December 1962

Heirloom crèche figures

Did you notice the meticulously detailed Holy Family shown in the footed bowl on our cover? Though the figures look like carefully guarded masterpieces of the Renaissance, they are no older than this year's dime-store wares.

IT'S NEWS TO ME!

Hang-up hideaway for soiled laundry hangs inside closet door or behind a bathroom door by permanent brackets. Hamper with doors at top and bottom is ventilated through back and through louvered door. Comes in white, black, pink, lilac, or in sandalwood --each with white louvered doors.

THE VERY FIRST CHRISTMAS MORNING

This play is about the morning after Jesus was born. He was born in Bethlehem, in a stable in back of an inn. The people in the inn slept on soft, warm beds, but all the rooms were full. So little Jesus, in the stable, had to sleep on straw.

PSSSSSTT... KIDS Here are gift ideas (all under $5!) that your folks say they want

Of course, they'll love everything you buy or make for them! BUT after talking with hundreds of parents all over the place, we've gathered up some new and different presents you can give your favorite people. Don't forget to ask what they'd prefer, and take one parent along when you're shopping for the other one. Right here on these pages is a good place to start finding out what they'd like!

A TIME TOR HAPPY DOINGS

A TIME FOR SMALL BLESSINGS

"Christmas morning comes... and it's still dark. We bundle off to church for the six-thirty Mass... such a quiet, thrilling experience to approach the church, with the crib figures out in front and a few stars left overhead." Walter and Dorothy Armbruster of Glendale, Missouri, observe Christmas as the deeply devotional time of year that it is.

A TIME FOR BUSY HANDS

Friends who chat and visit all year find a new purpose and pleasure in friendship when the Christmas season approaches. The wish to create something lovely and personal--- be it a dramatic ornament, a distinctive package, or a corsage-- really reflects a good friendship. Mrs. Herbert Bloomberg and Mrs. Earl Sharpe of Minneapolis have devised this colorful crèche scene.

A TIME FOR GRANDPARENTS

A TIME FOR BEAUTIFUL SURPRISES

The wonders of a greenhouse never cease. Every season is greeted with joyful surprises-- particularly at Christmas when the beautiful poinsettias, azaleas, mums, and amaryllis stage their colorful show. A greenhouse is a continuing source for gifts proudly given and gratefully received, or for plants to decorate your home

A TIME FOR PERFECT GIFTS

AND 50 THINGS TO MAKE!

On this and following pages are 50 sparkling symbols of the holiday season-- everything from tassels to trains, clowns to candles, and sleds to Santas. Their beauty is beguiling because they're so easily made and with such simple materials. Gather 'round; get the whole family into the fun of creating for Christmas.

IN THE FINEST AMERICAN TRADITION!

When it comes to houses, New England has a special meaning. The lean, solid lines of a Cape Cod like this have a way of stirring up names from our colonial past-- Plymouth Rock, Boston Tea Party, Bunker Hill. In another sense, this kind of house means apple cider, pumpkin pie, and Christmas turkey.

CHRISTMAS WITH MYRNA JOHNSTON

One of our very favorite mothers, who also happens to be our Foods Editor, here opens her home to her many reader friends. So come on in, and welcome to her holiday smörgasbord recipes. At right, Myrna (who at home is Mrs. Warren Eric Johnston, mother and grandmother) lights the candles on a festive table of appetizers and salads before Warren carves the Jul ham. Below is the dessert buffet of cheeses and cookies.

WAYS TO KEEP HOT FOODS HOT!

For fun without fret, an "eat-anytime" buffet is tops. It puts guests at ease, frees you to visit. How's it done? Well, wise up to warmers. Look at these tricks for hot food anywhere, anytime.

Easier entertaining with your freezer

Be prepared for the holiday festivities and last-minute get-togethers this season. Party foods, made in advance, can be frozen, ready to serve on short notice. Here are some slick tricks for freezing that can simplify your entertaining plans and save lots of last-minute preparation time for the hostess.

Light where you least expect it

GIFT SHOPPING BY MAIL

The man next door

The fact that people of good will are capable of bad decisions is illustrated by the Christmas necktie.