I would be remiss if I didn’t get at least one Christmas post up this holiday season. Life is super crazy right now between my day job, my kids’ extra curricular activities, and other duties. And with 2 days until Christmas, I really want to take a break from all of that and write. So I’m going to take the time to write about my favorite Christmas decoration: Nativity Scenes. 

Nativity Scenes show the core of the Christmas season for those who are religious: the birth of Jesus Christ. According to the Smithsonian Magazine, the first Nativity scene was displayed in 1223 in Italy. St. Francis of Assisi set up a manger with hay, an ox, and a donkey in a cave and invited people to come and view the display. During the viewing, he preached about the birth of Christ. From there, Nativities spread, eventually including live performers as Mary, Joseph, shepherds, angels, and the wise men. My own family has the young children perform the Nativity each year. 

Growing up, my mom had a frosted glass nativity set that sat in the center of the dining table every Christmas season. I thought it was so beautiful. It was my favorite decoration. I positioned it so the figurines faced me where I sat to eat. And as I studied those glass followers of Christ, I began to plan and dream. 

I have envisioned and designed the perfect Halloween House and perfect Christmas House since I was a preteen. Now that I have been in my own home for four years, both are slowly coming to fruition. 

The inside of my home will be covered in Nativity Scenes. All available space will one day sport a nativity scene, and no number is too many (though my husband may disagree with that second statement, but he just sighs and lets it happen). I currently have 21 and counting! 

I enjoy a diverse style and size. I have “traditional” sets, themed sets (i.e. snowmen), large sets, and small sets. Each one makes me smile as I unbox them, and throughout the month look at them. 

What’s your favorite Christmas (or other winter holiday) decoration? Let me know in the comments! And have a wonderful holiday season.