Marie was Mrs. Claus. Almost every year, she came up with a new Santa to share. Looking around the living room is like having a visit with her. Santa and his sack always sit by the fireplace waiting for the real Santa to show up and stuff the stockings and leave books for good little boys and girls.
Another friend, Shirley B., gave us the cross-stitch Santa that Marie had given to her one long ago Christmas. 
Marie also stitched this little sampler that sits on my piano
during the holidays. It's a good reminder when I get a little caught up
in the quest for holiday perfection. Hmmm ... maybe that's not the most important thing, especially when it leads to frazzled nerves and aching back. 
The Nativity scene Marie pieced together sits on the piano, too, yet another reminder that Christmas isn't about human perfection, but rather the perfect Gift given for each one of us.
She also made the Nativity set whose spot is always on the buffet in the dining room, and I think of her as I unwrap each familiar piece.
Marie was such a very special lady! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteYes, she was. Though I appreciated her then, I wish I had done a better job at letting her know how much she was loved and appreciated when she was still here on Earth with us. Life can change so quickly, so we should make sure and let people know how important they are to us.
DeleteLove the decor. At our house it is nativites. They come from all over the world, from friends & family, & all have amazing memories associated with them. Like you, my mother-in-law made many of our decorations & she is especially missed as we pull them out each year. You post made me smile today, remembering Marie from when I was a child in Sunday School & Christmas programs. She was a gem.
ReplyDeleteI have several nativities as well, along with nativity ornaments that I've received for being a Sunday School teacher, etc. My sister collects nativities as well. Merry Christmas, Debora!
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