2008

 2007

Over the years, the Cries of London series had become quite popular by fans of the Carolers. This year’s pieces include a young lady selling ribbons and trims that would have been used to add color and accent to a woman’s wardrobe. Her daughter is just a step behind with a basket filled with fine laces to further entice their customers.

Included in this issue of the Caroler Chronicle, you will find a collage of images to introduce many of the newest members of the Caroler family. Many stores are receiving their first shipments of product now, so be sure to stop by your local Caroler dealer to see Joyce’s latest creations in person.

Mark Your Calendars -- Byers’ Choice Open House Event
September 29th & 30th, 2007

The Byers family has already begun plans to host a special weekend gathering at our Chalfont, PA factory on the weekend of September 29th and 30th. Like our Open House events in years past, this will be a great opportunity for Caroler fans from across the country to come together and share in their common interests. Old friends will get reacquainted and new relationships will be made. As always, there will be plenty of activities including behind-the-scenes tours guided by the artisans who bring the Carolers to life. Limited edition pieces will be made available to those in attendance and a variety of games and activities will be planned to make the event an enjoyable and memorable one. During your trip, you may want to plan to spend some extra time exploring historic Bucks County. Learn more about this region and all there is to see and do by visiting www.buckscountycvb.org . Mark your calendars now and look for more information in our next Caroler Chronicle.

 2006

Bedtime Story
What better way to spend quality time with a small child before bedtime than to open up a good book and share with them the joys of reading. Nestled closely together with a young Toddler under a colorful warm poinsettia quilt, our Mother pages through a favorite bedtime story as she slowly rocks her child to sleep.

Advent calendars are a favorite activity with children every Christmas season.
Our Traditions Advent Calendar doors open to display small gifts, toys, chocolates, or jewelry —
the list is limitless depending on your child’s age and interests. This year we are happy to announce three new designs: Santa’s Sleigh, Snow Tree and Noah’s Ark.

After a scrumptious colonial lunch, guests were entertained and ensconced by a live debate between Thomas Jefferson and Patrick Henry on the key points of America’s Constitution and the role of its fledgling new government.

Huge turnout of Caroler fans come to the Byers’ Choice Weekend in
COLONIAL WILLIAMSBURG

Caroler fans from thirty states visited COLONIAL WILLIAMSBURG on October 6th – 8th for a special Byers’ Choice Event. The festivities included Friday night guided tours of the historic area, the unveiling of Joyce’s magnificent new Thomas and Martha Jefferson figures as well as a Saturday morning signing that lasted well over three hours! People from as far away as California, Arizona, Colorado, Texas, Florida, Missouri and Nebraska joined fans from all of the eastern and southern states to wait in line to meet the Byers family, have their Carolers signed and to share stories about their favorite Caroler figurines.

Despite the wet weather, over 500 fans gathered in the newly opened Virginia Room of the Williamsburg Lodge to hear greetings and reflections from Bob Byers, Jr. as well as insights from both Colin Campbell and Jim Easton of COLONIAL WILLIAMSBURG. Rod Campbell, sales associate and close friend of the Byers family, led the group in prayer. Please click here for a copy of this moving prayer.

The youthful Fife and Drum corps then performed reels, reveilles and the famous Yankee Doodle for the group. Their precise sounds and movements were spectacular and spellbinding.

Joyce, Bob, Jeff and Bob Byers Jr. highly enjoyed meeting each and every one of those who came. They thank the COLONIAL WILLIAMSBURG staff and all of you who made this such a wonderful and warm event!

Visitors gather on Saturday morning to meet the Byers family.

Joyce & Bob Byers sign Caroler figurines and enjoy meeting Caroler enthusiasts in COLONIAL WILLIAMSBURG.

A Christmas Carol Boy with Goose
Charles Dickens’ classic tale is brought to life with the Boy with Goose, the latest introduction to our series, A Christmas Carol.

After the three spirits visit Scrooge on Christmas Eve, he finds himself blessed with a fresh perspective towards the goodness of mankind. His first good deed comes when he leans out of his bedroom window and instructs a young boy to buy the prize goose from the market butcher and has it delivered to the Cratchit family in time for their holiday feast.

Musical Waites

The Waite with Double Bass is joined this year by a Waite Playing the Violin and Waite with a Bassoon. Accessories like our Snow Trees, Door and Wrought Iron Fence help to complete this holiday display.

