated in classic glass ornaments.; requires 3 AA batteries German Christmas Markets Generally held in the town square and surrounding area, the markets kick off the Christmas season. Food, drink, and seasonal items are sold from open- air stalls, accompanied by traditional singing and dancing.

Woman Selling Glass Ornaments, Man with Glass Ornaments, Children with Glass Ornaments, Glass Ornament Market Stall Giving Back Deliver and treats to your local fire station, police department or staff at a hospital. After all, they’ll be working through the holidays. 18 www.byerschoice.com No visit to a German is complete without sampling some Christmas treats:

Stollen – traditional German Christmas bread with dried fruits, nuts, spices, and sugar Glühwein – a hot spiced wine Nürnberger Rostbratwürste – small charcoal-grilled sausages – gingerbread Bratäpfel – baked apples Gebrannte Mandeln – roasted almonds Maronen – roasted chestnuts Marzipanbrot – Marzipan Bread, a big piece of Marzipan, shaped like a loaf of bread

Nutcracker Vendor, Christmas Market Shopper, Nutcracker Market Stall, Kids with , Woman Selling Gingerbread, Kids with Gingerbread, Gingerbread Market Stall The hree Kings came riding from far away, TMelchior and Gaspar and Baltasar; Three Wise Men out of the East were they, Three And they travelled by night and they slept by day, Kings For their guide was a beautiful, wonderful star.

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow was an American poet and educator. Born in Maine 1807, he became a national literary figure by the 1850s, and a world-famous personality by the time of his death in 1882.

The star was so beautiful, large, and clear, That all the other stars of the sky Became a white mist in the atmosphere, And by this they knew that the coming was near Of the Prince foretold in the prophecy.

Three caskets they bore on their saddle-bows, Three caskets of with golden keys; Their robes were of crimson silk with rows Of bells and pomegranates and furbelows, Their turbans like blossoming almond-trees.

And so the Three Kings rode into the West, Through the dusk of night, Blue Wise Man with , Golden Wise Man with Gold, over hill and dell, Red Wise Man with Chest of , Camel (Sold Out) And sometimes they nodded with beard on breast And sometimes talked, as they paused to rest, With the people they met at some wayside well. 20 BYERS’ CHOICE LTD. 215-822-6700 Holy Family, Shepherd Man, Shepherd Boy, Donkey, Lambs, Nativity Backdrop

“Of the child that is born,” said Baltasar, So they rode away; and the star stood still, “Good people, I pray you, tell us the news; The only one in the gray of morn For we in the East have seen his star, Yes, it stopped, it stood still of its own free will, And have ridden fast, and have ridden far, Right over on the hill, To find and worship the King of the Jews.” The city of David, where Christ was born.

And the people answered, “You ask in vain; And the Three Kings rode through the gate and the guard, We know of no king but !” Through the silent street, till their horses turned They thought the Wise Men were men insane, And neighed as they entered the great inn-yard; As they spurred their horses across the plain, But the windows were closed, and the doors were barred, Like riders in haste, and who cannot wait. And only a light in the stable burned.

And when they came to Jerusalem, And cradled there in the scented hay, Herod the Great, who had heard this thing, In the air made sweet by the breath of kine, Sent for the Wise Men and questioned them; The little child in the manger lay, And said, “Go down unto Bethlehem, The child, that would be king one day And bring me tidings of this new king.” Of a kingdom not human but divine.

www.byerschoice.com 21 Cheese Monger

historicof thecharm holidays The word cheese monger brings back old world memories of huge truckles of Stilton cheese balancing on market stalls along cobbled lanes. Stepping off a page of a Dickensian novel, our Cheese Monger is a merchant who specializes in the selling of cheeses he procures from local farmers.

Stilton, known as the “king of English cheeses,” is synonymous with Christmas. It is as festive as oranges studded with cloves, and decorative chocolate tins. Stilton production has evolved over many centuries and is seen as a Christmas luxury.

In small English villages, people still bustle about shopping for their Christmas cheese. The festively decorated wedges of blue cheese adorned with holly are often displayed in glass cabinets as twinkle above. It would be difficult to imagine a more festive scene. Stilton cheese is enjoyed and paired with the ripe fruits and delicious nuts of the Christmas season.

Warm Stilton, Caramelized Pear, Hazelnut and Bacon Salad (serves 2) 4 thin slices of bacon 1.5 Tbs super fine sugar 2 pears 1.5 cups of salad leaves 5 oz Stilton or Blue cheese splash of balsamic vinegar

Cut the bacon into small pieces and fry in olive oil. While the bacon is frying, slice the pears into quarters, remove the core and then dice into bite-size cubes. Once the bacon is crispy, Stilton is a “protected name” cheese remove from the pan and put the pears in with the bacon and by law can only be made in the fat. Fry for one minute. Add sugar and toss in the pan using three English counties of Derbyshire, a wooden spoon. Cook for about 5 minutes, until they are Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire. caramelized, but take care as this is very hot. Put bacon back in the pan and heat a little. Empty the salad leaves into a large bowl. Add crumbled Stilton, nuts, pears and bacon. Toss thoroughly and add a splash of balsamic vinegar. 22 BYERS’ CHOICE LTD. 215-822-6700 2014 Colonial Shopping Family, Door

www.byerschoice.com 23 Women in Pharmacy

he pharmacist profession in the United States was once dominated by men who typically owned and operated small drugstores on nearly every Main Street corner throughout the country. As late as the mid 1960s, less than 10% of all pharmacists in America were women. It wasn’t until the rise of the major drugstore chains in the 1980s that opportunities for women in the field greatly improved. Today, women account for more than 55% of pharmacy professionals.

When the chainstores expanded and increased the demand for pharmacists with more locations, bigger staffs and increased hours, the field’s professional associations made a targeted effort to reach out to women. Chainstores offered few barriers to entry for young professional women. A pharmacist no longer had to juggle the responsibilities and long hours associated with owning a small business. Today, the pharmacist profession provides the opportunity to pursue a career as a health professional with a reasonable length of study while also having some work-life flexibility.

Pharmacist, Woman Pharmacist Did you know? America’s first Christmas store was opened by Pharmacist Leonard Brynolf Johnson in Smethport, Pa. During the Great Depression, Doc Johnson’s hobby for handcrafting Christmas decorations grew into quite the side business / tourist attraction and remained open for more than 70 years!

24 www.byerschoice.com Blessings

This Thanksgiving, serve your favorite stew or soup in a hollowed pumpkin shell — use a larger pumpkin for a tureen or smaller ones for adorable “soup bowls.”

Pilgrim Man, Pilgrim Woman, Pilgrim Girl, Pilgrim Boy Harvest Table (Sold Out), Turkey on Base, Harvest Wheelbarrow 4355 County Line Road Chalfont, PA 18914

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$6.00 CHRISTMAS 2014

2014 Christmas Market Collection