LIFE'S BETTER IN THE MOUNTAINS

Monday, December 15, 2014

Christmas Carolers


As is the case with most people, our Christmas decorations bring back warm memories of other Christmases.  Some of them bring back poignant memories of those who have gone.  Others remind us of our very young children, and rather young selves.

One of my favorite decorations was a gift from my son many years ago.  It was one of the Byers Christmas Carolers.  A nurse.  We loved it so much that we added to the collection over the years and now we have Carolers all over the place.  The photograph below shows the carolers singing in the streets.  You will notice that there is a doctor behind the nurse.

[NOTE:  Interestingly enough, this is what nurses actually used to look like.  When I first became a nurse, we wore those white uniforms along with a cap unique to the school of nursing from which we graduated.  And yes, we all had a blue cape, just like this caroler.]



We now have an extensive collection of Carolers.  We have a large set of street vendors.  My favorite of these is a fishmonger with her cart, complete with a cat sitting below with a fish in its mouth.  My husband's favorite is an organ grinder, with a monkey holding a tin cup.  We've had many laughs over the years at my husband's expense because he once referred to it as the "monkey grinder."

We have a set of "A Christmas Carol" with the spirits, the Cratchetts and even the Fezziwigs dancing in front of the fireplace.

I really love all the Carolers, but none more so than the nurse.  Ah, the joys of Christmas Past.


13 comments:

Ms. A said...

I would imagine the first one, from your son, will always be extra special!

Anonymous said...

A lovely collection of carolers you have there.

Arkansas Patti said...

Those are so cool I can see why collecting them could become a past time.
You even have a Golden with her muzzle raised in song.

Vicki Lane said...

I remember those starchy nurse outfits. They looked terrific but you must have spent a lot of time keeping them starched. Scrubs look like pajamas but they sure are more practical -- not to mention comfortable.

Barbara Rogers said...

What a great collection! Glad you've started it, and will be able to add new beauties through the years.

The Bug said...

I would love to collect something like that, but we don't have room right now. Someday...

troutbirder said...

Sweet memories indeed. I love the idea of a caped nurse... the angel of mercy. :)

Busy Bee Suz said...

I think they are all so cute and interesting. Love the monkey grinder too. (ewwww)

KB said...

I think that the best part is that your son's gift started the collection. It makes me smile so it must make you beam!

Cheryl said...

What a beautiful gift......you have a thoughtful son. Adding to your collection must have brought so much pleasure to you.

I can understand why the nurse is so special to you.
Memories and Christmas ..........

Carolina Linthead said...

Lovely post! Love your collection, and you. Merry Christmas, friend!

KGMom said...

The carolers sound delightful. Such fun to have things which jog memories.
Of course, 'tis the season to think of Christmas--I too blogged about it.
Have a merry Christmas in your house, and a happy New Year.

NCmountainwoman said...

Thanks for your comments, everyone.

Patti - Yes, we have both a Golden and a Springer in honor of our previous (and current) dogs.

Vicki - Fortunately we at least had polyester rather than the starched cotton. I don't mind scrubs if they are solid color and different colors for different levels of personnel. I hate it when I cannot immediately tell the registered nurse from the nursing assistant.