i have vivid childhood memories of helping my Mom decorate for the holidays,
including hanging ropes of tinsel garland in the front windows
then adding single glass ornaments that caused the garland
to dip into points like a jester's festooned collar.
simple, easy, inexpensive elements transformed our little home
into a winter wonderland.
and at the center of it all was the creche, or nativity scene...
yes, this one. like so many other families,
THIS was the nativity scene i grew up with.
it always sat on top of the 'hi fi' stereo console,
with an arrangement of greens and candles
with a few tree ornaments added to make it 'sparkle'.
after i married and had my own home,
my Mom gave me the nativity set.
my four children grew up with it in our home,
and then our first grandson played with it in our home:
he's two here, and i will never forget hearing his sweet little voice
whispering 'sheepses' and 'baby cheesus' as he played with it.
(he just turned eighteen and he graduates next May...
how quickly the time has flown)
each year, i create a 'new' nativity scene for my decor theme.
i've linked a few of those below this post,
including the way i used my OLD nativity figures in 2020.
this year, i recreated the simple modern figures
that i first used in 2022...
and to make them fit my theme this year,
i just added in some green props.
continue reading for two different looks...
.jpg "Our 'CHOSEN' Christmas tree")
.jpg "diy modern nativity")
.jpg "tuck silverware into a mini stocking!")
.jpg "create a mini Christmas tree farm on a mantel!")