re: TulaneLSU's Top 10 signs of Carmel, California

2. Kris Kringle of Carmel



Upon first passing in the morning, the door had a sign that read, “Be back at noon.” I had my phone alarm set, so when noon arrived, I was at the door, impatiently waiting. Finally, the ancient and faultless grandmother store matron opened. Had we not been in these times, I would have asked her for a hug and hot chocolate.

Instead, we began a fifteen minute conversation on some of our favorite Christmas decorations. She, like I, is a fanatic for Roman Christmas ornaments and figures, and she showed me the limited numbers she had on shelves. I bought one such Nativity scene, which she kindly shipped at no additional charge. We also talked about our favorite Christopher Radko ornament, and lamented that some of Radko’s works are being outsourced to China. She is well aware, and she is no longer selling Radkos as a result.

The lovely lady’s name was Margaret, and I asked her if she minded I take photos of my favorite ten decorations from her store. She happily obliged, and even encouraged me. I sent her a postcard from Yosemite for her kindness and friendship. I also invited her to post on the OT, and she said she would consider it. If you do happen upon Margaret from Kris Kringle of Carmel, please give her a most hospitable Christian welcome.

TulaneLSU’s Top 10 Kris Kringle of Carmel Christmas decorations:

10. Disney carolers



9. Columbian manger scenes (unsure who the figures represent, but it is so childlike!)



8. Countdown chalkboard



All of my countdown calendars limit the anticipation to a month. With this chalkboard, you can start on Boxing Day! I also appreciate the reminder to the ignorant to cover both mouth and nose.

7. Children’s Nativity



Every single child in the world should be given the tools and encouragement to fashion and paint a nativity set of his or her own. Please, parents, do not deprive your children of this simple yet profoundly important joy in life. I still have the first Nativity set I made in Sunday school in 1991. It is one of more than 100 Nativity sets with which we decorate our downstairs. If I am able, I would be happy to do a Zoom meeting with you and your family to teach you how to build your own Nativity sets.

6. Celtic cross with Irish blessing



I dated, for a brief time, a girl who attended St. Charles Avenue Presbyterian Church. Mother thought it a travesty that I would lower family standards to date a Presbyterian. I reminded her, though, that the Presbyterianism of the past century was the main repository of American Calvinism and Edwardism. Mother reluctantly agreed that I could continue seeing her and even allowed me to worship in her church, where they sang this blessing as their benediction: May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face. May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

5. Olive wood Nativity



Is there anything better than a Nativity made out of natural materials, some of which would otherwise be heading for the landfill, if not saved by a idealistic artist? Every time I see a downed tree I think of all the possibilities of that wood. What a marvelous material on which to put the mark of humanity! And so often we toss that wood. To create and to carve and to love -- these things are for our being, not television and objectification of women.

4. Carmel house



Like the thin wooded Scandanavian ornaments, this adorable house of wood would be a great souvenir from this beautiful coastal town. Margaret agreed!

3. Framed Nativity scene



The colors here are astonishingly blue, like the sea near Carmel. Although I would not use this scene in our home, I can still appreciate its beauty in a store.

2. Roman Holy Family



Roman makes the best mass-produced European Nativity sets, even if they are made in China. This lovely piece drives home the point of Christmas: a family of love at peace. What a silent night that we all desire in our souls.

1. Roman Nativity set



Gloria!


1. Carmel cornerstone



The cornerstone of the mission causes me to contemplate those beautiful hymn words, “On Christ, the solid rockI stand, all other ground is sinking sand, all other ground is sinking sand.” Were it not for Christ, New Orleans would have long ago sunk. It is a continual battle between resting on the righteous and firm foundation of our Lord, and sinking into the mire of sin and perdition. May we all, forevermore, plant our feet on the Rock, our Redeemer, and never step away!


Faith, Hope, and Love,
TulaneLSU

P.S. I saw not a single person walking the streets of Carmel without a mask. These individual acts of good citizenship add up, allowing beautiful communities like this one to push forward in the midst of that terrible, invisible pawn of Satan.