All These Years Later and I Learn the Baby Messiah Is Supposed to Be Covered Until Christmas Day. I Live and I Learn.

I love that my Aunt Bobbie gave me my mother's nativity set that she made for them when they were younger and first starting out their homes. This is the power of ceramics and I was honored to take the set when they were moving west and downsizing. It moved from KY, back to Syracuse, and is now with me in Stratford. Yes, there are broken bits and parts all over the box and most recently a Wiseman (from the Orient) has lost his head, but there's glue and I keep the scenes going.

Years ago, I kept my New Year's cat in the scene because the sunlight makes him wave his arm. I also added adult Jesus when he arrived to me on wheels (it's the foreshadowing, I say). Last year, Patrick and Kaitlyn gave me a Gollum figuring from Lord of the Rings because they know my obsession and wondered if I could find a way to use him in my nativity narrative. To be honest, Gollum is wobbly and can't stand up without the guidance of adult Jesus so he's holding him up. I am thankful.

New this year, too, is the Jesus candle given to me to cleanse my home, and because of this, Santa Claus, who usually makes an appearance was put back some. Mr. Snowman, with his glittering lights (which used to be my only holiday decoration) is the shining light oversees the entire set.

Last night, Pam pulled together a pot roast gathering, and I had everyone finish off my key lime pie. I came home to watch the Stanford / Louisville volleyball game and am prepping for the last week of classes for the semester. I spent most of yesterday in preparation, too, as the planning is what sets up the best last class. I need to pivot quickly. 

It's been a wild ride from conference session to holiday Brussel sprouts, but it's time to get back into action starting now. 

This is, until "Christ the savior is born." Looking forward to Syracuse time to come.