Noelophile®’s Stories of Christmas

(Photo courtesy of Icarian Photography, and used with permission.)

One of the best parts of Christmas, is getting to celebrate it with the people who mean most in our lives.

Artist Linnea Oliver remembers such gatherings.

Linnea, who is the proprietor of Bay Area-based business Bird of Virtue, designs and handcrafts unique jewelry, inspired by her Nordic heritage, vintage design and the geometric shapes and patterns of daily life.

Since our earlier interview, Linnea has created a new line of Christmas tree earrings, as well as a number of designs, for both men and women, with clean lines and an elegant simplicity.

Here, Linnea shares a favorite Christmas memory.

(Royalty-free image by Bruno from Pixabay.)

Quick!  What was one of the best Christmas gifts you’ve ever received?

Pamela Willson, “The Picky Bookworm”, remembers a special one.

Talented Pamela is an artist, podcaster, editor and a writer.  On her blog, she reviews independently-published books, and can guide you to your next great read.

She also proofreads and edits manuscripts, for indie authors especially.   Plus, she now also creates scented candles, inspired by independent authors’ books!

One other note–since our interview, published earlier, she has a new digital product available.   Here’s a link to her new “Indie Book Lover’s Content Planner“, which strikes me as a great gift for anyone who loves to read and create content!

Here’s Pamela, sharing a favorite Christmas memory.

Remember the handcrafted ornaments that made Christmas magical?

Needlework artist and San Francisco School of Needlework and Design Co-Founder Lucy Barter certainly does!  Here she is with a favorite Christmas story about some special decorations.

(Now, would you like to create some special needlework ornaments for next Christmas–or any other type of handcrafted keepsake–while exploring embroidery techniques from all over the world?  Check out what nonprofit SFSNAD offers, both in in-person and online workshops and events including weekly free “stitch-ins”!)

(Photograph courtesy of Angela Jazmin, and used with permission.)

Remember the family Christmas gatherings when we were kids?

Jewelry artist Jessica Linahan, proprietor of Bobbi J Designs, does!  Here, she shares one of her all-time favorite Christmas memories.

(Royalty-free image by karosieben from Pixabay.)

Remember that one special gift you were so excited to get?

Glass artist Maria Enomoto does!  Here she is with a favorite Christmas memory.

(Photograph courtesy of Carol Larsen, and used with permission.)

It’s almost time for Ferndale’s “Christmas Lighted Tractor Parade”!

This unique celebration happens annually, on the Sunday before Christmas, in the Victorian village of Ferndale.   And 2022 is a landmark–the thirtieth anniversary of the parade!

Here’s a favorite Christmas memory from parade committee member Lisa Hindley.

Ferndale’s 30th Annual Christmas Lighted Tractor Parade happens this Sunday, December 18th at 6 pm, starting at the top of Main Street in Ferndale.  You’re invited to come and see this unique community celebration if you’re in the area–or to watch their live stream on Facebook!

by Noella Noelophile®

“Filled with magic” is how artist and author Ellie Lieberman describes Christmas celebrations at her house.

And the components of that magic? Special traditions.

Ellie shared several of the traditions that add up to magic at Christmastime, for her and her family.

(Like to see Ellie’s enchanting fairy-world creations?  Here’s the link to her small business, Acorn Tops.  And you’ll find magic of a different variety in her writing!  Her author website showcases her recent work–including her Christmas story, The Memory Tree!)

by Noella Noelophile®

Gifted chef/artisan Tamiza Teja has a special Christmas memory to share.

But besides looking back, she’s also looking towards the future–and a fun Christmas custom which her family observes, every year.

I won’t spoil it by saying what!  But I will tell you that she has something else special to which everyone can look forward, this Thursday, December 13th.

At her artisan bakery/”foodie” gift boutique Tamiza’s Treats, nonprofit Delta Delta Delta Socal Sleighbell is hosting a Vendor Night Fundraiser this Thursday evening, December 13th, from 6:30 to 9:30.

And not only will it be a great opportunity to shop for unique Christmas gifts–it’s for a fantastic cause.

Vendor Night supports Children’s Hospital Los Angeles Hematology & Oncology Research.  On hand will be some incredible women entrepreneurs, with their one-of-a-kind handcrafted creations.

Like whom, for example?

Well, like Ellie Lieberman, for starters.  This gifted author/craftswoman writes starkly beautiful literature and crafts enchanting fairy doors and worlds through her small business, Acorn Tops.

Or, perhaps like Rachez Miller.  I haven’t had the pleasure of meeting her yet, but her website says she started her homebased artisan candle company, Shay Candles, in 2012.   She offers hand-poured candles and handmade incense.

And like Jessica Silagy, of Knucklehead Ranch.  What can’t this talented artist do?

Her graphics include pinup art and handmade cards, and one of my personal favorites of hers is the pair of fabric custom Christmas trees she crafted, about two years ago.  Currently, she’s specializing in handcrafted pet gifts, which include handmade catnip toys and dog bandanas that’ll give your favorite pooch a seasonal sparkle!

