The Art of Play: A Toy Bird/Christmas Ornament, 1975

The Victoria & Albert Museum

I've looked at this bird about two dozen times. It's one of those images that has been randomly assigned to me repeatedly as I catalogue online images for the V&A. After the twenty-fourth time, I decided i like it.

So, what is it? It's a toy bird, yes. But, not one that would be too fun to play with. This toy bird, resembling a peacock, is best described as a Christmas tree ornament. At the base of the neck is a small metal loop allowing for an ornament hook. Some of the bird's painted clay surface adorned with fragments of clear glass. The rest of the body and wire legs are covered with pink fur which I suspect is meant to resemble feathers. The head is also covered in glass fragments while the neck is adorned with long glass beads.

Made in China in 1975, the bird was for export to Western Europe.

Ornament of the Day: Father Christmas

When I was a little boy, I loved the stories of Babar, the King of the Elephants.  One of my favorites was Babar and Father Christmas.  I always wanted to put a Father Christmas figure at the top of the Christmas tree.  However, no such tree topper was to be found.  Finally, when I was about thirteen, we found one, and I’ve had it ever since.  He tops the big tree in my dining room each year, and I just adore him. 

Ornament of the Day: A Holiday Hamburger

Trying to find ornaments that represent our pets can sometimes be tricky. But, it can be done. On one recent Christmas, Bertie was presented with this sparking glass hamburger—symbolic of the annual “burger bash” we have for Bertie’s birthday. If it were up to Bertie, the Christmas trees would be decorated with real hamburgers, but this is much more practical and attractive.


I show it to him each year before I hang it on the tree. He wags his tail, and if he could, I think he’d sing…this…

Ornament of the Day: A Bag Full of Fun

Bertie loves opening presents—when they’re for him. He could not care less about presents that aren’t for him. One of his favorite things is being presented with a gift bag. He enjoys removing the tissue and sticking his head deep into the bag to see what he’s been given—pulling the gift out with much tail wagging.


This ornament of a Westie poking his head out of a festive gift bag obviously makes me think of Bertie and his love of presents. It also reminds me of the days when Bertie was a bit smaller (and I was a bit younger) and would carry him in a “snuggly” bag as one might carry a baby—his bright-eyed face sticking cheerfully out of the top. Our Christmas ornaments should make us smile, and this one definitely does.

Ornament of the Day: Hark, the Herald Cow Angels Sing

Once again imagining what Bertie might be thinking, my parents gifted him with this angelic cow—complete with wings and halo. The cow’s cheerful face and gleeful prance indicate that it now frolics in the heavens, pleased that it could provide hamburger for grateful dogs on their people.


I spend twenty-four hours a day with Bertie and, over the past eight and a half years, I’ve gotten a good sense of what goes on in his dog brain. This must be what he thinks about. It must! It’s the perfect ornament for him and I always make sure to hang it in a place on the tree where he can see it.

For a deeper look into other things Bertie might be thinking, let's also consider this 1935 "Silly Symphony" from the dog-like brain of Walt Disney.  Knee-bending in 1930's style is ahead.  Also, consider if you will that these creatures live in a world which is made of the same material that they are.  And, they don't care.

Ornament of the Day: A Silver Shell

I’ve had this ornament for many years. It’s really quite charming. A real seashell has been plated in silver—creating the look of still being wet from the sea. Adorned with red and silver ribbon it makes an interesting and elegant ornament for the Christmas tree.


This is one of two such ornaments from the same designer. The other is a natural pinecone which has also been plated in silver and looks as if its been touched with a lovely winter frost. These clever ornaments remind us of nature and the beauty that surrounds us. They’re also quite heavy! So, they often end up sitting on lower branches since they tend to weight down less-sturdy higher ones.

