Hello from redheadcandecorate.com~
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Okay, now let’s get to this very special post that I have for you today. I thought it would be a perfect time to share our family’s treasured “Vintage Nativity Scene”. I’ve never shared it, not even on my own blog, but I’m ready to do that now, so I hope you enjoy not only it’s beauty, but the story behind it.
My only brother, Bobby, was the talented young boy who created this beautiful hand crafted ceramic nativity scene. It was 1975 and Bobby was 15 years old, and I was 5. I remember when my older siblings would all go to “ceramic class” at night. I wasn’t old enough to go, so you can imagine how excited I was when he brought his beautifully painted nativity set home for my Mom & Dad to display at Christmas. To me, it was like one big play house that I could re-arrange (almost like a decorator would).
My Mom would display it on her cedar chest, and I remember her explaining to me the meaning behind the nativity scene, how fragile the pieces were, and how careful we must be. I remember picking up the delicate ceramic pieces and examining each one. Baby Jesus being my favorite one. To this day we kiss him when we set up the manger, and we kiss him goodnight when he is wrapped up for safe keeping after Christmas.
As we grew older, I never got the chance to ask Bobby how he managed to create such beautiful shades of color, and I still often wonder. My brother passed away in 1995 and I know he is so happy that I keep his nativity scene safe. His initials are engraved on the bottom of all of the pieces. He was so proud of his work, and very well should be.
Here’s a handsome photo of Bobby I thought you might enjoy.
Merry Christmas from my family to yours~
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15 Comments on "A Nativity Scene Story"
So very sorry to read you have a brother who passed.
How sad.
My younger brother just passed and had a younger sister
who passed many years ago, who I miss greatly to this day.
Your brother did a most amazing and one beautiful job in
creating with paints the perfect Nativity scene!
Wow! I’m blown away by it.
I too, was 15 back in 1975 and at the time no where near
as talented with fore site in paints and ceramics as your
brother displays in your Nativity. Double WOW!
What a wonderful heirloom to have each Christmas.
Wishing you a Very Merry Christmas….and A Wonderful
up-coming New Year!
I am so sorry for your loss, Amy. Thank you for your kind words!
That truly is a special Nativity. You are so fortunate to have it! So sorry for the loss of your brother at such a young age. This must truly be a special time for you this Christmas season.
Thank you, Vicki, it truly is. Merry Christmas!
prettiest i’ve seen….so wonderful to have……sorry for your loss, Merry Christmas!
Thank you, Donna!
What a beautiful memory and a beautiful nativity! Merry Christmas!
Thank you, Julia!
What a wonderful family heirloom to treasure. Very sorry for the loss of your brother. I’m sure he’s watching over you and smiling when you display his work of art. Merry Christmas to you and yours. ~carol
So sorry for your loss. The Nativity set is beautiful and you are so lucky to have something your brother created. He was very talented. Thank you for sharing this treasure. Wishing you and yours a Merry Christmas and a blessed 2017.
Marilyn and family
Julie, what a beautiful nativity set your brother made. You will have many precious memories of him each time you look at this beautiful set. Enjoy this set and the wonderful thoughts that go along with it.
Christmas is always such a special time for making precious memories and thinking of loved ones who are no longer with us.
May you and your dear family be blessed with a wonderful Christmas!
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Oh Julie…this is such a beautiful Nativity set….I am so very sorry for your loss. You seem to find comfort in the Nativity set so beautifully created by your brother, Bobby. Such a beautiful thing to be treasured by your family and generations to come. Merry Christmas to you and your family!
Oh what a beautiful story of your family and the Nativity and the meaning of Christmas and the loving work of a treasured brother. Tears. Of joy mingled with a bit of condolences yet glory to the King for God gave him your brother the Masters touch as he painted. God bless you and Merry Christmas. Glory to our Newborn King! Away in a manger….
My older son bought me the white Lenox nativity and he was so proud that he could afford to buy it. He knew how much I loved nativityof any kind. I too, lost him in 2012. I always think of him when we set it up.
I love your set, it means more when someone you love gives you somethingMy older son bought me the white Lenox nativity and he was so proud that he could afford to buy it. He knew how much I loved nativityof any kind. I too, lost him in 2012. I always think of him when we set it up.