Christmas Subway Art in Red
Welcome! It seems almost like destiny that I would launch this new endeavor at the start of the Christmas season! Yes, I am crazy about Christmas! Crazy about the lights, decking the halls (and decking a little more just in case,) the tree, the food – the list is endless. I can, however, exactly pinpoint where my glorious obsession of this magical and wonderful holiday began. It is to this special person that I dedicate everything we’ll do together throughout December. This little printable subway welcome gift is inspired by a favorite holiday song from childhood.
My Italian grandfather (who I called Pop-Pop) was named Frank but everyone called him Chick. We really have no clue how this nickname came to be. My Mom and I kind of think it’s because he was rather small in stature, the tiniest bit hyper and constantly crackling with energy. (Traits that have been, without a doubt, passed down!)
A photo of my grandfather, Chick, in the 1940’s.
A tailor, menswear designer, creative artist and DIY’er, (way before anyone knew what that meant,) Chick was passionate about family, food, entertaining and celebrations of any kind. Chick was, however, the original and never-to-be-duplicated Mr. Christmas! From the time I was about three, the magic began on Thanksgiving. Spending Thanksgiving night with my grandparents, I could barely sleep with the excitement of what the next morning would bring. For it was the day after Thanksgiving when all of the Christmas decorations would come out of storage and shopping for new holiday treasures would begin. My traditional day after Thanksgiving breakfast at my grandparent’s house was turkey on toast with mayo, black olives and a little bit of coffee with milk (for me) and several cups of black coffee (for Chick.) My mother was, I think, more than a little horrified when I cheerily shared news of my amazing breakfast with her on the telephone! Mom eventually embraced it, though, and that weird and wonderful Black Friday breakfast remained a tradition with me into adulthood.
A photo of Chick’s Christmas tree in the 1940’s.
Chick was always as excited as I was (and perhaps, even more so) to open each box, revisit each and every precious ornament and formulate the decorating plan. By the time he was done – many days after that first Friday – not a single nook or cranny was left untouched. The house was transformed, top to bottom, into a veritable Christmas wonderland. There was nothing quite like Christmas created by Chick.
This is a photo of my grandfather at his last Christmas.
Music was a big part of our family gatherings. Chick was a fan of Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra and Andy Williams. I loved their Christmas music too! As a little girl, though, my favorite Christmas album, bar none, was Santa Claus is Coming to Town by the Peter Pan Caroleers. I knew the words of every song on that album by heart and probably sang them way more than anyone wanted to hear. Somehow, along the road of life, I lost that cherished Christmas album and think about those wonderful, childhood Christmas songs almost every year. I was so totally beyond excited when I recently discovered that my very favorite song from that favorite childhood album was on YouTube! How awesome is that? The song, Icicles, Holly, Red Berries, and Snow, is so reminiscent of everything I love about Christmas and inspired my welcome subway printable welcome gift for you. I did one in red, green and blue; click on the link below to open a PDF of your favorite, print, put it in a frame and hang a little holiday cheer from me to you!
Words cannot express how happy I am that you are here! We are going to have a creatively wild and fun December!
I kind of think Chick would most definitely approve.
Hi Cindy,
I just found your blog after reading the comments on Blogging With Amy’s latest post. Isn’t she amazing?! Her blog has been a huge help to me too.
Anyway, I just wanted to pop over and say hello and let you know that your blog is gorgeous! I’m a new blogger too and although our blogs are in different categories (mine is about simple, family-focused living and activities for kids) I’ll be following yours. Can’t wait to see all the fabulous projects and ideas that you’ll be posting!
-Ann
Ann, how thoughtful of you to take the time to visit! Thank you so much for your kind words. Yes, Amy is definitely amazing! I am so happy to meet you, learn about your blog and look forward much sharing and support.
Cindy,
I love seeing your vision of this blog come to life and I especially love that you are sharing your love for all things crafty, holidays, and celebrations with the world, I mean how can people not get into the holiday spirit after being around you (or your blog)! You inspire me to keep the holiday spirit alive in my own home and I am so excited to see what traditions you have to share with me (and the world)!!!
Love you!
Chelsea
Thanks, Chelsea!