The Holy Family’s unexpected guests add fun

 

FAMILY – for the 2021 Holiday Photography Challenge (See sidebar for full list.).

 

Who’s on the guest list for holy Nativity reenactments at our house?

 Sure, the assemblage includes those one might expect. Mary and Joseph are there, along with the shepherds (and sheep), along with the three kings (and camels) and the Baby Jesus. But our home-stitched, well-worn, and much-loved Nativity set sometimes boasts a few extras.

 

 Somehow, through the years, three extra kings have shown up. And this year, a few Dalmatians came to pay their respects to the Holy Child as well. Sometimes a Santa, a reindeer, or a snowman may be found in the scene too.

 

Hey, we go with it. Maybe it’s just extra festive.

 Each Christmas season, I unpack this treasured collection, and the youngest members of our family are tagged to set it up.

 I also bring out our Christmas picture books, which have been tucked away since last December. And every year, one book becomes the favorite read-aloud for the season. This year, the top pick is Christmas in the Manger, a very simple board book written by Nola Buck and illustrated by Felicia Bond.

 Maybe it’s the writing. It could be the pictures. Or possibly it’s all the animal noises this book-loving grandmother makes, as an adorable toddler turns each page and tries to mimic the sounds.

 For whatever reason, I’m glad the Nativity story is a prime source of family fun and together times. That’s what this season is all about!

 

Image/s: Personal photos. All rights reserved.

Book cover photo - fair use

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