1. Since Leanne, creator of the 13, is showing off her Christmas ornaments, I thought I'd show you all my favorite Christmas decorations, my Nativity collection. We use them as a way to make the Christmas story real and to remind us of why we celebrate.

Mind you, this is only what I have displayed at the moment...I think I need to get rid of some furniture so I can put more Nativity Scenes out. We don't really NEED couches, do we? (I have been told this post works better in IE than Firefox. Just lettin' ya know.)

2. Every year, at least one baby Jesus in our home is threatened by some kind of monster. This year is no different. I am certain it is Jesus' Super Son of God Powers that protect him from Godzilla.


3. This is one of my smallest Nativities, they are little ornaments, each about the size of a quarter. I like this set because it has two angels, one to announce the birth to the shepherds, and one with a star for the Wise Men.


4. This is my largest Nativity. This is the only one where Jesus can be either in Mary's arms or in the Manger. Tiernan was 2 months old for his first Christmas, and that year Jesus spent most of his time in the manger. Being the mother of a young son myself, I just figured Mary needed the break...


5. This photo has two Nativities in it. In the larger one, it sort of looks like Jesus is riding the cow's back, but that's just the angle, sorry. The one off to the side is my very smallest Nativity. It is also my only glow-in-the-dark Nativity. You'd think there'd be more of them, but apparently I missed the boat on this fad. Pity.


6. It always seems odd to me to have Nativity snowglobes. Sure it's winter here in the northern hemisphere when we choose to celebrate His birth, but I'm fairly certain we've all agreed that Jesus wasn't born in the winter. But, anyway, here it is, snowing on the Blessed Babe.


7. And it's snowing on Him again. I think He needs more swaddling...


8. Where better to exhibit a glass and mirror Nativity than in the bathroom? Is that wrong? I did refrain from placing any displays on the toilet tank...


9. This is a very simple white and gold Nativity. It's one of the first ones I ever bought. It came from Ebay, the fount of all things Holy and Pure.


10. This is a Nativity Candleholder. This is the first year I've felt safe burning candles down where Tiernan can reach them. The candle is still burning in this one as I type. If I don't blog any more after this, you'll know I should have waited until next year.


11. Who doesn't like candles? Here are three more!


12. This is one of my favorites. My mom gave it to me, it's made from some really interesting wood (olive?) and comes from Bethlehem. I love how the wood grain is so discernable in all of the figures.


13. This is my very favorite of all time, and the first Nativity I ever owned. My Great Uncle Orrin fashioned the pieces out of wood, and his wife, my Great Aunt Lolita painted and decorated them. I just love this set, and I think of my Aunt and Uncle (he's since passed) every year when I get it out.


MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!!


Editing to add: Lisa at The Shizzle sent me over to Going Jesus' Cavalcade Of Bad Nativities. Thankfully, none of mine are on it, whew!

Links to other Thursday Thirteens!
1. Leanne 2. MommaK 3. Renee 4. Barbara 5. Marie 6. Lisa 7. Angie 8. Lady Bug 9. This Mom 10. Mary 11. Bone 12. Dawn 13. Running2Ks 14. Carolyn 15. UziCue 16. Colleen at Musings 17. CraZedMoM 18. Cynthia 19. Jenny 20. Sallwood 21. November Rain 22. Mommyd 23. The Schooligan 24. BSTS 25. Audra 26. Twisted Cinderella 27. Phoenix 28. Katy 29. Emily

(leave your link in comments, I’ll add you here!)