New Holiday Shoppers for 2006

Frenchy, Bakerkin with Nonpareils
Chocolate Shutter Chalet

 2006

Irish Santa and Irish Mrs. Claus

The Irish are well known for their love of merriment, and our new Irish Santa and Irish Mrs. Claus bring to mind the special joy the Irish feel for the Christmas holiday. Christmastime in Ireland is all about the preparation; the famous brandy fruitcakes are started at least a month before Christmas; the Christmas plays are being practiced and performed by school children; and the houses are being cleaned from top to bottom, inside and out, and decorated throughout with holly branches and candlelit windows to warmly welcome any guests that will surely come to call during Christmas. This long-standing tradition of the preparation season is symbolic of getting ready for the birth of the baby Jesus.

When Christmas Eve arrives, the family will spend the evening together, eating a light meal, going to Midnight Mass and then leaving the children’s socks by the turf fire for Santa Claus to fill with sweets and small toys. In Ireland, though, the children leave a shot of whiskey (a cup of tea would go cold!) for Santa to keep him warm on his journey. After their bountiful Christmas Day dinner, the neighbors and cousins go from house to house visiting, having tea with cakes and trifles, and exchanging small family gifts. As the evening goes on, the celebration gets a little more merry as people gather at one house in the village and share more food and, of course, drinks such as Irish coffees and stout. Everyone joins in the fun with an old-fashioned “sing-song” where those that have instruments bring them into play for those that can sing (and some that can’t!), and to play jigs & reels for everyone to dance. Both old and young celebrate together and share in the joys and traditions of an Irish Christmas.

Our Irish Santa and Irish Mrs. Claus are ready to help celebrate Christmas with old-fashioned Irish merriment. We wish you and yours, “Nollaig Shona Duit” (pronounced nullig sunna dwit) or “Happy Christmas” in Irish Gaelic.

Straw Ornament Vendor
Cries of London 2006

Traditionally, many ornaments and decorative items have been made in Scandinavia from straw and red string. In earlier times, farmers used these straw ornaments known as “Juldocka” to symbolize the fertility of their animals and crops in the fields. Today, these ornaments are used as festive decorations throughout the home during the holidays and on Christmas trees along with red apples, white candles and Scandinavian flags to create intricate displays.

This year’s Cries of London figure is a proud street vendor with a variety of intricately woven straw ornaments for sale to passersby. Some of the most popular straw ornaments include angels, goats, wreaths, bells and rattles. Our new Boy and Girl Holding Straw Ornaments have each chosen their favorite!

If you would like to decorate your Christmas tree with some of these unique ornaments, look for stores that have elected to carry the baskets of Straw Ornaments along with our 2006 Cries of London figure, the Straw Ornament Vendor.

Join the Byers Family in Willamsburg, VA
October 6th and 7th

COLONIAL WILLIAMSBURG and Byers’ Choice Ltd. have joined together to prepare a special weekend celebration for our favorite Caroler fans. We hope that you will be able to join us on October 6th and 7th to be a part of the special festivities. Guests arriving by 1pm on Friday afternoon can sign up for a guided tour of COLONIAL WILLIAMSBURG. (Guided Tour -- Sold Out) Later, you can enjoy an authentic colonial meal at one of the historic taverns. Saturday morning begins at 8:30 a.m. with a light breakfast reception at the visitor center and an opportunity to meet the Byers family and have your favorite Colonial Carolers signed by Joyce. At noon, COLONIAL WILLIAMSBURG has arranged a special luncheon and program that will allow us to dine and be entertained by the likes of Thomas Jefferson and Patrick Henry. At the conclusion of the luncheon, our group will follow a fife and drum escort to participate in a new interactive outdoor program at COLONIAL WILLIAMSBURG, The Revolutionary City.

A weekend pass to COLONIAL WILLIAMSBURG is included in the price of the luncheon. As a special keepsake, Joyce has designed Thomas and Martha Jefferson as exclusive pieces that will be made available to guests in attendance. Space is limited, so please make your reservation today. For more information about this event, please call us at 215-822-6700 or visit www.byerschoice.com.

Click here to print form.

Partridge in a Pear Tree Santa

Each year Joyce designs a special figure to support those stores that elect to host Byers’ Choice events throughout the year. We all think that she has really outdone herself this year with a constant eye on the past as well as to the future. The 2006 retailer event piece is a beautiful Santa draped in purple and red to commemorate the wonderful holiday carol, The Twelve Days of Christmas.

