The wind and sleet have been beating against the windows all day; it’s a good one to spend indoors close to the wood stove, munching Christmas cookies. (I need to give those away, and soon.) Baby gir’l is happy but tired, refusing to nap these days. (Well, she’s happy unless I tell her “no.” Does that count?)
It’ll be a quiet Christmas this year, at home. Usually we’re traveling, running last minute errands, trying to see too many people in too short a time, focused on gift-buying that too often feels like obligation rather than inspiration.
With a new little one, we’re evaluating our holiday traditions with new eyes, wanting to simplify and focus on the low birth of our promised King.
I’ve been looking for the ideal nativity set for years – historically accurate, with Mary and Joseph in modest clothing who actually look Middle Eastern, not too sweet. Those which I like best run into the thousands. Yes, thousands. Even if I could afford it – um, no.
So we went a different route. Steve recycled a used pallet from our hardware store and built a life-size manger – well, our interpretation of what a manger might have looked like. It’s next to our tree, a white knit blanket inside which Steve used as a baby. We’ll put a newborn-sized doll into it Christmas morning, and read the account from Luke. (I have a friend with adult children who did the same thing and sagely advises I hold this sweet picture loosely. One year when her boys were young, Christmas morning brought pterodactyl Jesus; another year, cave man Jesus.)
I’ve been surprised by its effect on me, sitting empty between our tree and television. I feel the weight of waiting – Mary and her new husband, still getting to know each other. The expectation; perhaps at times the fear and a huge sense of inadequacy. The painful, false accusation of shame. The magnitude of who this child was to be. But mostly I am struck by what kind of God has come to love us — One willing to climb into an animal trough, to serve and ultimately offer himself in an ugly death, that he might win my heart back to life.
A merry Christmas to you and yours. Here’s what it looks like around our home this season:
I can especially relate to what you wrote about obligation gifts. Every year, more and more, I move toward simplifying. I buy gifts when I see something I know a person will love and send it immediately, rather than saving it. Surprise, non-holiday gifts gifts are so fun to give!
At Christmas I keep it simple. During the year I embroider tea towels and share those. I enjoy making them while I watch movies and people love to receive them because no one really makes things like that anymore.
After you introduced us to Young House Love, I started looking at other DIY home blogs… and I have found some excellent ideas for fun, beautiful homemade Christmas gifts next year! I’m excited. I’d tell you here, but I don’t want Leah to know.
Thanks for sharing Amy. You’ve been on my mind all week. I really, really like you and Steve. You’re just my kind of people. Merry Christmas.
I need a manger. Great idea. We have 6 nativity sets at our house (two I made, two mom made, two store bought), plus numerous nativity themed ornaments. Christmas Eve, I spent some time trying to explain to my nephews that Jesus wasn’t blond. They don’t attend church much, but were eager to show me the pictures in their bible story books of a blond, americanized, baby Jesus. My friend Ashby has a really cool African made nativity. It’s made from sticks and fibers. The figures look African. I like it because they don’t look American.
Amy, that’s beautiful. I went looking for “something” this morning and this was it. Thanks for posting.
We’re hoping for an annual update to this posting!
Miss you.
Amy, it’s a long time since you wrote this, and my has your life ever changed! I love the photos… so beautiful. And I want those recipes! I love the simplicity of just wrapping your gifts in the plastic wrap with a pretty bow. Think I’ll try that this year.