Ghost of Christmas Past
A couple of weeks ago, I started putting up a few holiday decorations. Now that my kids are older (21 and 19 respectively), we don't decorate to the extent that we did years ago. It's just the tree, and a few other items around the house.
Well, I sent Hubby up to the attic to pull down the boxes, and he put them in the utility room. Boy, do I need to get some new boxes! After 25 years or so, they start to fall apart! Anyhow, I put up and decorated the tree first. It isn't one of those stunning trees with color coordinating or themed decorations. Nope, ours is a mishmash of ornaments gathered over the years. Many of these are family hand-me-downs and even more are homemade by young and old alike. I suppose if there is any theme, It's memories. This suits me just fine, for the most part.
As some of you that follow my blog may know, my dad passed away in September. I had a feeling that there would be some "moments" this holiday season, and there have been a few. One in particular struck me unprepared. As I opened up the boxes of decorations, I came across this Nativity set. Honestly, I had forgotten about it. I was given the figurines by my MIL when I was first married. She no longer displayed them and passed them along to me. Unfortunately, there was no crèche (manger) to go along with the figurines. My mother put a bug in my father's ear that he should make me one as a gift, and he did. He put allot of attention into the details and really made a nice one IMHO. It's a special way to remember him, but I can hardly walk by it without getting a lump in my throat. I'm looking forward to a time when these moments stir up happy memories rather than feelings of saddess and loss.
Hugs -- it's a beautiful manager and a beautiful memory to go with it.
Crying with you!!!! What a precious remembrance!
Jenny and Family,
I can heartfully know what you are going through. Last year was very difficult for me after losing mom. We did light a candle at Christmas on the table when we started brunch. I had a big prayer/speach prepared and couldn't get through the first line. This year has been much different. Mom stressed at Christmas, and I am trying my best not too--for me and those around me. Last year was new 'firsts'. Dad came with us to Lee's mom's for Christmas Eve--I am not sure he will come with us this year. We combined our Christmas celebration with Tim's in-laws which is different, but we have our traditional Christmas day as always. I am sure as years go by there will be more changes. I have mom's receipes and those will continue throughout the years. There is still some sadness, but the good memories are really shining through. Give it time!
Have a beautiful Merry Christmas,
Debbie
Thank You Debbie. - Jenny
Jenny and family:
It has been 10 years this year that my father passed, and I still miss him. I do have to say that now I remember him with happy memories instead of being sad. This will come in time for you and your family.
I wish for you and your family a joyous, loving, and memorial time for Christmas and to have a great New Year.
Hugs!
Patty
What a lovely story! I am so sorry for your loss, he really created a Beautiful Manger. The 201 Sewing Machine reminds me of my mother because of the cabinet I bought to put it in. My mother passed away when I was only 12 and my brother sold her seven drawer treadle sewing machine to help cover the cost of her Funeral ( I was devestated by both losses) After 44 years I found a cabinet that was exactly like hers and put my electric Singer 201 in it. The Tiger Oak 7 drawer cabinet was built in the year she was born and the sewing machine was built in the year I was born in the Town of Elizabeth N.J., her name was Elisabeth, and the Serial number on 201 machine starts with AJ, which is my nickname, I have such fond memories of her sewing on the Treadle and now my Machine reminds me of her every time I use it.
What a beautiful nativity scene, and such a wonderful keepsake from your Dad. The feelings will continue through the years, as testimony to your Dad and your relationship with him. It's okay and you're lucky to have had such a great dad. My DH's dad died on Dec. 18, eight years ago, and yesterday was still a difficult day for him.
(((Hugs))) for you, and wishes of a peaceful, serene, and happy Christmas.
It's lovely.
My mother-in-law passed away suddenly this summer. While I was going through her things, I found a Christmas stocking I sewed for her a few years ago. I have it hanging with ours, and it is bittersweet. I pray special blessings for you this Christmas without your Dad.