When asked about her plans to continue designing figures for this series, Joyce smiles and says jokingly, “There sure are a lot of birds in The Twelve Days of Christmas.” Twenty-three birds in one passing of the song, but if you were to take the song literally, there were gifts of 184 birds over the twelve days of Christmas. Joyce is excited to continue designing these figures.

During the centuries in England and Ireland when it was a crime to be Catholic and to practice one's faith, in public or private, it is said that The Twelve Days of Christmas was written as a "catechism song" to help young Catholics learn the beliefs of their faith. The song’s gifts are hidden meanings to the teachings of the faith while the “true love” referred to in the song is symbolic of God. The first gift, a Partridge in a Pear Tree symbolizes the gift of his son, Jesus. You can find the complete list of gifts and their symbolic meaning at www.byerschoice.com along with a complete list of Retailers that will be hosting these special events throughout the year.

New Gingerbread Houses for our Bakerkins

Last year, Traditions by Byers’ Choice Ltd. introduced the first in a line of decorated gingerbread houses. These resin-based gingerbread houses, though artificial, are made much the same way that you would build a real gingerbread house with individual pieces of candies, chocolates, gum drops, cookies and icing applied on the base structure. The houses help to create a festive holiday decoration without the kitchen mess, and there is no clean up needed. For those of you who have been taken by our Kindles and Bakerkins, our gingerbread houses make a wonderful backdrop to create in-home displays to show off your collection. In addition to the Kindle Cottage and Chocolate Shutter Chalet, we have introduced a grand gingerbread house named Twin Chimney Manor which stands nearly 24 inches tall.

Twin Chimney Manor	Chocolate Shutter Chalet

Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow . . .

The popularity of snow globes quickly spread across Europe from Germany to Austria, Poland and then England after they were first introduced at the 1889 Paris Exposition. The fad, however, did not reach the United States until the 1920’s. The earliest snow globes were souvenirs of city landmarks and produced primarily by German companies. Through the years, snow and water globes have become increasingly sophisticated and decorative in their design. Our Victorian Children Holding Water Globes will be produced in a limited variety of changing outfits.

Building a Snowman

Remember, as a child, the excitement you felt waking up on a chilled winter morning to find the first snowfall had come the night before? Looking out your bedroom window to find the beautiful layer of snow covering the world like a soft white blanket. As mom announced that school would be closed, you rushed downstairs and threw on your jacket, boots, mittens, hat and scarf before running outside to meet your neighborhood friends for a day of fun and games. Building a snowman was typically the first order of business. Some of the children would start rolling the balls to be used as the body and head of the snowman, while others would race to gather sticks for arms, and old clothes to dress their new frozen friend. When the project was complete, it was time to rush home, change into dry clothes and enjoy a warm cup of hot chocolate by the fireplace. Our new Snowmen will come in a limited number of styles; they will be available in stores soon, along with our Boy and Girl Building Snowman.

If you are lucky enough to visit COLONIAL WILLIAMSBURG during the holiday season, you will immediately be taken by the variety of natural fruits and evergreens used to decorate the historical homes, shops and taverns from Market Square down through Duke of Gloucester Street. Freshly cut holly, magnolia leaves, and boxwood trimmings are used in arrangements with apples, lemons and pineapples to create these festive colorful outdoor decorations to celebrate the season. For 2006, Joyce has designed a Colonial Woman with Wreaths dressed in reds and greens, Colonial Man with an Apple Fan, Colonial Boy with Garland holding a ladder, and a Colonial Girl with Candle.

Colonial Door

 2006

Happy Birthday, Ben!

In 2006, our nation will celebrate the 300th anniversary of the birth of one of this country's most colorful founding fathers. During his lifetime, Benjamin Franklin grew from very humble beginnings to become an internationally acclaimed author, scientist, inventor, public servant, diplomat, ambassador and revolutionary.

Benjamin Franklin was born on January 17th, 1706 in Boston, Massachusetts. By the age of 17, the young Franklin left Boston to start a new life for himself in Philadelphia. Over the next 10 years, he spent time in both London and Philadelphia working as a printer, bookkeeper, and shopkeeper for a Philadelphia merchant. Before long, Franklin had saved enough money to invest in his own printing press. In 1732, Franklin published the 1st edition of "Poor Richard's Almanac." As he achieved financial success through his initial profession, he continued to have an active mind and a keen interest in adding to the foundation for this young and growing city.

