IT'S A START!

I've made a start on Christmas Decorating Week.  

The first thing I did was to put some Christmas cheer in one of our tool boxes on the entry table.

In a desire to avoid some of my week-long mess, we moved in the tubs of stuff and instead of stacking them as usual in the dining room; we put them in the computer room.  We eat every meal in our dining room and it is right by the front door; so for a week it WAS always a mess and drove me crazy.  Duh -- move the stuff to a room where we can close the door!!  How come it took me 17 years to figure that out?

One of the things I like to do right after Thanksgiving is get out the Nativity set. 

 We actually have two sets -- we have an unbreakable one that the kids have always rearranged and played with. And then, we have this very special one. 

In 1968, Bob was gone on a business trip right before Christmas; and I was at home with a young baby.  He returned with my Christmas present -- Mary and baby Jesus -- a start of a Hummel nativity set.

  I was thrilled, and then over the last 46 years when finances and availability allowed;  one at a time he added Joseph, the shepherds, animals, the angel, and the three wise men.  It is one of my most cherished possessions, and always a reminder of why we celebrate Christmas.

In the next few days, I'll get out the other set.  As old as my grand kids are now, I will still discover after one of their visits animals laying on their sides taking naps or missing all together.  

But they know that the Hummels are Grammy's to rearrange!!!

Must get busy -- two big trees with 100s of ornaments to hang on each tree plus lots of vignettes to do.  It's just the start of things to come.

I'm joining the following:
My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia for Inspire Me Monday
Coastal Charm for Show and Share Tuesday
Kathe With An E for You've Gonna Love It Tuesday
Ivy and Elephants for What's It Wednesday
Green Willow Pond for What We Accomplished Wednesday
Have a Daily Cup for Share Your Cup Thursday
Imparting Grace for Grace at Home Thursday
The Charm of Home for Home Sweet Home Friday
Nancherrow for Fridays Unfolded
Pieced Pastimes for Saturday Sparks
Be Different Act Normal for Show and Tell Saturdays
Smiling Sally for Blue Monday
The Dedicated House for Make It Pretty Monday

Celebrating the Reason!

I'm joining in with Lynn at Happier Than a Pig in the Mud

for a special party where we are celebrating the reason for the season by showing our nativity sets.

This Mary, Joseph, and Baby Jesus ornament hangs on our big tree in the living room. It is made from corn husks, and was purchased in Santa Fe and given to us many years ago by my parents.

This is part of our Fontanini Nativity. We bought it several years ago because it was so beautiful, plus it was durable. We wanted a set with lots of animals for the grandchildren to arrange, rearrange, and enjoy. We always keep it on a low table for their easy access. Even though they are getting older, they still always move things around when they stop by.

And this special nativity is a Hummel from Germany. On our son's first Christmas 42 years ago, Bob bought Mary and Baby Jesus for my Christmas present. Over the years, he has added pieces along as availability and finances have allowed. The beauty and details are unbelievable as only a Hummel figurine can be. I always get this treasured keepsake out before any other Christmas decoration to set the tone for the special celebration of the birth of our Savior.

May the joy and reason for the season stay with you all year long!

I'll also be joining The Shabby Chic Cottage

for the Christmas Decor party on Dec. 15.

TRIM THE TREE THURSDAY

Please check out Brett at The Hostess with the Mostess for a list of the participants of Trim the Tree Thursday. You will find all kinds of glorious Christmas decor!

For my final Trim the Tree Thursday, I would like to show you our Hummel Nativity Set. We cherish this set as a reminder of the ultimate reason for the celebration of Christmas!

Forty years ago this December, Bob went on a business trip to Butte, Montana where he found a wonderful jewelry store with the Hummel Nativity Set displayed. He knew I would love it, and purchased Mary and Baby Jesus for my Christmas present.

Over the years, he has added to it as finances and availability allowed. The first addition was Joseph and then the donkey.

From that point on, I don't remember the order that I received them; but they were all a surprise on Christmas morning. Sometimes, several years would go by before receiving another piece.

A little angel!

A standing shepherd with two attached sheep.

There is also a freestanding lamb.

A kneeling shepherd and a cow.


Three different Christmases I received a King!


And the last piece I received was the camel.

One year, Bob made the stable for me out of willow sticks.

"--- she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn." Luke 2:7 (NIV)