Christmas Ornaments

The Story Behind In medieval England, clay was called pygg, and the small jars where people kept their coins became known as pygg banks. One day a potter who was unfamiliar with the term, was asked to make some pygg banks, so he fashioned them to look...

Sweetly spicy and flavorful Pumpkin pie is a traditional and favorite dessert at Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner. Rich, ripe orange pumpkins are associated with the bountiful harvest, so as we eat our pumpkin pie, we count our blessings.

The Peace Symbol was originally designed by Gerald Holtom in as a logo for nuclear disarmament. Now recognized and used universally as a peace symbol, it has deliberately never been copyrighted. It is free for all to use worldwide.

The North Pole is a small loving community. At the helm is the Claus Family. Mrs. Claus is always the first in line to spread Christmas cheer. One will often find Mrs. Claus baking gingerbread cookies, lending a hand to her elf friends in the toy...

The Story Behind Meerkats live in underground burrows as families, led by a male and female. Meerkat behavior is incredibly similar to humans. They eat together, play together and watch out for one another. Meerkats are even willing to cohabitate with...

The Story Behind Maple syrup is poured over pancakes, waffles and oatmeal to make a delicious breakfast meal. Maple syrup is made in the late winter and early spring days when maple trees are tapped for their sweet sap. The sap is cooked down to create a...

A lion cub playfully lives its young life as it learns how to survive. A cub represents new life in a harsh and unforgiving climate. Although known as strong, powerful and fierce animals, most of the time cubs are gentle and good-natured, and quite...

The Story Behind Letters to Santa are mailed from around the world. Jolly Old Saint Nick reads each letter. Making note of wish list items, examining arguments to be on the nice list and notes of thanks, Santa and his team of elves spend all year...

The Story Behind Over the years the handcarved and painted Dala Horse has become a symbol of authentic Swedish handicraft and one of Sweden's most popular souvenirs. The name comes from its home province, Dalarna, in central Sweden. Most popular are the...

The Story Behind Quarter horses are a common horse breed in America. Exceptionally versatile, they are easy to train and are adopted as pets, compete in rodeo events or as a cowboy s transportation for gathering livestock. No matter the use for a quarter...

Did you know a horsehoe crab is not a crab, but more closely related to spiders? These bottom-dwelling coastal creatures have a fascinating anatomy with four eyes, twelves legs and a tiny set of pinchers. Horseshoe crabs bury themselves in mud and sand...

Horseshoes are considered to bring good luck. In the days when folks believed in the magical powers of iron, horseshoes were hung above a doorway to protect the inhabitants against witches and other evils. Hang this ornament on your Christmas tree to...

The Story Behind Hockey is played around the world and is an Olympic event. This widely known and popular sport has been played in North America since the late 1800s. Hockey is a great winter sport to be active, cheer on your favorite team and...

The Story Behind The Scottish breed of cattle, the Highland cow has long horns and a wavy wooly coat to protect it from the rainy and windy conditions. The hearty cows are a symbol of nourishment and health. Measurements: 1.5 X 3 X 4.25 (HxLxW)

The lively and noisy Hairy Woodpecker is found almost everywhere. They eat harmful insects that they locate by feeling the vibrations that the moving insects make in the wood. So, these beautiful woodpeckers are beneficial to man by helping to save fruit...

The Story Behind This heavenly fruit dip was invented by the Aztecs in Mexico, and can be as simple as mashing ripe avocados & tomatoes with sea salt. Over 45 million pounds of avocado will be eaten on Super Bowl Sunday. Apollo 11 astronauts brought...

The Story Behind There is no place like home, unless you are a gardener. Then, there is no place like your greenhouse! Filled with warmth, new life and the hope of harvest, the greenhouse fills the soul with happiness. Gardening may look like work, but...

The Story Behind Golf, as we know it, was first played with a leather-covered ball stuffed with goose feathers. In the early 1900s the golf ball evolved into the form as we know it today. However, it was not until 1932that the golf ball was standardized...

The Story Behind Dogs selflessly give humans their unconditional love and loyalty. Throughout history, dogs have been faithful friends and workmates, even giving their lives to protect or rescue their owners. No wonder dogs are considered man s best...

The Story Behind Crochet takes a simple string of yarn and turns it into fabric. This art of taking something simple and turning it into a masterpiece has warmed many bodies and hearts for centuries. Designs can be simple to incredibly intricate lacework...