Ornament of the Day: Bertie and His Cousin, George

On one of our trips to New Orleans, we happened upon a rather colorful gentleman in the French Quarter who spotted Bertie and shouted, “Beam me up, Scotty!”  I always think of that, for some reason, when I hang these two ornaments on the Christmas Tree.  We encountered many interesting people in New Orleans, many of whom decided to talk with us about Bertie, and, many mistaking him for a Scottie even though he’s not and aside from a basic terrier vibe, has no resemblance to a Scottie whatsoever (being white and all).  Still, to our collective family legend was added the mythical tale of Bertie cousin, George, the Scottie.  The following Christmas, Bertie and I were given these ornaments—a pair of beautifully sculpted, heavy terriers whom we’ve named “Bertie” and “George.”  They remind me of exciting trips taken with my parents and with Bertie and the many more adventures we’ll have. 

Ornament of the Day: An Exceptional Egg

Since before I was born, my mother has created these beautiful ornaments from real eggs. By piercing an uncooked egg with a needle at both the top and the bottom, loosening the contents, and blowing them out, the eggs are emptied, and, then, dried. What remains is the hollowed shell which becomes stronger when it dries.


She then decorates the eggs with beads, sequins, rhinestones and ribbon to create these gorgeous ornaments. Their delicate beauty is the ideal adornment for the Christmas tree. This is one of my favorites. Magenta rhinestones, opalescent beads, faux pearls and gold ribbon form a pattern reminiscent of Eighteenth Century French designs. In this case, we know what came first…it was the egg.

Ornament of the Day: An Egg in the Style of Fabergé

It’s tradition in my family to put a new Christmas ornament at each place setting at Thanksgiving. For several years, we each received ornaments in the style of The House of Fabergé. Even Bertie would get one though his were miniature versions of the ones we each received.


I was given this beautiful French-inspired ornament three years ago. It’s a particular favorite of mine. With its rich French blue and crème colors, accented by alizarin crimson and emerald green, and its heraldic laurel wreath pattern, it reminds me of the Fabergé pieces collected by England’s Royal Family during the Nineteenth Century. Accented by rhinestone’s in just the right places, this egg is an elegant adornment each Christmas.

Ornament of the Day: A Hypnotic Hippo

Our pets are a big part of our families. And, so, it’s only appropriate that they should have some representation on your Christmas trees. My trees hold a variety of ornaments associated with my family’s pets. Bertie, of course, has quite a presence. Amongst the many dog-themed and Westie-inspired ornaments are a collection of ornaments that Bertie has been given. When picking out an ornament “for” a dog, you’ve got to imagine what it is that he’d like.


One recent Christmas, Bertie was presented with this cheerfully colored ornament which seems like something he’d be quite interested in—a hot pink hippo. I think Bertie would rather enjoy a hot pink hippo. If we were to see what goes on in Bertie’s head when he’s sleeping, I’m pretty sure this is what he’d be dreaming of. I grin every time I see it.

Ornament of the Day: A Pair of Medieval-Inspired Spears

This interesting pair of ornaments was given to me—I think—the year we moved to Texas, 1987. I’ve always really liked them.


Created from resin to resemble rock crystal, these ornaments have been fashioned in a medieval style with long crystalline spikes surmounted by horses’ heads. One is the pinkish-tone of rose quartz, the other has the milky-look of rock quartz. They’ve got kind of a Knights of the Round Table/chess set look to them that I found appealing in the 1980’s and still find attractive today.

Ornament of the Day: A Natchitoches Meat Pie

I have very fond memories of trips taken in recent years with my parents and Bertie. Not only were they a welcome respite from the daily hideousness of my former career, but they were a time to enjoy each other’s company and see new and exciting things. We always drive when we go anywhere since it’s difficult to fly with a giant terrier. (Giant—when compared to other Westies.)


On our first trip to New Orleans as a family, we stayed in Natchitoches (pronounced Nackitush) in Lousiana. Natchitoches, aside from being a lovely historic town, is famous for three things—being the location for the film Steel Magnolias, its incredible display of Christmas lights, and its meat pies. These local delicacies are pastry shells filled with savory meats and are really quite tasty. As I was about to bite into my first-ever meat pie, Bertie decided that he wanted it. And, so, “Bertie ate my meat pie,” became the quote for the day.

My parents snuck off to a gift shop while I was arguing about proper etiquette with my dog. A few days later, Bertie was surprised (as was I) at Christmas with the gift of this ornament. An eternal meat pie—one that he couldn’t eat, and one that forever records that fun afternoon.

