Traditions are the guideposts driven deep in our subconscious minds. The most powerful ones are those we can't even describe, aren't even aware of. ~Ellen Goodman
I can never think or say the word tradition without hearing the Fiddler on the Roof song, Tradition, Tradition! So much of what we do is tradition--even if we don't recognize it as such.
Before Ethan, our oldest grandson, was born, I decided that I wanted a tree the grandbabies would love to see each year. I love elegant trees, so I do have one in my bedroom that conveys the same. But for the "big tree" I decided on a Nativity theme. It's such fun to see the kids delight in each ornament on the tree. They love to discuss the Christmas story, find the wise men, point out Baby Jesus and listen to the explanation of why a cross is on my Christmas tree. Some of the pieces have portions of the Christmas story inscribed on them. This year Ethan will be able to read them all, and I'm really anticipating the joy of hearing him.
I seem to be unable to pass up a Nativity (I think Emily counted nine in the living room). We have a small wooden manger a friend made for me and small porcelain figures just for the kids to move and play with. I want them to enjoy all the Nativities as a way to emphasize how accessible Jesus is to them at all times. They shake the big globe and turn on the music boxes as we read the books about the real reason for the season.
Yes, Shawn and Melanie have taught the childen the true meaning of the holiday, and it warms my heart to know they love to come to MawMaw's house to be intrigued by the myrid of Nativity scenes. This year Ethan will quote the first part of Luke 2 with his class at the school Christmas program. They won't be just words -- they will come from his head and his heart as the most treasured part of Christmas -- the birth of our Savior.
This post is linked to Twelve Crafts Till Chrismas: Traditions
10 comments:
Oh, I absolutely love traditions -- and even more so when kids are involved! We have a few traditions too -- among them are...
1. We each buy one ornament every year - something to reflect the stage we are at in our lives or a important event in our year
2. We always put colored lights on our "big tree" -- tradition from both mine and my husband's childhood. It just wouldn't be Christmas without colored lights. (I put white ones on my three "little trees.")
3. We make a few homemade ornaments each year to add to our stash...the small trees are wearing them this year.
Enjoying all your posts -- love your nativity collection!
I love the Nativity-themed tree! What a great idea!
So beautiful - words and pictures! melodie
Pamela, thanks so much for coming by my blog for a visit. It's always nice to meet new friends:) Your nativity is beautiful. I had never really had a nice one until last year when my mother-in-law was downsizing. She had 2 nativities and gave me one. I just love it. After all, Jesus is the reason for the season! Your grandchildren (in the picture) are beautiful. I have 2...grandson R & granddaughter M. They are both getting excited, needless to say. Today after school we will probably carry out one of our Christmas traditions...finding the Christmas pickle! I hide a pickle ornament on our big family tree. The one who finds it is supposed to get a gift, but since both grands are still so young I let them both find it and both get a gift:) Maybe when they're older we'll get into the competition thing...or maybe not:) Hope you'll come back to visit. I plan to check out your blog and learn more about you. Happy Holidays and the merriest of Christmases.
I also LOVE a nativity scene. I love the idea of the whole tree being nativity scenes. When I have room for another tree I am totally going to do that!!
What a beautiful nativity tree! Thanks for sharing it with all of us.
Enjoy your day,
Gail
Your nativity theme is a wonderful idea for a tree and your ornaments are beautiful! Thanks for visiting my blog, too! :)
Dear Pamela...I love your Nativity theme...so beautiful! Thank you for visiting my "little space" and your kind words! Simple Blessings ♥ Teri
Oh wow Pamela! I would love to see your house all decorated with these many Nativity scenes. My daughter has the Willow tree nativity and it is so beautiful. It is one I would love to have myself.
Thank you for stopping by my blog today for a visit and for leaving your comment. It made me so happy to find a new friend.
Lee Ann
I can't pass up a nativity creche either! I even rescue incomplete sets and enjoy combining "lost" and ill-matched shepherds, wise men, sheep, etc.
Last year, I helped promote and carry out a Nativity Display of our church family's nativity sets, complete with any "story" behind them. This weekend is our "second annual" display. I don't think I'll have to supplement so heavily with my own sets, since others got enthused after last year...
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