As a civic leader, Franklin is credited for founding the first fire department, public library and school of higher learning in Philadelphia. He also took appointment as our nation's first postmaster and helped map the postal routes through the young colonies.

As an inventor and scientist, Franklin is credited for many inventions such as the Franklin stove, lightning rod, glass harmonica and bifocals. Despite these many accomplishments, it was his experiments with electricity that captured the imagination of the day.

Legend has it that only Franklin and his son William were present during the first experiments. Needing a sturdy kite that could hold up to the inclement weather, Franklin fashioned his kite from a large silk handkerchief and two lengths of crossed cedar and mounted a wire on the top. On the other end of the hemp string, he attached a large metal key to conduct the charge from the storm and a dry ribbon from the string for him to hold. During the storm, he first noticed the loose fibers of the string begin to stand erect. With excitement he presented his knuckle to the key and received quite a shock. His experiment had succeeded.

In his later years, Franklin had become an international celebrity and focused his time as a Statesman and Foreign Ambassador. He was an active member of the 2nd Continental Congress and was appointed to a five-member committee that drafted our Declaration of Independence. In an effort to end the war with Britain, Franklin was a key diplomat, creating an alliance with France against the British.

You can find our Ben Franklin figure at a select number of our Retail Stores.

Sarah
Christmas Illustrations 2006

In 2003, a new series of figures named "Christmas Illustrations" was introduced in response to Joyce's growing interest in a vast collection of 19th century illustrations that were developed for greeting cards and advertisements around the turn of the century.

Many of you will remember Victoria, in her red jacket and taffeta dress, who was our first illustration brought to form. Towards the end of that year, we held a contest in our Caroler Chronicle© which allowed Caroler fans to write in and vote for their favorite illustration to be produced in 2004. The winner was "Bringing Home the Holly" which depicted a boy and girl figure together on a base. Each figure was helping to carry a large wicker basket filled with holly and other holiday greens. Last year Emily was introduced and captured hearts of many Caroler fans. She was so well received that Joyce decided to design a matching mother and puppy to be used during our summer and fall store event season.

This year's "Christmas Illustration" is a young girl named Sarah. Dressed in a warm red coat that is trimmed in brown fur, Sarah is outside after a snow and is armed with a handful of snowballs that she has formed hoping to surprise one of her friends in the neighborhood. You will find her companion, Samuel described below . Armed and ready to retaliate, Samuel will only be available to subscribers of our Caroler Chronicle. Please read the coupon for more details.

Schoolmaster & Teacher

For years we have been receiving numerous requests to design a male counterpart to our woman School Teacher. As not to overlook the important role that men have played in education throughout the years, Joyce has designed a special Schoolmaster for 2006. In talking with our customers, we have found that many of these figures are used as a way to say thank you to a special teacher that has had a profound influence on a child.

"A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops."
. . . Henry Adams (1838-1918

Samuel

Last summer, the Little Witch was offered exclusively through the Caroler Chronicle.© This year, Joyce has designed Samuel to accompany Sarah, as the 2006 Caroler Chronicle redemption piece. (We moved this offering forward to leave more room for our "WILLIAMSBURG Event Package" which will be offered this summer. To order Samuel, simply fill out the form below and take it to your favorite authorized Byers' Choice retailer by May 25, 2006. Samuel will then be sent from Byers' Choice to your local retailer where you can pick him up. Samuel costs $62.00 and is available for a limited time only through our newsletter.

Click here to print form.

Please return this form to your favorite Byers' Choice retailer no later than
May 25, 2006 to receive your exclusive Samuel.

Family with Miniature Ark

Miniature Noah's Arks were among the most popular wooden toys of the 19th century in Europe and America. Nearly every Victorian family of means had one. Due to their biblical theme, however, children typically were not permitted to play with these family heirlooms except on Sundays. This year, we have introduced a Caroler grouping which consists of a Mother holding a toy ark while her Children curiously examine some of the wood carved animals from this special toy.

As an attractive accent to this grouping, Traditions by Byers' Choice has designed a Wooden Folk Ark with hand-carved animals for those of you who might be looking to share in this tradition with a child or grandchild.

