An Old-Fashioned Christmas
Photography: Bob Wortham
Carol Lynnes claims she was born a “Christmas person.” Her father, a craftsman, always made toys for Christ arol Lyness claims she was born a “Christmas person.” Her father, a craftsman, always made toys for Christmas and instilled in her a love for “old things.” Every nook and cranny in the Lyness’s Deer Valley home during the holiday season speaks to the joys of Christmas collecting. Old Santa candy containers and carved wooden Santa figures made by American craftsmen compete for attention with a myriad of toys from the past. A huge Christmas tree laden with antique and handmade ornaments stands over a sentimental collection of 19th and early 20th century toys lovingly placed underneath. Not only has Lyness been attending flea markets, antique shows, garage sales and auctions seeking Christmas collectibles for 37 years, but when pressed, will copy a missing piece in a set she covets (she’s a noted quilt-maker and rug hooker). A purist, she insists on always using materials of the period. Over the years, her husband and four children have reminded her that there was little room under the tree for gifts; so as a concession to holiday cheer, all antiques are temporarily set aside on Christmas morning.
Left: Lyness made her own adaptation of Grandma Moses’ “White Christmas” based on the original painting that was owned by Irving Berlin. The Christmas Quilt, an ongoing project with her quilt club since 1980, is almost finished.
Below: A 1930s Ann Shirley doll in a dress made by Lyness’s grandmother, is always under the tree, sharing the spotlight with the first old teddy bear she bought. For the boys, there is a tin World War I soldier and an Amos and Andy car.
Below: These hand-sewn Dickens character dolls were made by four ladies in Missouri, who sold them at church bazaars in the 1940s. The women started making them during World War II when they accidentally discovered a carton of broken dolls with only the heads intact. Saying they can never be replaced, Lyness treasures them as her most unique collectibles.
Below: Under a beautiful 19th century stained glass window, a collection of American carved wooden Christmas figures including a prized moose decorate the top of a cupboard. Lyness found most of them at the many craft shows she frequents.
Your comments may be edited for brevity and foul language.