Vintage Deal of the Day: November 1, 2009

{I couldn’t resist, I know that many of us are still staring yesterday’s jack-o-lanterns square in the eyes, but the moment the clock ticks from October into November, I’m biting at the chomp to get the winter holiday season under way! What better way to begin preparing for the festivities that November and December bring than with a plate full of treats whipped up from this darling 1949, illustrated Christmas cookie cookbook? It’s a sweet deal for just $7.50 (US) from etsy seller Vintage Vice’s Paper Emporium.}


Growing up my family had a lovely annual tradition in which, at the stroke of midnight, we would play one Christmas song (it varied from year-to-year) to usher in the beginning of the winter holiday season. From November 1st onwards Christmas tunes were free to waft through the air any time from that point until the start of January. I don’t know if anyone else in my family still carries on this fun little practise, but I (or more accurately, my husband and I) do, for I love time-honoured traditions.

This year’s song of choice was Silver Bells, a delightful and upbeat holiday tune that I often hum throughout the year. This jaunty tune was first sung by Bob Hope and Marilyn Maxwell in 1950 for the movie The Lemon Drop Kid, though most of us are more inclined to remember Bing Crosby and Carol Richard’s version which was released later that same year. Since then dozens of other artists (from Anne Murray to Stevie Wonder) have covered this classic Christmas Carole, though I definitely have a soft spot for the Bing Crosby version.

If you’re in the mood to begin filling your home with the “feeling of Christmas”, why not take a moment and listen to Silver Bells today, too? Here’s a charming Youtube clip someone filmed of their record player playing an original 45 recording of this beautiful Christmas carol.





I know I may be jumping on the holiday bandwagon a tad quick, but I do adore Christmas and love having a celebration to look forward to. And speaking of festivities, how was your Halloween? Mine was lots of fun, low key, but still terrific. My husband shot a few snaps of me in my Halloween outfit (not a costume per se, but an outfit sporting Halloween hues) that I’m planning to post here very soon.

I hope that you each had a marvelous Halloween and that the winter holiday season will be magical for everyone!