Wooden Arks from the 19th century were mostly manufactured in small factories in Germany while the animals were carved and painted in people's homes. One family within a town may have made only giraffes, while another produced only tigers. The family making tigers had probably never seen a real one or even a picture of a tiger, nor did it matter. They were producing toys for imaginative children, not biology teaching tools, so the artists' creativity was reflected in their animals. Bright colors were commonly used when depicting these exotic creatures from the far corners of the world.

Our Wooden Ark was designed with the same sense of fun, wonder and imagination. The Ark is roughly 16 inches tall and 26 inches long. In addition to Noah, our Ark includes 26 hand-carved, painted wooden animals and a white dove that can be placed in the ark's window.

Wooden Folk Ark

Don't Forget to Complete Your Caroler Family
with Your Favorite Pets.

Our pets bring so much joy and love to our lives. Through the years, the number of breeds of cats and dogs which have been adopted by our Carolers has continued to grow and grow. From Afghans to Welsh Corgis there are more than twenty-four different dog breeds from which to choose. Our selection of cat breeds is not far behind. Whether you're looking for a Calico or a Tabby, a Siamese or a Persian, our talented cat and dog makers are likely to have made just what you are looking for.

Of course, our Carolers can't resist the opportunity to dress up their pets to add to their holiday spirit. Hats, scarves, bows and earmuffs are added to our pets to put them in the proper holiday mood and to make certain they feel a part of the festivities.

This year we have changed the way that our stores can order dogs and cats so that you can find your favorite breed much easier. This new system allows stores to order an assortment of animals that they choose rather than the predetermined assortments of the past. Ask your local retailer for a complete list of the animals or visit www.byerschoice.com to see all of the different pet varieties to help you complete your Caroler family with your favorite furry friends.

You're Invited

On the weekend of October 6th - 8th, Byers' Choice Ltd. and COLONIAL WILLIAMSBURG will be joining together to host a fun- filled weekend of events and educational activities at the premier historical destination in the country. The weekend will include special demonstrations and tours of some of WILLIAMSBURG's most interesting sites, signing events with the Byers' family and plenty of opportunities to explore the many charming taverns, restaurants and shopping areas that COLONIAL WILLIAMSBURG has to offer. We'll also have the opportunity to participate in a new interactive exhibit "A Revolutionary City." Please save the dates on your calendar now, as we will be announcing the specific details and taking reservations in our summer edition of the Caroler Chronicle.©

Colonial Woman with Flowers -- Pictured left, our newest Colonial Woman with Flowers is returning from her gardens with a basket filled with bright, fragrant flowers. This piece is surely to become a favorite for those who enjoy growing and arranging fresh flowers.

Noah's Ark Advent Calendar

 2005

Family Feeding Birds
Winter Activities

For many years, a favorite winter pastime for the Byers family has been feeding and watching birds. One year when Jeff and Bob were in elementary school, they -- with some help from Dad -- fashioned a bright blue bird feeder from scraps of wood for Mom for Christmas. It was attached to a fence post in front of a large kitchen window. The family enjoyed feeding and trying to identify a large variety of birds and the occasional squirrel that came to dine.

Joyce has designed the family dressed in a variety of red, green and blue plaids. The Mother is carrying the feeder as she looks for the perfect place to attract the birds. Father is pushing a wagon with a big bag of feed while the Children follow closely behind with their treats for the hungry birds. To accompany the family, we are introducing a family of Canada Geese in a variety of poses.

Every year, we look forward to the geese that stop to visit and feed on their trip North. Some years they will pick a local pond to nest and proudly parade their goslings across the yard.  

Talbots

It's hard to believe, but the Byers' Choice & Talbots partnership is in its 24th year. The relationship started when Talbots requested some unique and classic props to accentuate their holiday displays. Each year since 1981, Joyce has created festive and classic designs that reflect the look, feel and color pallet of the overall Talbots line of clothing and accessories.

This year, Joyce has designed a coordinating, happy Talbots family and color-rich Santa and Mrs. Claus to coincide with the Talbots look. We feel that these are some of her best!

To see the complete list of exclusive figures designed by Joyce in 2005, visit www.byerschoice.com/ExcitingNews  

The Salvation Army -- Woman with Shopping Bags

Every Christmas, The Salvation Army fills thousands of shopping bags with food and gifts and distributes them to families who would have little or no Christmas without them. To add to our grouping, this year we are also offering a Man with Kettle along with the Boy with Trumpet and Girl with Tambourine.