And–beware if you love great books.  Artist/author Barbara Lieberman, of Pipe & Thimble Mobile Bookstore, will be on hand.   More than once, I’ve tried to read just one chapter of one of her latest books!   (And if you’re lucky, she might also have brought her “thumbles”, which are adorable needle-felted elves, with different seasonal themes!   I love my Christmas one, which I bought last year!)

And these are just some of the vendors who’ll be there this Thursday evening.   They’d love to see you.  And, oh, yes.  Hope you’re immune to temptation…

…no, on second thought, I wouldn’t want you and your Christmas gift recipients to miss Tamiza’s artisan fudge, gourmet popcorn and those incredible cookies to which she adds her own magic as a professional chef!

Meanwhile, don’t forget to ask Tamiza what she’s been crafting lately!

As you’ll recall from our October interview, in addition to her gourmet creations, she designs foodie-themed jewelry, creates greeting cards, and has probably been inspired to make at least half a dozen other types of food-inspired gift items since we last spoke!

Nonprofit Delta Delta Delta SoCal Sleighbell hosts their Vendor Night Fundraiser this Thursday evening, December 13th, from 6:30 to 9:30 at Tamiza’s Treats, 3525 Pacific Coast Highway, Suite Q, in Torrance.  Tamiza’s Treats is located on PCH and Madison, right near Kinecta.

Award-winning fiber artist/entrepreneur Krystina Kyle, of Fun With Pretend, shared one of her all-time favorite Christmas memories during our 2016 interview..

It was midsummer when we spoke–and she still gave me chills.

Here is Krystina, with her story about a special Christmas.

If you’d like to meet Krystina–and see the incredible dolls she creates–you’ll get that opportunity this weekend!  She’ll be exhibiting her work at Torrance Craftsmen’s Guild’s “47th Annual Holiday Arts and Crafts Faire”, this Saturday and Sunday, November 19th and 20th, at Torrance Cultural Arts Center, at Madrona and Torrance Boulevard.  Hours are 9 am to 4 pm, both days, and admission is free.

by Noella Noelophile®

Do you remember a Christmas when the gift you wanted very most, was four-legged?

Long Beach Chief Inspiration Officer and Community Action Team founder Justin Rudd does.

Here, he shares a favorite Christmas memory–just in time for today’s fifteenth annual “Operation Santa Paws”!

Would you like to help Justin and his team of volunteers bring some Christmas joy to abused and abandoned animals?  You can join them today, as they visit four local shelters to deliver toys, treats and supplies for “Operation Santa Paws”!  Their first stop will be Long Beach Animal Care Services, at 7700 East Spring Street at the 405, in Long Beach, around 11:45 this morning.  (Please arrive a little early.) You’re welcome to come to any or all of the four shelters with them; you’ll find a “wish list” for shelter donations, along with the times and places they’ll be passing out toys and treats, here.

by Noella Noelophile®

Photo courtesy of MSG Entertainment, and used with permission.

How can anyone write a Christmas story from a completely unique perspective?

Actor and author Charles Edward Hall proves it’s possible.

In his book, “Santa Claus Is For Real“, “Santa Charles” draws on his twenty-seven years’  experience portraying Santa Claus, in the Radio City Music Hall Christmas spectacular.  The result is a magical mix of fiction and real-life Christmas sparkle that’s both moving and funny.

At first, “Santa Charles” relates, he approaches his role as exactly what he is–a cynical New York professional actor.  He really isn’t even that interested in the “Santa” role–it just comes with the part of “Scrooge”, which he does want.

But then, some things start happening…and the magic of Christmas takes over…

Following an earlier interview, just prior to his book’s release, Santa Charles shared a memory of his own first magical “Santa” experience.

Enjoy, thank you for reading, and Merry Christmas!

Remember the Christmas gift you really, really, really wanted when you were small?

Fiber artist Nathan Vincent shares a Christmastime memory–that became a family tradition!

Maybe the best part of Christmas, is getting to create the magic, for people we love.

Artist/entrepreneur/author Barb Lieberman, of Seeds of Inspiration,
remembers some magical times, and how they shaped her future Christmas celebrations.

(Guess what?  Barb’s reading from, and signing copies of, her second book, To Miss the Stars, this afternoon at a “Meet the Author” event at CRAFTED, in San Pedro!  Come by if you can, from 4 to 6 pm PST!)

Want to see what Barb and her fellow Handmade in South Bay artists have created for Christmas 2014?  They’d love to see you at their Second Annual Holiday Boutique, this Saturday, December 6, 11 am to 6 pm at CRAFTED, San Pedro’s year-round crafts marketplace.   CRAFTED at the Port of Los Angeles is located at 112 East 22nd Street, at Miner, in San Pedro, in Warehouse 10.

“Oops!”

Christmas may be supposed to be perfect–but you know how life deviates from the script!  We all have our stories of toppling Christmas trees, less-than-angelic kids, cookies that looked beautiful but tasted like salt, and creative projects that offered some real-life challenges…

Artist Jennifer Gomez, of Traditionally Unique, shares a Christmas story in the latter category–about a family-created decoration that commanded more attention than originally expected!

