The Christmas tradition of family and friends gathering around the pot bellied stove continues at Adams Glass Studio this weekend when Charles Adams and his family host Open House and everyone is invited.

The Open House is from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. Saturday and 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday.

The old pot bellied stove has given way to more central-type heating but the fellowship of family, friends and neighbors generates the warmth of the Christmas season.

Open House at Adams Glass Studio began in 1980 and continues today in the same fashion as it began.

“Open House is a time of gathering and it’s also a time for us at Adams Glass Studio to showcase our Angels of the Year and other glass creations,” said Charles Adams, Studio founder and glass artist. “It’s also a time when we invite other artists to showcase their artwork. It’s a time that we look forward to all year.”

Adams has had health problems this year and said that his work will be limited. However, Open House will feature the outstanding work of other artists.

“We will unveil several angels, including an angel dedicated to one of my favorite, longtime customers, Sandy Price, who passed away this year,” Adams said. “It’s a beautiful angel that can have special meaning for many. We’ll also have angels that are not the traditional angels. For collectors, these will be a ‘gotta have’ and they will make unique Christmas gifts for that lady on your list.”

Of course, Adams Stained Glass Studio is known for its “little angels.” And, Adams has an angel that is “perfect” for any little boy and girl.

The glass creations include Christmas nativity sets and ornaments, sun catchers, mobiles, panels, lamps and clocks and Troy University logos.

“We’ll have the work of several artists, including Dawn Prietz, a potter from Mariana whose work is very popular. She sales out at TroyFest,” Adams said. “Rex Thrash will be here with his bird houses and walking sticks. Frances Davenport will have her aprons and bonnets and, of course, her dog attire. You can outfit your dog in Auburn or Alabama duds.”

Carol McCrady’s papyrus angels are always treasured items. McCrady makes her own paper and her angels quickly become collector’s items.

“Charles Rabbit from Tuscaloosa will have his wood clocks and they are beautiful,” Adams said. “He has mantle clocks and bedside clocks. Clocks of all kinds.”

On Friday night, Dr. Doug Hawkins will be at Open House and will sign his book, “Turning Points,” which is a written and pictorial history of Troy University with a very interesting history of the City of Troy included.

Adams Stained Glass and Nut Shop are located on U.S. Highway 231 south of Troy. Together, they are a part of the tradition of roadside shopping in the rural South.