Once again this week, Bev at How Sweet The Sound has suggested that we do something a little bit different. This week we’re asked to share a special Christmas or Holiday decoration. So, here’s something that has been a part of my Christmas since I was about five years old.

This is my paper-mache Nativity set from Italy that I began collecting when I was about five or six. Each year around Christmas time I would go with my Mom and sister to the “Dime Store” – remember those? I’m pretty sure it was a
Ben Franklin. I might not remember the name, but I do remember that it was next to the Jewel where we shopped for groceries and I can remember the aisles in the store filled with all kinds of merchandise to wonder over.

I think it probably took a few years to collect the entire set. Mary, Joseph, and the baby Jesus one year, the Wise Men the next, then the shepherds, and along the way picking up the animals.


Old paper-mache nativity from Italy



Each year I would unwrap each piece of the Nativity and place it under the tree. It was always the focal point of our decorations – or so it seemed to me.


Old paper-mache nativity from Italy



Even though the figures look a bit worse for ware (might have to take a paintbrush to some of the scuff marks next year) it’s still one of the most important things I use to decorate for Christmas.


Old paper-mache nativity from Italy



You may notice that I only have two Wise Men. Sadly, a few years ago one of them fell off the sideboard and broke. I was hoping to find his missing part, but never did. So, I’ve begun looking on eBay for his “twin.” I’ll give it a year to find him, but if I don’t, next year I’ll see if I can recreate the head to go on the main part of the figure that I have. Either that or might have to buy an entire set to just to get my one missing Wise Man. But that’s ok. I’d like to see my set complete again. Also, this year the stable looks a bit worse for ware and I think it’s time to replace that next year.


Old paper-mache nativity from Italy
click for larger image



This Nativity will always be the most important thing I can put out each year. I have several more Nativity sets that I’ll be posting about this week – but this is the most special one.


Thank you for sharing a few minutes of your time today with me and my Nativity. And just as a tease for a post to come this week. Here’s a picture of the tree in my bedroom and just one of the ornaments that adorn it.


Pink ornament in white Christmas tree