Features Editor

Sometimes family is more important than a holiday shopping tradition.

Believing that, Charles Adams is breaking a 20-year holiday tradition at his glass studio this year.

The annual open house at Adams’ Glass Studio that traditionally began the day after Thanksgiving has been moved to Nov. 30- Dec. 2 in order for Adams and his employees to enjoy the Thanksgiving holidays with their families and friends.

"The Open House at our Christmas Shoppe and Antique Showroom has been very successful over the years, but it takes time away from our families at Thanksgiving in order to get ready for the show," Adams said. "Our family is growing and we just wanted that time together."

Also, those who are out of town for the Thanksgiving holidays will have an opportunity to be a part of one of the county’s most popular holiday traditions.

The open house will get under way Nov. 30 with a wine and cheese party from 6 to 9 p.m.

The party is open to the public and everyone is invited to enjoy the fellowship of friends and neighbors as they browse and buy.

"Friday night is our largest gathering of people and everyone has a great time," Adams said.

"It’s a time of fellowship as well as a time for shopping. Several of the featured guest artists will be in attendance and the public will have an opportunity to meet and visit with the them."

This year’s featured artists include Matt Brabham, pottery; Carol McCrady, papyrus angels; Nita Crawford, kiln fired glass; Frances Davenport, crochet angels; Rex Thrash, bird houses and walking sticks; Sonny Blanton, Christmas wreaths; and Tim Hussey, landscaping and poinsettias.

"We also have a collection of the late Ed Walter’s kiln -fired glass on display and for sale," Adams said.

"He was a pioneer in glass art and his pieces are collector’s items."

Many of those who attend the open house will be there for a glimpse at and a chance to buy Adams’ newest angels.

Each year, Adams adds at least one angel to his collection of works and many collectors wouldn’t miss the opportunity to purchase one of the first in a limited edition.

"We have several beautiful angels to introduce this year, and anyone who collects angels will be proud to add one or all of these

to their collection," Adams said. "This angel will be one that will make a great beginning to a collection or a gift for someone very special."

In addition to the 2001 Christmas angel, Adams will have a variety of glass pieces of art available at the show.

He has several angels that have not been retired in addition to Christmas ornaments, nativity scenes, sun catchers, stained glass lamps, clocks, night lights, door and window panels and other keepsakes.

"This show should be one of our best and we hope that everyone will join us for our 21st Annual Open House," Adams said.

"We have many one-of-a-kind gifts to chose from and any one of them will be a great way to say, ‘Merry Christmas’ now and in years to come."

Open House at the Christmas Shoppe and Antique Showroom continues on Saturday from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. and on Sunday from 1 until 5 p.m.