The sights and smells of that first trip to Louisiana were fuel for my literary fire. I found much inspiration for the fictional town of Marionneaux on that trip. Years later, Marionneaux continues to be the setting for many of my works including, The Garnet Red, The Cages of Marionneaux and Punch’s Cousin.

Ornament of the Day: A Pair of Classically-Inspired Ornaments

I found these two ornaments in a department store when I was about thirteen years old.  I loved them immediately because of my long-time fondness for classical architecture.  Orbs of jewel-tone red and blue have been decorated with a glittering design of Ionic columns.  Twenty-four years later, they still bring me as much joy as they did the first moment I saw them. 

Ornament of the Day: “Three French Hens” by Waterford Crystal

This beautiful ornament is a new addition to my collection, given to me last Christmas.  Crafted by Waterford, the centerpiece is a faceted crystal fleur de lis—long a symbol of France.  From the tip of the fleur di lis hangs a beaded pendant which features a silver hen.  This ornament is part of Waterford’s “Twelve Days of Christmas” collection—specifically, “Three French Hens.”  Quite clever!

Ornament of the Day: A Piece of Cake

Our Christmas trees don’t need to be monochromatic, regimented displays of plain colored balls. They should represent the things that make your life more joyful throughout the rest of the year. Family photos, personal items and ornaments that remind you of the things you love should be displayed with pride on your Christmas tree.


My Christmas trees show a library of life. Items collected throughout my life have a place on my trees as do souvenirs from travels, and objects which reflect my passions. Any of you who’ve been reading since the start of Stalking the Belle Époque, might have guessed that I’m a fan of baked goods. So, it was only appropriate that I should be given an ornament shaped like a slice of cake. This glass piece of cake makes me smile—not only remembering my fondness for pastry, but also remembering from whom the ornament came.

Ornament of the Day: A Musical Hound

Long ago, I played the clarinet.  I gave it up for vanity.  The fear that it would make my teeth crooked outweighed my love of music.  I suppose I was always meant for other artistic pursuits.  My love of canines (dogs, not teeth) and clarinets has been recorded with this porcelain Christmas ornament, given to me by my parents over twenty years ago.  A very pensive hound dog plays the clarinet (or a recorder), while his expressive eyes tell the tale of whatever song he might be performing.  While I’ve not picked up an instrument in decades, this ornament is music enough for any Christmas. 

Ornament of the Day: A Miniature Chandelier

Anyone who has ever visited my home knows of my fondness for chandeliers.  When I ran out of ceilings, it was only fitting that I should have a chandelier to hang from the Christmas tree.  This miniature chandelier is crafted from glittering, resin-coated wire and features shimmering prisms. It’s an unexpected sight on the Christmas tree and catches the tree’s lights charmingly.  Of course, each year, when I hand it upon the tree, it’s only appropriate that I hum a chorus of that perennial, cheerful Christmas favorite…

Ornament of the Day: “Peace on Earth”

Given to me in the mid-1980’s, this large glass ornament represents the earth.  A work of frosted and clear glass, the continents are clearly designed in this hand-blown globe.  The globe is surmounted by a patinated copper ribbon with the repousse message, “Peace on Earth”.  Topped by three copper holly leaves and three bells, this ornament is as attractive as it is meaningful.  This is a message we should try to spread throughout the entire year. 

Ornament of the Day: A Shimmering Icicle

Purchased for me when I was a child, this icicle hung on my parents’ Christmas tree, and came with me when I was grown.  Hanging from a brilliant red ribbon, a red and green icicle twists into a pleasing shape—topped with just the right amount of gold glitter.  If only real icicles looked like this!  But, when seen through the filter of Christmas, everything is just that much prettier. 

Ornament of the Day: A Unique “Stained Glass” Ornament

This has always been one of my favorite ornaments.  In fact, one year, I painted a picture of this particular ornament to be printed on my Christmas cards.  This unique glass ball has been hand-stained and painted to resemble stained glass.  With a pattern of gold atop the colored glass, it catches the lights of the Christmas tree perfectly, refracting a variety of cheerful colors.  This is one ornament that proudly takes center stage no matter where its placed on the tree.