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My favorite Christmas decorations are the ones that depict the birth of Jesus Christ.  I love to see the different interpretations.  I have been collecting different nativities for a few years now, and I love putting them out each year.  Here are some of the ones in my collection.

I love rustic, simple nativities.  I particularly like this one because Mary is holding the baby.

This is my newest nativity…given to me by my dad and Christy for my birthday.  It's beautiful with gold and silver trim.  I love the details on this one.

This little, colorful nativity was also a gift from my dad and Christy.  They got it on one of their service trips to Guatemala.  It's little mini figurines that sit on a plate. 

I consider this to be my 'focal point' nativity.  It was given to us in sections by Derek's mom, Sherry.  I especially love the faceless depictions, the colors, the reverence…and again, the way Mary is holding her baby.

This is my smallest nativity.  It is little bitty!  And I made it myself, if you can believe it.  Years ago we were having a craft day at church, and the woman in charge asked if I would teach a class.  "Sure!" I replied, "Happy to do it"!  Then I asked what the class was on, and she told me…I would be teaching women how to make clay nativities!  I had NEVER worked with clay, nor am I very artistic.  So this was a stretch…luckily another woman from a different ward knew how, and she taught me.  So I did a lot of practicing and this was the result.  I love that they have held together, and I think they turned out pretty cute even if I do say so myself!

This one is very lightweight and very fragile.  It is hand-blown glass, and I think the colors are gorgeous!

This is a Peruvian nativity.  I bought it from a man in Fredericksburg, TX who travels to Central and South America to buy wares and sell them in his shop here in Texas.  It is signed by the artist on the bottom of the manger.  I love that people from all over the world have their own way of depicting and illustrating the same story.

This is currently Samuel's favorite nativity for obvious reasons!  I love Little People toys!

I bought this little set when Jacob was a baby.  They are cloth finger puppets that you can store in the little stable that velcros.  It has been and will always be a family favorite.

I have 2 others that are ceramic and wood, but don't have significant stories behind them.  I also have a quilt that has the entire nativity scene appliqued on it.  I got it on clearance and it is really fun.

But my favorite is one that hangs in my home year round.  It is a painting by Walter Rane.  I love the personal nature of this painting.  I love that Mary is lying down.  Isn't that so realistic?  I love that she is holding the baby.  I love that Joseph looks strong and protective.  I love that it is a private moment for them as a family.  This scene reminds me of the Christmas lullaby written in Mary's voice that says "but tonight you are mine".