Positioning the Nativity

I remember the year that we bought a beautiful and somewhat large-figured nativity set for Christmas.

I had unpacked and set it up on a piece of furniture in the dining room and I suppose without thinking through how to position the animals and humans around the manger, I had them placed some of them – probably all but Mary and Joseph – facing outward from Baby Jesus, toward the viewer.

One day I noticed these were all turned around and placed to face and gaze upon the manger with Baby Jesus as central focus.

My oldest son had done this and I’m thinking he was ten or eleven years old at that time. I remember asking him about it and realizing his obviously simple child logic had eluded me in my preparations.

I don’t think there has been a year since then when I’ve set up this manger replication that I haven’t remembered this small lesson he taught me that Christmas.

I doubt he remembers this in particular, though in my mind I have hoped for both of my sons that memories of various Christmas traditions including the tangible objects and ornaments within their reach and eyeview would be embedded in their recollections of childhood.

I believe family traditions and family culture at the holidays is so very important.

May you find both Joy and Intention in all you do this season.