I celebrated my first Christmas with Hansel in 1945. At that time toys from Europe were extremely rare. World War two had just ended. Almost everything was in short supply. Rationing was still in effect and Christmas candy was difficult to buy. Hansel met with an accident . Celluloid is rather fragile and he lost part of his arm. It was replaced with a Christmas hard candy. An unusual repair but 77 years later Hans still has a candy arm. I love him for being such a brave boy continuing to celebrate Christmas in a rather old fashioned way.
Hansel came with a sister. Gretel. Years past they were always displayed together on our parents Christmas tree. A few years ago my sister Heather and I decided to share this much loved Christmas toy. Gretel is still in perfect condition and now resides under my sister’s tree.
And now the story of the Magic Toy Cupboard.
Afterwards, in the times to come, she remembered
the toy cupboard.
The fierce dragon guarding the castle.
The swashbuckling wizard with his magic watch. A watch to make wishes come true.
The Hussar with his fierce and splendid moustache
riding to the castle
to rescue the princess.
The books. Bed-time stories. Fairy tales. Tales of adventure. Words whispered into the night.
Afterwards in the times to come she remembered her sailor dolls.
They rode away in a sea green boat hunting for treasures and far away lands, and returned with
stories of vast oceans and high mountains.
.
The china mouse always wore an elegant pink velvet jacket.
He fell in love with the china doll.
She only had eyes for the dashing firemen.
Afterwards, afterwards in the times she remembered.
The fire engine raced to rescue the tumbled soldier.
Her Okasan whispered haiku and
flung the words into the sky.
Afterwards, afterwards in the times to come
she remembered Hans.
Hans who Christmas after Christmas
kept the memories together.
Afterwards, afterwards in the years to come
she collected the toys.
Tucked them safely in the toy cupboard.
Then each Christmas she shared her memories of joy
with the young and the young at heart.
Bel' Occhio 
Love the toy cupboard
So looking forward to our lunch on Sunday.
Love your far away friend
It’s a Christmas Date!! XXOO Ginnie
You are always young at heart, Virginia! What a special display of memories!
I shall never quite grow-up. Never! Never! Never!!!!
XX Virginia
Ahhh. Charming. Bobbsey Twins and Kewpie dolls. Quite a collection – and the perfect story showcase
Can you think of a better combination. The Kewpie dolls are a delight. The tiny ceramic dolls are similar to ones I used to buy at Woolworth’s for 5 cents. Then I would sew tiny dresses for them. XX Virginia
Delight……I was carried away into your magical world.
I really do have a toy cabinet. It contains five decades of memories and I enjoy sharing them. My children’s first toys, my first book – a great deal of the past. XX V.
I’d love to get into that cupboard. Thanks Virginia, a lot of fun! Resa xo
The cupboard would like to invite you in. It is definitely your kind of place. Filled to the brim with delicious things – as well as all those toys. XX OO Good thoughts to Resa for a good Christmas and a sparkling New Year. XX V.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! xoxo
Lovely toy cupboard, Virginia! Wishing you a wonderful holiday and a great new year, too! xx
One simply has to take one’s toys out and play with them once in a while. I have a lot of fun with my toy cupboard and it is packed to the rafters with memories. XX Virginia