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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Welcome to a very special post of Christmas Memories. This week, and for the next two weeks, Bev at How Sweet The Sound has suggested we have themes for our Pink Saturday posts. I love the idea. This week the theme is A Special Memory of a Holiday. For me, that has to be Christmas. December is always a very important month because of my birthday, my dad’s birthday, and Christmas.

But, to start things off with a bit of a current memory I’m starting, I thought I’d show off my “finds” at Home Goods this week.

These are adorable little teacups and saucers for the small tree I’m putting in my bedroom. I should have pictures of the tree starting on Monday. I had been taking a “House Tour” and fell in love with Cindy’s full-size Christmas tree filled with cups, saucers, and even silverware at My Romantic Home. I plan to spend the next year gathering items for a similar tree – but in pinks and blues.

Got some small mirror ornaments for the “pink” tree. Shades of the 70s and the Disco era.

Christmas Memories

While going through the boxes of pictures I’ve got I was reminded of so many great memories but the one that always sticks out in my mind is from when I was three. I’m not sure that I have any actual memories of this specific year, but I do remember the many Christmas days spent with my Grandfathers and other relatives. Often we would spend Christmas Eve with one side of the family and the Christmas Day with the other. But I do remember several times having both Grandfathers at our house for the holiday.

The photos that I want to share are from Christmas 1949 when I was three.

Me at three with my new baby doll.

Here I am with all the presents that I got when I was at Grandpa Thompson’s and Auntie’s. A baby doll, a train, and what looks like some new clothes. I believe that the pleated skirt was made for me by my great, great grandmother. And don’t you just love the dark shoes. So charming. lol

Here’s my dad giving me a horsey-back ride. But as you can see I’m not letting go of my new baby doll.

This is my mom and me. Isn’t she pretty? Oh, and excuse the bit of the undies showing. lol

This is a photo of my Grandpa Thompson, me, and my daddy. I was named after my grandfather. His middle name came from his middle name which was Sander.

This is my “Auntie.” She was my mother’s great aunt. She and my great great grandmother came to America from the “old country” of Norway when they were in their teens. She helped to raise my mother and uncle and was an absolute fantastic cook. Dinner at Auntie’s was always wonderful.

And once more Christmas comes to an end. Most likely I’m thinking how tired I am but that I just don’t want to go to bed and have Christmas really be over. But a year later there will be wonderful memories to make of Christmas with my Grandfathers and the rest of the family – but my Grandfathers will always hold a special place in my heart.


Thank you for visiting and sharing these memories with me. I hope the joy of this time of year fills your home and heart.

Where were you when Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin set foot on the moon back in 1969? I was in my parents’ home and remember standing in the dining room watching the tv in the living room, my hands folded and praying that all would work out. It’s one of those times in our lives where most of us who were around at that time can remember exactly where we were.

Here’s a video I found on YouTube about the landing: