Photograph Credit: Microsoft Images
Excitement is in the air at my house. My oldest daughter is 5 years old, and she awoke this morning asking to turn on the Christmas tree lights. Sometimes I think she eats, sleeps, and breaths decorating. She is very creative and in her element when we decorate together.
Bombarded with lights, sparkles, and advertisements aimed at squashing our contentment, Paul and I emphasize the Christ of Christmas. He is the reason for Christmas though we, myself included, can quickly get caught up in the wrapping, purchasing, and wanting mentality.
To focus our hearts and minds on Christ, our family follows a daily advent calendar beginning December 1, and we place nativity scenes around our home. We currently have 5 scenes: crystal set in living room, vinyl cling set on wall in hallway, 2nd grade son’s plaster set, kindergarten daughter’s ceramic set, and toddler daughter’s plastic scene.
Nativity Scene Tradition
Our manger scene tradition began with receiving our first one in our first year of marriage. I love crystal items and am blessed to have beautiful pieces which currently are stored away.
Tracy’s choice: Though I would love to display my beautiful crystal items, my children need freedom to play in our home without fear of breaking these items. As they grow older, I will get to incorporate my things more and more. After all, the crystal is just a thing. For me, building relationships with my children is a higher priority than the decor of my home.
Our first nativity scene consists of 6 crystal figures that rest on a circular mirror. This Christmas decoration has become my favorite. Resting in the middle of our mantel, this manger scene resides at the center of our decorations and our celebrations. Though we have had a few other nativity scenes, I have pared down and only keep this one for our family. I also keep a vinyl cling nativity set that we place on the wall in our hallway.
Nativity Scene Choices
My 7-year-old Son
When my son turned 2, his grandparents presented him with a manger scene. He carefully played with the characters and continues to care for his manger scene.
As our oldest daughter grew more inquisitive, she kept sneaking over to play with her brother’s set. Of course, my son protected his plaster-made manger scene, and we knew it was time to get her a set of her own.
My 5-year-old Daughter
For Christmas that year, my daughter was gifted a Precious Moments nativity scene from a dear friend. Though ceramic, my daughter carefully lines them up and moves them around.
A few figurines have been broken, but all breaks have been mended without noticeable errors. Her set still looks new, and she protects her figurines from harm (i.e., little sister.)
My 2-year-old Daughter
Yep, my toddler is now 2 years old, and she desired her own set. In watching the deals, I found the Little People Manger scene on sale at Family Christian. Using a promotional code, I purchased her set for $24 which was a bargain. Excited to have a manger scene of her own, my toddler plays with her plastic characters and all the animals.
In keeping Christ at the center of our Christmas traditions, Paul and I encourage our children with manger scenes of their own. From plaster, ceramic, and plastic, the nativity scenes are different for each child, but portray the reason for the season.
As we continue our 25 Days ‘til Christmas, our family includes the gifts, Santa visits, reindeer food, Christmas movies, and stockings, but we keep our focus on the Christ of Christmas.
You can follow along as I document our journey this season. I post the result of each day on Using Time Wisely’s Facebook page.
Day 1 – Visited a museum for a Russian Christmas celebration
Day 2 – Decorated our home with nativity scenes
Please join me in the comments or on Facebook sharing your progress in celebrating this holiday season. Happy decorating!
Question: How is your holiday decorating coming along?