November 27, 2022
Yesterday, I started decorating for Christmas at my mother's condo. This will be her first holiday season since she moved to Harding Place. Transition and change take work for her. I am proud that she agreed to move and enjoy this new season of life.
One of my favorite childhood memories is of Christmas decorations that my mother painted. Several years ago, my mother gave me one of my favorites: the Santa with cookies and milk in an armchair. Santa is reading a note from Kim, Stephen, and Greg, painted in 1975 when I was ten. This memory inspired my collection of Santa ornaments and figures. I enjoy having different Santas and a few other collections around the house.
During the time getting her house ready to sell, we hosted an estate sale. Some family treasures were found after years of not seeing them. Also painted in 1975, this Nativity set was uncovered in the estate sale preparation. When I saw it a few weeks ago, I knew it was perfect for bringing over to the condo. I remember my Daddy not loving the set. He thought it was beautiful work but did not think it accurately portrayed the scripture's account of the birth of Jesus (Matthew 2:11). Daddy moved the Magi a couple of times to other tables in the living room to show that they were on their journey to see the newborn King and not present at the manger. It was always funny because the Magi figurines were not traveling but worshipping. That is a core memory of our Christmas tradition and how Daddy wanted to represent scripture as accurately as possible.
We have trees and the door to decorate to finish getting ready for the Christmas season.
"Our hearts grow tender with childhood memories and love of kindred, and we are better throughout the year for having, in spirit, become a child again at Christmastime." Laura Ingalls Wilder
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