November 1, 2020 through January 2, 2021
Elfin’ Magic Near and Afar: Newburgh England
The front window is dedicated to Newburgh, England our sister city. The information sheet briefly tells you about this 700 year old village. (See article on Newburgh, England.)
The parlor has been decorated for Christmas with the German feather tree and vintage ornaments. The stockings are hand-knitted and contain a penny whistle and small bear. The family would have received holiday post cards as opposed to greeting cards displayed on the mantle and in the bookcase.
Our featured exhibit centers on the elves’ workshop where they are preparing for Santa’s journey on Christmas Eve. The shelves are packed with toys to be selected for the good boys and girls. As one elf finishes painting nutcrackers, another checks off the list to match the correct toy with its recipient and places them on a conveyor belt to deposit in Santa’s bag. Mrs. Claus has left a plate of cookies for the elves as the elf work schedule is posted along with letters from children with their Christmas lists.
Prancer is standing in the reindeer barn awaiting Santa’s orders to take off around the world and deliver packages to all good boys and girls! Did you know all of Santa’s reindeer are female and would have had blue eyes? Come see for yourself!
In 1994, when twinning was suggested, comparisons were made of geographic features, community civic duties, and local industries and it was agreed that a “sisterhood” bond would be feasible between Newburgh, England and Newburgh, Indiana.
Newburgh is a rural village and civil parish in Lancashire, England founded in 1304. It has a population of a little over 1000. Newburgh is surrounded by a Green Belt and at its heart is a conservation area with a village green—the site of an ancient fair—and a mixture of 17th, 18th and 19th century buildings.
In Great Britain, families celebrate Christmas together. Most have a Christmas Tree decorated with tinsel, small toys and chocolates wrapped in foil-designed paper among the ornaments. They wish one another “Happy Christmas”, as does the Queen.
Children believe that Father Christmas leaves presents in stockings or pillowcases. These are normally hung by the fire or by the children’s beds on Christmas Eve. Children sometimes leave out mince pies and brandy for Father Christmas enjoy when he visits them.
Everyone settles back to listen to the Queen’s Christmas message on the telly. Boxing Day, celebrated on December 26, has been a national holiday in England, Wales, Ireland and Canada since 1873.