How long did YOU believe in Santa Claus?

Artist Eva Lacey, co-founder of A Little Known Shop, shares a special Christmas story of her eight-year-old skepticism–and the magic that resulted…

A Little Known Shop, in Anaheim, has evidence of recent “elf” activity, with the Christmastime creations of more than thirty exhibiting artists.  They’re open Mondays from 11:00 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesdays through Saturdays, 10:00 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sundays from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Do you have your tree yet?  How are you going to decorate it?

Christina Ellis, co-founder of the Orange County Time Bank, talked about a fun family tradition–that just may be an inspiration for YOUR Christmas creativity!

As we chatted, Sarah Christensen, Renegade Craft Fair Director of Vendor Relations, shared a future possibility that would make a very nice Christmas present for all us “crafty” folks!

(Please note: as Sarah says, this is only a “maybe”, and unconfirmed at this point.)  

Everyone has a special Christmas tradition.

It could be making the cookies Grandma always set out for company.  Or getting out the red-and-green Christmas tree candles Mom bought when you were six.  Or watching one special show with people you love–just as you’ve done for as long as you can remember.

Danielle Ochoa, co-founder of A Little Known Shop, in Anaheim, shares some of her all-time favorite Christmas memories.

Traditions are the stuff Christmas memories are made of.

Artist Angela Price, proprietor of Eden Condensed, shares her family’s tree-trimming tradition.  It’s one that tends to bring a lot of smiles and elicit Christmas-memory stories during future celebrations!

Angela will be exhibiting her handcrafted glass terraria at this weekend’s Unique L.A. craft show, this Saturday and Sunday, December 7th and 8th, at the California Market Center, 110 East Ninth Street between South Main and Olympic.  Hours are 11 am to 6 pm, both days, and children under 12 are admitted free.

Think you’ve seen some creative ways of making Christmas special for kids?

Wait’ll you hear this fun Christmas memory, courtesy of artist Rain Hannah!

Rain, who is the creator of the Honey and Ollie jewelry line, recalls one favorite Christmas morning, when she and her siblings received concrete “proof” that Santa and his reindeer had stopped by for a visit!

(Photo courtesy of Jen Mendoza, and used with permission.)

OK, we know you’ve just finished putting the pumpkins away.

But–if you want a Santa for your Christmas celebration (home, church, party), now is the time to make arrangements.  At least, that’s what artist Debbie Ingland says–and she would know.

Debbie’s unique perspective on Christmas comes from the fact that, since 2011, she’s been portraying “Mrs. Claus” to her husband, Scott’s, “Santa”.  The Inglands make appearances at all kinds of Christmas celebrations throughout Orange County–from private homes and parties to community events.

Debbie talked about her experiences as “Mrs. Claus”, a special Santa organization, FORBS, and her favorite Christmas memories.  She also warned–coal in your stocking is nothing, to finding out “Santa” is already booked!  (In other words, if you need a Santa, better be “nice” and confirm one soon!)

“Santa” Scott Ingland and “Mrs. Claus”, a/k/a Debbie Ingland, can be reached at santascottintheoc@gmail.com, or inglandsweets55@gmail.com.  Scott and Debbie request that callers let them know if they need “Santa only” or “Santa and Mrs. Claus” for their Christmastime events.

In his time, Charles Dickens was considered to be “the man who invented Christmas”, thanks to his classic, A Christmas Carol. But what were some of his experiences with Christmas?

In this conclusion of a special series, Rare Books Head Librarian Janine Pollock, from the Free Library of Philadelphia, shares a story of one Dickens Christmas.  And if you’re visiting family in Philadelphia this Christmas, she also has some documents you might like to see, courtesy of a certain Mr. C. Dickens, in two current exhibitions that run till January, 2013!

And–a very Merry Christmas!  Most certainly, “God bless us, every one”!

How did Charles Dickens himself celebrate Christmas?  Head Librarian Janine Pollock, from the Free Library of Philadelphia’s Rare Books department, offers an inside look!

Headed for Philadelphia for Christmas?  You might like to see some of Dickens’ letters firsthand, as the Free Library winds up its “Year of Dickens” program, celebrating the bicentennial of Dickens’ birth, with two special exhibits, from now till January!

2012 is the bicentennial of Charles Dickens’ birth.  So, there are plenty of celebrations going on!

But–what was a real “Dickensian Christmas” like–courtesy of the man whose name it bears?  And what was the creative process like for Charles Dickens, that Christmas of 1843 when he published his classic, “A Christmas Carol”?

Rare Books Department Head Librarian Janine Pollock, of the Free Library of Philadelphia, offers some answers!  In the first installment of this special three-part series for Christmas, Janine explores the circumstances of Dickens’ publication of his Christmas classic.

Traveling to Philadelphia for Christmas?  You might like to see two current exhibitions, going on from now till January, as the library wraps up its “A Year of Dickens” events!