One of my family's traditions that is most dear to my heart is the Dolls' Christmas! My mom adapted the idea from Tasha Tudor's book "The Dolls' Christmas" about two porcelain dolls who are treated to a special day of holiday fun by their loving little owners.
Each year my four sisters and I looked forward to the day when we too would invite our favorite doll to a Christmas party complete with doll-sized Christmas trees, tiny presents, and dainty finger foods and desserts. However, my mom was careful to include my brothers, who were allowed to bring a stuffed animal or another prized toy.
As we grew older and our interests turned to things other than dolls and teddy bears, my mother still continued the tradition, as it became a cherished opportunity to invite our special dolls to come out of their boxes and spend an afternoon with us, as we revisited memories of childhood joys.
Today, my mother loves to hold the annual Dolls' Christmas with her grandchildren. Just like when we were young, the festivities begin in the morning as dolls are lovingly taken from the shelf, or in some cases, carefully unwrapped from storage boxes, and readied for the occasion. Their prettiest dresses are donned and their hair smoothed and tied up with ribbons, as the laughter and excited chatter of little girls getting their dolls ready carries throughout the house.
When it is time for the party to begin, the girls and their special guests are invited to decorate miniature Christmas trees with tiny lights and ornaments. (You can get similar trees and ornaments at any craft store!)
Tradition holds that among all of the dolls, there is one particularly special guest of honor. It is my great Grandma's doll Isabelle who is now over 100 years old. As the lid of her aging box is lifted, and her tissue paper blanket pulled aside, this fragile doll is gently set out for all to see. My mother then reads to us a beautiful account, written from Isabelle's point of view, of how this special doll came to be and how she was so loved by my great grandmother. Afterwards, Isabelle, in her white poplin dress, is carefully seated in a chair in the corner to oversee the afternoon's amusements.
My mom also likes to read to us Tudor's The Dolls' Christmas and other Christmas books about dolls, such as The Gingerbread Doll by Susan Tews. Following story-time, each little girl is invited to the table with her doll, where a feast of finger foods and pretty little confections is spread. At each place is a small present for the dolls- perhaps a new hair comb or accessory.
This scrumptious fare of bitsy bites is a delight to small hands and tummies, and I'm not talking about the dolls. It is perfect for little children! I'm sure your kids will love it every bit as much as we did! And the best part is that finding these miniature foods is SO easy and fun. I was astounded at the store how many things come in miniature sizes these days. Just look for anything that says "Bite-sized" or "Mini!" The possibilities are endless- from bite-sized Oreos and Chips Ahoy, to Bagel Bites pizza and miniature Klondike Bars!
Since I just have a little boy, we invited his teddy bears and stuffed giraffe to the party instead of dolls. Even my husband, who had originally laughed at the idea of a "Dolls' Christmas," soon found himself seated at the table happily eating miniature quiche and tiny cheese and crackers. Hmmm, wonder who got the last laugh?
This is what I served:
Chicken Salad Sandwiches on 'Dollar Rolls'
(These are really small rolls you can find in the bakery section of your grocery store- if they don't have them just ask, they'll make them for you)!
Babybel Cheese with Keebler Club Minis Crackers
(It looks like a tiny Brie cheese. Or you could make a mini cheese ball!)
Mini Relish Tray
Small olives, carrots, baby dill pickles, and tiny brocoli florets.
Tostitos Bite-Sized Tortilla Chips with Salsa
Cutie Oranges
Mini Quiche
(Available in the freezer section at your grocery store or Sam's Club/Costco)
Mini Pigs-in-a-Blanket
(Little Smokies sausages rolled up in Pillsbury Crescent dough. Just cut each triangle of dough into 3-4 smaller triangles and roll up sausage. Bake at 350 until golden brown.)
Mini Peppermint Milano Cookies
Yes, these come miniature sized!
Mini Sugar Cookies
Just use tiny cookie cutters to cut out shapes!
Mini Cupcakes
I got mine ready-made in the bakery section at the grocery store!
To drink we have Cherry 7 Up - somehow sparkling pink soda is perfect for a Dolls' Christmas!
How primly and straight you sit in your places
With velvet bonnets, ribbons and laces.
Too rare, too valuable now to hold,
Somehow you look so lonesome and cold.
What wonderful stories you must know
Of the doting children who loved you so,
Of playing house with a special friend
And marvelous games of "let's pretend."
Why have they left you? Where have they gone?
As you sit on the shelf do you ever yearn
For tottering footsteps to return?
For the familiar voice of a dear young miss,
Her love-able arms- her warm little kiss?
Ah! but then you are only toys
And of course you know nothing of sorrow and joys.
So why can't I shake this feeling my dears,
That you are very close to tears?
Anonymous
Poem at McCurdy Doll Museum
Have a Dolls' (or a teddy bear) Christmas with your kids. Introduce them to one of your prized dolls or favorite toys from your youth- tell them why that toy meant so much to you. Then enjoy delicious little foods that your kids (and you!) will love, and let yourselves get lost for an afternoon in the magical world of make-believe. I promise, you won't regret it.