The Salvation Army is recognized by many as one of the most effective and efficient organizations that brings comfort and compassion during times of need. The recent disaster generated by Hurricane Katrina caused mass devastation and affected millions of people along the coastline of Mississippi and Louisiana. The Salvation Army was among the first service organizations to arrive with greatly needed supplies and relief for the disaster victims. One reason they are able to respond so quickly is because The Salvation Army is positioned well within the community before disaster strikes. This allows them to quickly assess the immediate needs so they can bring relief service where it is needed most.

Byers' Choice Ltd. has partnered with The Salvation Army and other prominent businesses in Bucks and Montgomery County, PA to help aid the communities of Waveland, MS and Bay St. Louis, MS which were devastated by Hurricane Katrina.  We are working jointly to rebuild these communities and provide needed support to those families who have lost so much.  If you would like to help bring Christmas to a family in this region, please send a donation to: The Salvation Army c/o Byers’ Choice Ltd., P.O. Box 158, Chalfont, PA 18914       www.salvationarmyusa.org  

Musical Waits Entertain the Woman with Wassail Pot

Remember waits? In medieval England, "waits" were town watchmen whose job was to patrol the dark streets. This post evolved into a kind of licensed musician. During the Christmas season, they were allowed to go from door to door and serenade households in return for a gratuity. Their visits were not always welcome by those trying to sleep.

Our group of festive Waits includes a violin, double bass and serpentine or serpent player. This unusual-looking instrument was developed in 1590 and derived its name from its winding shape. There were two basic methods of construction. One was to hollow out two complete halves from a solid block of wood and glue them together to make a tube which was then covered with leather. The other method was to build up the instrument from fairly short overlapping sections of wood, glued together and covered with leather. Originally used in churches, it eventually became established in orchestras. However, by the end of the 19th century, it fell into disuse with the invention of the valve tuba.

Wassailing dates back to early times. The Saxon words "Wass Hael" which means "to your health" was called out by the Saxon overlord of the household when he bade everyone to drink the hot mead or ale from a large (at that time) wooden bowl kept especially for this purpose. This was the custom at the beginning of each year, and after the master himself had drunk the toast, the bowl would be passed on to the next important person in the household, and so on until the least important had taken their share.

When families no longer lived under the lord's roof but in their own humble homes, the custom carried on. Peasants took their empty wassail bowl, decorated it with evergreens and went from house to house of their wealthier neighbors begging for food and drink to fill their bowl. As the bowl was carried from house to house, those carrying it would sing a song something like a Christmas carol.

Gerald Dickens Returns to Byers’ Choice in 2005

For the third consecutive year, Gerald Dickens, the great-great grandson of Charles Dickens, is planning a visit to Byers' Choice Ltd. -- his only Philadelphia area appearance on his 10th Anniversary Tour. On Saturday December 3rd, the Dressing Department at Byers' Choice will be transformed into a theatre, and Mr. Dickens will take the stage as he performs the story of A Christmas Carol. This acclaimed one-man show is sure to delight as he brings the characters of this classic tale to life.

Mr. Dickens will be performing two shows: 2:30 pm and 7:00 pm. Following each show, Mr. Dickens will sign books, memorabilia and other gifts sold by Jackson Enterprises. If you live nearby, come meet him and enjoy his unforgettable performance. If you do not live near Chalfont, check www.jackprises.com to find performances near you. For more information or to purchase tickets for the performances at Byers' Choice, please visit www.byerschoice.com

A Christmas Carol

Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol, written in 1843, has become a most cherished holiday tale which illustrates the true meaning of Christmas. After being visited by each of the three Spirits, Scrooge is forced to see the error of his ways and vows to become a changed man. In an effort to share his newly found wisdom with those around him, he vows to keep the spirit of Christmas in his heart every day of the year.

 ". . . light as a feather . . . happy as an angel . . . merry as a school-boy . . . " (Ebenezer Scrooge) heads out to the streets and to Nephew Fred's experiencing a new vitality and appreciation for life.

May we all carry the spirit of Christmas with us throughout the year!

Wooden Countdown Calendars

Last year Traditions by Byers' Choice introduced three Wooden Countdown Calendar boxes, each depicting a beautiful wintertime scene. A tradition dating back to 19th Century Germany, these calendars are meant to be used year after year, counting down the arrival of the upcoming holidays.

