Do you have the Christmas spirit? I do! We have been decorating our home – inside and out! This year, we are welcoming all the little campers in the neighborhood. Hope they are having fun, like I am!
We also have some outdoor decor.
Now, just in case you’re thinking I’ve forgotten what Christmas is all about, we do have this:
Better? No?
Okay, I know. Just messin’ with ya. I haven’t forgotten the true meaning of Christmas. How about this decoration?
This wooden nativity set was carved by my dad and was a surprise gift for me. One day, he said I have something I want to show you. So, we went downstairs, and he gave it to me! I was really surprised. It was so beautiful. I loved it then, and now it is one of my most treasured possessions.
He carved it in 1984. He modeled it after a ceramic set my parents put out every Christmas for as long as I can remember. My mom still has some of the pieces from that original set.
The stable was made by my mom’s father, who knows how many years ago. This is the stable my parents used for their display. I don’t usually ask for things, but in a moment of courage, a few years ago, I asked my mom if I could have the stable. I’m glad I did.
I like how the donkey’s ears are staggered. (See above picture.) You can see my dad’s sense of humor in the camel’s eyes. The angel’s halo is made from a washer, but all the rest is carved by him. The angel’s book says, “NOEL.” And each piece is signed and dated by my dad. Just like a real masterpiece.
Now, I did see an interesting picture on Facebook. It was of a camper with the door open. When you looked in, you could see…. the Holy Family! That’s a bridge too far – even for me. Well. I think it is. Probably. Maybe. Well, not this year, at least. Uh, could I think about that?
Happy Camping!
Yikes! What I meant to say was …
Merry Christmas to everybody!
Chambers on the Road 
What a precious treasure that carved nativity set is. I love it. And of course the campers are perfect too. Merry Christmas and happy camping!
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Thank you! I’ve noticed a lot of camping themed decorations this year. It’s not really Christmas, but I still really like it. Enjoy the holidays and your day!
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Beautiful and very special Nativity set! I love the miniature campers too.
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Thank you. Yes, it is a very special Nativity set. I hope you enjoy your day and the holiday season!
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Your dad did good job with the carving of the nativity set! My great uncle like to carve, and he used to always say, “The smaller something is to carve, the harder it is to get right.” I assume it’s also easier to make a mistake on a miniature setting.
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I don’t know. I’ve never carved wood. I think I remember my dad saying he tried to carve that angel’s halo several times but fail. So, he just used the washer. The set he carved is pretty close to the original set he copied. It’s a treasure to me. Enjoy your day, David.
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Merry Christmas a little early. It is nice to have your decorating done. Nice nativity scene. It is always wonderful to have things that bring warm memories to your mind and heart.
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Yes, it is a little early for Merry Christmas. 🙂 I guess I am in the spirit this year. We all could use it. Plus, it seems this time of year just goes by so fast. So, I learned to start my holiday activities early. Enjoy your day, Peggy!
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❤😊
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The Nativity set is very unique, and how special!
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Yes, it is! Enjoy the weekend!
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Love it!
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Thank you! Enjoy your day!
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What a beautiful, beautiful keepsake! It’s wonderful that your dad signed and dated the pieces. Your warmth and graciousness make your Christmas spirit contagious, something we can all use this year.
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You are very kind to say that. Thank you. I do enjoy the holidays, but it will be great to kick 2020 to the curb! Enjoy your day!
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Your family is very skilled. With your grandfather building the stable and your father building the rest. What you have there is a treasure.
I love things made by hand. There will be no other item 100% like it. It makes it even more special.
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Yes, you are right; it is very special. I don’t think my grandfather built much. The stable is very simple, but I love its simplicity. My grandfather passed away at 89 in 1982. My dad passed away in 1993. So, both are truly keepsakes. Thanks for reading, and Happy Saturday!!
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The wooden nativity set is so beautiful and such a treasure. Your other Christmas decorations are cute. We tried to purchase a few the other day but either they are so small or so expensive. But thanks to you we now have the Christmas spirit. Enjoy the weekend and the up coming week.
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Thank you! Glad you have the spirit! I would imagine Christmas decorations in an RV would be a challenge. Have you thought about Dollar Tree? 😉 Enjoy your day!
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The tree is decorated. I finished hanging the outside lights on the eaves yesterday. Christmas music will continue to play in the background until the new year. The welcome arrival of cooler weather brought out the ugly Christmas sweaters. I’d say we found the spirit at our house. I loved reading about the nativity set your dad made. I understand how it is a prized possession. There is no better gift than something handmade from a loved one. A keepsake possibly cherished for generations. Thank you for posting and have a Merry Christmas.
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You are in the Christmas spirit! Christmas music will continue to the new year for us, too. Thanks for your comments, and I hope you enjoy the holidays and have a Merry Christmas, too!
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Beautiful decorations!! You certainly do have the Christmas spirit, Betty!! That nativity set that your Dad carved is a wonderful treasure indeed!
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Thank you! I do enjoy all the decorations and the lights of the season. I hope you enjoy it as well!
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The nativity is precious and the memory of your Dad is sweet! I love the little campers – bet the Holy Family wished they had a camper after the journey to Bethlehem! Ha ha.
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Ha ha! Yes, the Holy Family would have loved a camper for their journey. Can you imagine reading that story in the Bible? Thanks for the laugh! Have a nice evening!
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Everything is lovely! Really enjoyed your post. Love the wreath – so colorful! I hope you have a good one, Betty.
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Thank you so much! I made the ornament wreath, so I appreciate your compliment. Enjoy the holidays!
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Lovely decorations and your fathers gift is so special.
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Thank you. Yes, it’s one of my most favorite possessions. Enjoy your day!
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