12 Days of Traditions...Day 8

When I was a little girl, one of my favorite parts of the Christmas season was setting up our family's nativity. My brother and I set it out with care, always while listening to Christmas carols play in the background. The set had belonged to my great-grandma, and while I never knew her, I knew at a young age that this nativity was special.

When my parents moved from the house I grew up in last spring, my mom came across this old nativity set. She hadn't displayed it in many years. In fact, it had been hidden away for a long time. But as I unwrapped the tissue from the lambs and Mary and Baby Jesus, my heart did a little flutter. It didn't matter that the cow's horns were broken off or that a wiseman's head had popped off. This was a treasure, and when my mom offered it to me, I gladly and gratefully accepted it.

My husband and I were married right before Christmas, 17 years ago. One of the treasured gifts we received at a Bridal Shower was a Fontanini Nativity set. For many years, I unwrapped the familiar tissue paper from each of those playing such a significant role in the Christmas story. Setting each one in position in the stable, I pondered and rejoiced in God's gift of Jesus. Now I watch each year as our middle son sets out this nativity with the same care and awe.

A few years ago, I was overjoyed to receive the Willow Tree Nativity for Christmas. From the first time I'd seen it, I'd been drawn to this set, as to me, it spoke volumes. It's the first nativity I'd ever seen that depicted Mary...a mommy like me...cradling her little Son. I look at that figurine and wonder what it was that she was thinking in those moments following Jesus' birth. The Bible tells us that she pondered all the events that had taken place and tucked them away in her heart. I bet she revisited them many, many times over the years that followed.

As I consider our family traditions this Christmas, I'm newly thankful for these precious reminders throughout my home. They so often help me to re-focus my attention and my heart.