I’ve always wanted a ‘real’ nativity set. Ornate, fancy, simple or understated. I’m not even sure it matters. I just want one. Because “good” housewives have a complete nativity set as the centerpiece of their Advent celebration. Right?
Wrong. This season is supposed to be about joy. Anticipation. Gifts that celebrate the ultimate Giver. I want the soundtrack of these next twenty-four days to be Christmas carols, child-like wonder and laughter.
My children’s unexpected gift to me this morning was what you see here. They’d rediscovered our Playmobil nativity set, which is actually a mishmash of two sets combined. Instead of wrestling and arguing the last ten minutes before we’re supposed to leave for school, they hung out by our mostly undecorated tree and entertained one another. Instead of hurled accusations and tears, I heard laughter and witty conversation. I’m sure it wasn’t historically accurate, but I enjoyed their spontaneous freestyle nativity fun. My favorite part is that the only one paying any attention to the almost naked baby Jesus is Santa Claus. And his pitchfork. Maybe we should revisit the Biblical story of the First Christmas sooner rather than later.
Lest you think it’s all good times and Kodak moments, let me mention (in the interest of full disclosure) that all the fun came to a screeching halt when someone poked someone else with a shepherd’s staff. The end.
I’m linking up with Emily Freeman over at Chatting At the Sky as we share our Tuesdays Unwrapped: choosing one gift in our ordinary day and writing about it, then click over here for instructions about how to link your post.
What’s one unexpected gift you’ve found in your ordinary day?
My eye was immediately drawn to the pitchfork wielding Santa, lol! One year we had a dragon and a cowboy join our Nativity set.
Jenny,
Kids are so funny, aren’t they? I love their unfiltered approach to life (most of the time). Thanks for stopping by. Merry Christmas!
LOL! I noticed the pitch-fork toting Santa first! My mother always had a nativity set out during the Christmas season. You’ve got me thinking may be I ought to invest in one… eventually. 🙂
Sharon,
Thanks for stopping by. Merry Christmas!
I noticed the pitchfork wielding Santa, too! Too funny! I love this story you shared about your children’s nativity free-styling. Thanks for sharing!
Anne,
Thanks for dropping by. I’m glad my creative little fellas made you smile today. Merry Christmas!
Never knew Playmobil made nativity sets!
Caroline,
I don’t remember where I found them, we’ve definitely had both sets for two or three years. Great fun! Thanks for visiting my blog.