I didn't put out the nativity for Christmas because 1) I'm not a Christian, and 2) like we need more Christmas decorations laying on top of every surface in this house.
I saved the creche from the ruble of family home when my parents divorced. At the time, I wasn't even sure Mom had kept the nativity. I couldn't find the nativity in the stuff let behind, but there sat the creche. I didn't realize it at the time, but our other nativity -- hand-painted by my Aunt Clea -- did get left behind. I learned this years later when visiting our hometown. I found parts of it at a barn sale, my aunts signature on the bottom of the pieces.
Maybe it's because I'm really attached to it. Maybe it's because I miss Mom, and even more, I miss my family. Or maybe it's just regular old childhood nostalgia.
Anyway. Today I took the ornaments off the tree, took the garland off from over the doors, and then as I packed those up, unwrapped a piece of the nativity, just to give it a look -- the shepherd boy. Before I knew it, they were all unwrapped and setup on top of a cabinet speaker. Just like home.
Will I do this with our kids? Will Annie do it with hers?
Oh, and the hands are now broken off two of the wise men, so that's an extra touch.
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