Christmas Ornaments

The Story Behind The legend of Santa Claus is derived from the European figure St. Nicholas and American writers who wrote children s poems in the 19th century. Santa Claus became the jolly man clad in red the folk hero all children dream about on...

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 Martini is one of the most famous and popular cocktails. Winston Churchill, Franklin Roosevelt and James Bond were all fans of this legendary drink. The classic Martini is made with gin and vermouth and garnished with a green olive in a martini glass...

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 Hanging a stocking by the fireplace became popular in the 1800s. Legend has it that St. Nicholas tossed bags of gold down the chimney into stockings drying by the fire that belonged to three poor sisters who lacked dowries. Today,...

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...