Live Nativity Scene

This used to be more common than today so this was a real treat.
In the stable-stage we have Mary, Joseph, and 3 kids dressed like sheep, or little lambs, in their case. Throw in some wise men and shepherds on the side and you have yourself a live nativity scene!
Everyone was very pleased to be participating and the atmosphere was serene. A choir was on the porch in the background singing the standards.
To the right was a bonfire and some hot food, something over rice.
Interesting how it seemed both active and still at the same time.
It felt like nothing was going on and also something big was happening. Had some nice hearted laughs with the grandma's of the lambs. They were cutting up, playing their parts. Good kids.
Merry Christmas 2005!

Sheep in a Manger

Bahh Bahhhh Baah

Mary, Joseph

& the Birthday Boy Savior

Skinned into a toy

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If you haven't made all your shopping trips and spent all your present money, here is a fine gift idea from the 1700s.

Ye Olde Gift-ee Idea-ee
circa 1701

First: Skin a small lamb, goat, or pony. - Did you say pony? Pay special attention to the snout, ears, and eyelids. It's the little details that add that special touch - the eyelashes, for example.
Second: Assemble it to form a life-like image of its former self using big tacks to hold the hide to a platform. Include a pull string and wheels attached to where the hoofs were (not shown).
Then: Present it to your kids so they can pull it around.
They'll be the envy of the colony!

In the future your Great-Great-grandkids will grow up to treasure it and keep it on a shelf in front of very Grandma-like flowery wallpaper.

The Veiled Lady

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The Gibbs Museum of Art, Charleston, SC.

No Photography! - the sign said.
Lucky for us I cannot read.

A magnificent bust, non?
Oh! She eees too bee-yoo-tee-foo.

Start dropping hints

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You can't get what you want 'till you know what you want,
& in this case, 'till they know what you want.

So if your little hearts desire is an official Red Ryder carbine-action 200-shot range-model BB gun with a compass on the side then start cluing in the powers that be. And don't waiver if all you hear is "You'll shoot your eye out kid!"
Stay the course. Eyes on the prize, just look above at Any Kid USA. He scored! Nice hat too!

Here's my hint:
I want to I feel as complete as this kid feels. Is it the BB gun or the fact that someone cared for him?
I want to be asked and heard.
I want a Santa that gets it.
Three "I wants" spelled out & posted. Hint hint.

Yes, "A Christmas Story" aired the other night. Complete with Ralphie and his Dads Major Award lamp.

Remember the made-for-TV Saturday Christmas movie "JT"? About an inner city kid that found a stray cat, kept it among junk on an abandoned lot. JT housed the cat in an old stove and fed him bites from his school lunch. The cat had an injured eye so JT made an eyepatch. The injured stray cat was the only loving connection JT felt.
The dialog I recall from "JT" takes place in the kitchen after Grandma arrives from the bus station:
Grandma: (to JT) What you want for Christmas, Child?
JT: I want me this cat I found. Can it stay with me?
Mom: (defeated) Just what I need, another mouth to feed.

Bummer for JT.
Face it, we are dared, double dog dared, triple dared,
oh, go ahead - we're triple dog dared! That means we just have to do it, it's a triple dog dare. No choice. Just have to do it.
Buy less and care more.
That's a bigger challenge than sticking your tongue to a frozen flagpole.

-- and when you do get what you want,
don't shoot your eye out with it.