A CHILD AT HEART

A veteran collector, John Kardos expanded his Garden State home to hold his ever-increasing and wonderfully eclectic holiday collection. Through it he recaptures and shares the joy of his fondly remembered boyhood Christmases.ics.

Linda Harbrecht

A FLAIR FOR CHRISTMAS

Joe Flask approaches collecting Christmas trees and ornaments with the same passion, determination, and delicate touch he devotes to his floral designs.

Jeanmarie Andrews

FOR FRIENDS AND FAMILY

On Ohio’s Western Reserve, Carol and Tom Koudelka create a splendid holiday display to welcome family back to their 1836 home each Christmas.

BOXING DAY

The day-after-Christmas holiday gained its name in Britain when America was still trying to establish its own identity, so we don’t recognize Boxing Day here. But the holiday’s roots go back centuries—and its spirit endures worldwide.

OLD CHRISTMAS AT ODESSA

Before it was banned, Christmas in England meant card playing, dancing, and feasting on peacock pie. Historic Odessa Foundation re-created the festivities at the Wilson-Warner House based on descriptions by Washington Irving.

Hoag Levins

SEVENTEEN CENTURIES OF SANTA CLAUS

By merging the historic traditions of Saint Nicholas and Father Christmas, Americans invented the jolly old elf we all recognize as Santa Claus. Heritage artisans add their interpretations of our Christmas icon.

Winfield Ross

GIFTS FROM YOUR KITCHEN

Borrowing from earlier holiday traditions, colonial cooks concocted towering confections to add spectacle and sophistication to their yuletide feast. Building a pyramid for your holiday table is surprisingly easy.

MAKING HEARTHSIDE MEMORIES

What better way to enjoy yuletide than in front of a warm, crackling fire. Bring your family together for some old-fashioned fun with a long-handled popcorn popper or a cast-iron skillet..

Mercy Ingraham

A SAMPLER STOCKING

This project uses embroidery thread and hundreds of tiny, punched loops to create motifs drawn from a Quaker sampler. You can craft it as a stocking or stitch it flat for framing.

Lori Brechlin

MAKE A LIMBERJACK

The dancing doll traces its roots to European street puppets popular for centuries. You can spend a morning crafting one to entertain the youngsters at Christmastime.

Ted Zabele

HOOK A HAPPY HORSE

From an antique hooked rug showing a pair of prancing horses, the author adapted a small pattern for a horse bordered by posies. Add your own flair to this quick project.

Barbara Carroll