Our Traditions Countdown Calendars have been so well-received that we are happy to announce three new designs for this year: Gingerbread House, Nativity and Menorah.

Santa and Mrs. Claus on Rockers

Don't Santa and Mrs. Claus look comfortable by the fireside? Santa, bedecked in his cozy slippers, goes through his sack of letters. In an effort to relax and unwind, Santa and Mrs. Claus enjoy a quiet evening in front of a warm fire. The four letters that he is holding were sent from Joyce's four grandchildren. Mrs. Claus rocks happily with her warm smile and furry pet on her lap.

Decorated Gingerbread House

Wrought Iron Fence & Snow Trees

Customers are always asking for more accessories to go with their Carolers.  This year we are delighted to add these new items to our other accessory items:  Cats, Dogs, Lampposts, Fireplaces, Doors, Music Stands, Coaches, Stoves, Display Kits, Staircases, Christmas Sleds, Gift Boxes, etc.  

 2005

Family Trimming the Tree
Christmas Traditions

Today popcorn is a favorite treat easily made in a microwave. Imagine making popcorn 150 years ago, perhaps in the fireplace or on top of a cast iron stove. Then, as now, it was still a great snack. At Christmas, Victorian families strung the popped kernels and hung them as garlands on their trees. Sometimes they added cranberries for color. You can make these chains at home with a heavy needle, strong thread and a lot of time . . . or try ours. We think you will love the effect.

The Girl and Boy With Popcorn are the two newest members in our line of "Christmas Traditions." To complete the grouping, Joyce has designed parents decorating the tree and a Toddler on a Stool with a candy cane and stocking. The family's black labrador is also helping to trim the tree with a strand of popcorn garland. To heighten the spirit, the Father is wearing his red stocking cap while preparing to place the star atop the tree. The Mother is sorting through her collection of sparkling glass balls to make certain that the reflective colors on the tree are well balanced from top to bottom.

As a new accessory to complete the scene, we have added a Decorated Christmas Tree with working lights. Three AA batteries light up this colorful tree that is decorated with candy canes, glass balls, wrapped packages and popcorn garland.

Toy Vendor & Children with Toys
Cries of London

This year's costermonger is selling an assortment of toys that were popular a century ago. Jumping jacks, pop-up lions, bears, and boats were some of the most popular toys of the 19th century. Our charming Toy Vendor takes to the streets with a collection of his most popular toys and games to excite and entertain the local children. The best market research often comes from firsthand feedback, and this craftsman is able to see the pleasures his creations give to young spirited customers.

We had the toys miniaturized to fit into the hands of children and into the box this Cry carries around his neck. The grouping of the Toy Vendor and Children with Toys makes a festive scene that reminds us of the magic and excitement of the holidays through a child's eyes.

The Family Feast --
Holiday Dinner Family

We have had many requests for figures that can be used at Thanksgiving. Of course, one of the favorite traditions is the turkey dinner. Everyone has their favorite Thanksgiving story and, naturally, their recipe for the family's favorite stuffing and pumpkin pie. We hope this grouping will bring happy memories to all who see it.

Little Witch & Black Cat

In the summer issue of the 2004 newsletter, the Harvest Girl was offered exclusively through the Caroler Chronicle.© This year, Joyce has designed a Little Witch holding a jack-o-lantern accompanied by her Black Cat to celebrate the fall season. To order these pieces, simply fill out the form below and take it to your favorite authorized Byers' Choice retailer by August 15, 2005. The Little Witch & Black Cat will then be sent from Byers' Choice to your local retailer where you can pick them up in time for your fall decorating. This set costs $69.50 and is available for a limited time only through our newsletter.

Please return this form to your favorite Byers' Choice retailer no later than August 15, 2005.

Crimson Santa and Mrs. Claus
Christmas Figures

Over the years, Joyce has designed a number of different Santas and Mrs. Clauses in a variety of colorful costumes depicting the couple both at work and relaxation. When we saw this year's design for the first time, we all felt that she had really outdone herself. Our newest Clauses are dressed in brilliant red and green outfits trimmed in gold that remind us of the joy and pageantry of the holiday season. The Crimson Santa and Mrs. Claus's rich colors are filled with the personality, life and character that allow their true spirit to shine