Favorite Christmas Decorations
I thought I’d do something different this week and more personal then my usual posts of photography sessions. I wanted to take a few pictures of some my favorite Christmas decorations and write a little bit about why they are special to me and share them with you.
The nativity:
First on my favorite Christmas decorations list is our Nativity set. Below is my original family set growing up. Its survived over 20 years and a few international moves (only one casualty, the cow). The set is dated, and the stable sheds like crazy. Several of the pieces are chipped. But this is actually one of my most valued possession. Like in the event of a fire this is on my list.
We were not well off growing up. So this set to me seemed like the most valuable Christmas thing we owned. It only came out once a year. Its spot reserved on the middle of the fire place mantel. And we weren’t allowed to touch it because its glass. It was special. I longed for the day I would be old enough to get to put the pieces out by myself. For the last several years it has sat proudly on display in our home. I hope to make this a family heirloom one day and that my girls have fond memories of it as I do.
My favorite pieces of the nativity set are the wise men. I’m pretty sure I loved them as a child because they were the fanciest with the jewels on their crowns. But my family had a little different of a tradition which made them special. The wise men wern’t allowed near the nativity stable. Since historically we know the wise men did not arrive the night of Jesus’ birth. We always placed them as far off to the side of the mantel that we could to symbolize their long journey. I’ve always enjoyed the attention to accurate details.
The ornaments:
I LOVE ornaments! They would need a post of their own to showcase them all. I have so many that I love for so many reasons. So I picked my top 3 to represent their respective categories. The first are personal family ornaments. Like this shell from my honeymoon in the Grand Cayman Islands 10 years ago. The second, are ornaments received from family members or ones that represent family no longer with us. The little nutcracker marine is for my grandfather who waits in Heaven for us. The third special category is my childhood memories. The little Santa rocking chair is obviously from the 80’s and is apart of the small collection I have from my childhood.
The Advent:
My third favorite thing is more of a tradition then a specific item. I love the scripture readings and lighting of the advent candles. If your not familiar with advent its celebrated by many Christians and people of faith and is a time to reflect on the coming of the baby Jesus. Most importantly its a time to remind ourselves and teach our children why we celebrate Christmas. You can’t have Christmas without Christ.
Each family does advent a little different. We don’t use the traditional advent wreath or purple candle. I typically buy 5 red candles since I feel its a little more festive. I usually change the scripture reading each year and adjust to what my daughters can comprehend. Sometimes we read only from the Bible other years we add in additional resources. This year I found a new book that I have really enjoyed and feel my 7 and 4 year old can easily understand it too. The advent book we are reading this year is “The 25 Days of Christmas” by James Merritt. I was able to get a copy for my kindle app from Amazon here. (I don’t profit from the link just sharing a resource I like).
I’d love to know some of your favorite Christmas decorations or traditions. Leave a comment and share your families special memories with me.
One Comment
Great blog Aubrey! I didn’t know about the advent. I think I recall you mentioning this to me but I can’t truly 100% recall! Love all the pieces ! The ornaments are darling, the list on the teddy is so cute! And yes the nativity set. So cool it’s still here, so beautiful!
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