It’s about 2:30 AM Christmas morning and I am wide awake after a few hours sleep. From the time I was a little girl I have always been excited on Christmas morning. Nothing has changed. And even though the family isn’t coming over until later, here I am awake and excited. Maybe I heard Santa on the roof. (smile)
I made and sent out several different Christmas cards this year but my absolute favorite was using the set Christmas in the Making. November and December are so full of stamp classes that I find myself exhausted with all of the time involved so when I made these cards, not for any class, but just for me, I truly had the best time. I have to keep one set for my own use so that I have a card I can send to friends who don’t come to any of my classes. This is the set I chose.
This card used some retired DSP which I coordinated with the dress by stamping the bottom part on the paper and then fussy cutting it out and layering over the stamped image.
I think the color combination on this card makes it look even more retro. She has Dazzling Diamonds Glitter on her collar, sleeves, and the top of her boots.
I used the new Stampin’ Blends to color with. I love them! Such an easy way to color. I outlined the images with the light Smokey Slate Blends marker to give depth to the stamped image. The framelit used on this card is retired however there are several others that would work or you could just cut the paper with straight sides like the one above.
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Yesterday there were two Christmas services at the church I attend, St. Andrew Methodist. The morning service was a birthday party celebration with a nativity story for the children which ended with what looked like half of the congregation up front playing the parts of Mary, Joseph, wise men, angels, shepherds, sheep, and more. It was wonderfully told and great fun. And my friend, Donna, and I did the reading and lighting of the Advent candles. The evening service was a traditional candlelight service with lots of the old Christmas hymns.
Over the years I have acquired several Nativity sets, each with it’s own memories.
This is the one I grew up with which makes it about 75 years old. No, I’m not that old yet but I believe my parents got it before I was born. Many of the pieces are chipped and the stable is literally falling apart. I imagine that first stable where Jesus was born might have also been old and beaten down. Some of the figures have prices written in pencil on the bottom, most of them being about 15 cents.
This is the first Nativity I bought in 1966 making it 51 years old.
This Hummel Nativity belonged to my parents and sits on my mantel.
And a few more . . .
Jesus IS the reason we celebrate Christmas. My wish for you is a day filled with the love of family and friends and a very happy Christmas.
Merry Christmas,
Beth
Tanks for sharing your early morning message and delightful memories! I love the cards you chose and enjoyed receiving one.
Thanks Donna. I know you had a wonderful day with your family today. Our big celebration won’t actually be until Thursday.
Such cute cards and love all the Nativities. Hope your day was relaxing and fun. Merry Christmas
Love your cards and nativity sets. I also collected nativity sets but gave up a few when I moved here. Hope you had a wonderful Christmas and have a blessed New Year.
Thanks Shirley. We did have a good day. My son and family from KY are driving down and should get here around 1 AM I think. My daughter gave me another nativity tonight.I’m running out of room between those and the huge collection of Santas I have. See you in January.