Last year, the holiday season passed in a blur. Losing loved ones does not leave one in the mood for celebration and festivities…

This year I’m feeling a bit different. We lost my aunt unexpectedly last month, and this holiday season I’m reminding myself that I’m fortunate to have my parents still with me, and I’m going to enjoy my holidays with them and my remaining family. So for starters, I made sure I was around to help my mom set up her Nativity set. Even when there’s no Christmas tree in their house (like last year and this year), the Nativity set always comes out.

I love seeing all the familiar little figures, several with cracked or broken faces, the interesting mix of vintage and newer…I think it all comes together beautifully…

my brother Johnny made the wood Nativity scene manger years ago…

love my mom’s vintage pieces, especially this angel…

my mom hanging the Gloria angel…

Gloria angel hangs at center of manger…

Mary…

love this little gray donkey!

fluffing out mini sisal tree…

several other figures have found their way into nativity scene, like this flute player…

adding colored lights…

finished – for now…