Cool Christmas flea market find...

Once upon a time I saw in a charity shop, a lovely wooden (Erzebirge?) German Christmas carousel. The kind that's propelled by candles to make it spin. It was only about £3 but for some reason I can't remember, I left it there. I've always regretted that. I didn't expect to ever find another at such a low price. They can sell on eBay for silly money.


Well it turns out that Friday was my lucky day when I spied this box at the flea market...

A quick glance inside and it appeared to be what was on the box. I paid my £4 and hoped that all the parts were present.

After my stint at the shop I assembled the carousel...

The only thing missing is the wing of one angel.

The top deck has angels blowing horns...

 

Below that, an angel appearing before the shepherds...

Followed by more shepherds...

At the bottom deck has Mary, Joseph and Jesus in the centre with the three kings and a camel surrounding them...

Isn't it lovely?

The candle heat powers the blades into spinning the whole carousel.

I'm very happy. Hopefully this will become part of our Christmas traditions for years to come.

Tomorrow I have nine extra in laws  for our Christmas feast. The dining room looks insane with two dining tables (one brought in from the garden - my sawing table!) and as many chairs as we can fit. And still, the three children have to eat in the kitchen, as is customary on these occasions. I was freaking out as I'd left the tablecloth buying til the last minute and I felt sure that the man on the fabric stall on the market would have sold out. But again, I was in luck. The PVC cloths tie it together and hide the grossness of the garden table.

There's just room to shimmy round and find a seat.

 

It's nice to be able to use the best china.

I sent my husband out for 12 red crackers. He came home with 6 gold crackers for no apparent reason. They really do speak a different language to us don't they?

I wish you all a lovely Christmas and a happy and healthy 2014! xxx