
Nativity set my mom gave me last Christmas.
I had no idea I would love it soooo much!
I am fairly confident that during the next two weeks I will not be spending much time online. Boo is off school, Daddio will be working from home, and we will be enjoying family time together.
So to close out the year, I present a few of my favorite things about Christmas. Advent in general is my most favorite thing, but here are a couple of the more tangible things dear to my heart.

Two tree decorations that are especially meaningful to me are this one from my Nana, of Santa kneeling in front of the manger; and the cardinal.
Several years back when my mom let me choose a selection from her collection, she made sure I took one of her several cardinals. She commented, "Your Papa loves cardinals." Cardinals are the state bird of Ohio, where he (and I) grew up, and they are red, his favorite color. I am pretty sure that for him there was an Ohio State connection too, but I can't swear to it.
Anyway, two years ago was Papa's first one in heaven, and I cried a few tears for my loss of him as I carefully placed my cardinal in a spot of honor on the tree. I happened to mention it to my Mom and my Nana, and next thing I know everyone in the family has a cardinal on their tree, too. It's sorta like Papa is here watching and enjoying his descendants having a happy Christmas morning.



I've posted more photos of them on Facebook, see these adorable children by visiting the album 2008 Kids Christmas Pics.
This week will bring more memories, more cementing of the traditions, and more time to reflect on the wonder of God's gift to humanity, in the form of a humble baby. May you be blessed by God's grace this Christmas.
Heh! Wii IS the modern day motivator. :) (I am looking forward to all of the Wii games my KIDS are getting for Christmas... Hee-Hee)
ReplyDeleteI love the story behind the cardinal! How wonderful to pass on the stories that go with special ornaments to our children!
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas, Krista! And I am so glad the peppermint cuss bark got more cooperative! :)
1 - yes, the cardinal certainly does include the concept of Ohio and Ohio State. Papa Doc graduated from med school at OSU and followed the games through the years.
ReplyDelete2- I love the way you used the books to highlight the nativity set on the mantle. It pleases me that you do love it so much!