Nativity Set Carnival Day!!

I have always loved nativity scenes ever since playing the part of "Mary" in a church Christmas program as a little girl. I have still never seen a Mary figure that I really liked though. She usually looks too holy & distant compared to the picture I have in my mind & heart.

The golden set was made by my ceramic teacher mom years ago & given to me last year. I love the simple beauty of it.

This crafty cute set all fits in the stable box...after many tries & a little bit of grumbling! I like how the people do not all stand straight & the rough feel of them.

My biggest set is a beautiful ceramic group that my MIL painted for us during our first year of marriage, 31 years ago. I love the process of slowly unwrapping them each year & lovingly placing them together in new spots around the house. The cow has a chipped ear due to our kitten knocking him over the year I set it up underneath our tree. Trees & kittens are always interesting!

I have a funny little quirk that is important to me while I set up my nativity scenes. I always place the shepherds & the kings or wise men in a mixed group. I don't keep the kings with other kings or the shepherds just with other shepherds.

My theory is that being in the presence of Jesus eliminates all levels of status or superiority. It had to be extremely humbling to be in that amazing & holy place. I really doubt anyone was thinking about their position or authority.

That being said...I also know that the traditional Nativity Scene is actually not even Biblical! History says that Jesus was most likely about 2 years old by the time the wisemen found him. Mary, Joseph & Jesus were visited while living in a house not spending the night in a stable. But that does nothing to take away from the magic & delight these sets give me!

Isn't this teeny tiny one cute? It is sitting on top of my microwave! I like their happy expressions.

The all white set is a super cheap little threesome from the dollar store. Again the simplicity captures me every time.

This pastel colored piece is all connected by hinges. So the kings & shepherds are segregated, ha! I love the variety of sets that are out there around the world, it's amazing how diversely this one single scene has been portrayed. I don't care for the silly ones much. Snowman people, puppies or vegetables dressed as Mary & Joseph don't do anything for me.

May you all have a wonderful Christmas!

Thanks for sharing your special holiday mementos with us!