If you were to walk into my house and see my Nativity Scene you would say to yourself "that is one sad looking Nativity Scene". Set among my exquisitely designed Snow Village and my beautiful (if I do say so myself) "Winter Wonderland" themed Christmas Tree, it looks especially sad. But the story behind the manger makes it one of my most cherished possessions. Before my paternal Grandmother, whom we called Nanny, passed away she gave me this Nativity scene, which my Pop Pop had built. When she gave it to me she also told me "Don't let your sister take this from you, You know how she can be", but that is another post for another day. Anyway, I guess that I used to play with it over their house, because she had special memories of me attached to it. But I have to tell you, it is the flaws in it that make it so special. Look closely at the second picture above (it will enlarge if you click on it), you may be able to tell that Mary's head has broken off. It is actually taped on there with scotch tape. That is so my grandparents that I just can't bring myself to actually glue the poor woman's head back on. And the white sheep and the camel are leaning against the building because their legs are broken. There were cows and horses in the box, as well, along with four different angels, but I could never figure out where they were all supposed to go, so I assume they are "extras". You never can have too many angels. There are glue drippings everywhere, and the words "side" and "back" are actually written on the inside wall, so that my PopPop could remember how it was supposed to go together. When were putting it out today, the kids and I were laughing as we remembered how when Ryan was about three, he used to insist that everyone go inside the building because a storm was coming. I'd set it up and later I'd walk by and everyone would be inside. I guess this was after a particularly bad summer storm season or something. So we have continued the Separ tradition of making memories with my "Antique" Nativity Scene. It might be the saddest looking manger, but it's my manger, and I wouldn't trade it for the world.
7 comments:
Jackie: Looking this scene made me cry--I remember it so well, so it must have preceded you by about 15 years (since I'm 50!). I love the taped head. That is so Nanny and Popop. Before she died, Nanny gave me her little china dogs collection. Reportedly, everywhere she and Popop traveled, he bought her a little china dog. I guess in those days, because Popop wouldn't have traveled on business, they took all their trips together. Anyway, I remember that they also bought wall plates from all their travels too. My daughter (11 years) has been begging me lately to display the dogs (we take them out of the box every once in a while and line them up on the dining room table). I found a kitschy little wall shelf at an antique store recently, so you've inspired me to paint it and take those dogs out of the closet.
Love the blog.
Your cousin, Sharon (Separ)
Arlington, D.C.
Also, I can't tell you how much I can remember her giving me something, and then saying "don't let your sisters take it away from you." She was funny (not that she intended to be). I remember when I got accepted to law school at 26 years old, she told me not to go, that I would never "find" a husband now--I was skinny and would be overeducated. Popop took me aside and whispered in my ear: "you go to law school, honey. You'll be just fine."
Makes me miss them.
Your boys are beautiful!
Ok - I'm crying too.....
Such a great story and really brings back wonderful memories on Lowell Place.
So...can it be that we three were "Nanny's" favorites?!? (I always suspected....) I don't have a sister but she said to me 'don't let your mother take this" (sorry Mom!). My inheritance is her old pink Kenmore sewing machine and her funny pins & pendants. I have a frog pin whose legs move and a plastic flower pendant - they are fabulous and have inspired me over the years to add other funny critters to my brooch collection!
Happy holidays & much to you all!
Keep the memories coming!
AF
Love your Christmas memory, how special. I hope your boys will want to keep it forever.
That's a beautiful story Jackie!! I hope that our kids will have quirky things from our parents when they get older. Those are the best!
lJackie:
I just now had some "quiet" time here at work to read your blog and laugh as I was flooded with fond memories. I can still feel their presence on some days, particularly when I hear or see something (usually a song) that reminds me of them. I get overwhelmed with a feeling of "Nanny" or "Poppop" and my eyes water. I cherish the memories of spending time with them. I particularly remember Poppop laying on the floor watching TV, the great parties that they had "downstairs," Uncle Mickey's extensive record collection, Poppop calling everyone "doll" because he couldn't keep our names straight, and the wonderful aromas that always emanated from that green (and brightly lit) kitchen!
Nanny handed down two figurines that are displayed on a little shelf in my guest bedroom. At Nanny's funeral, Aunt Betty handed down a pair of her love knot (that's what I call them) earrings with a tiny diamond in the center. I wear them during important events when I want to have Nanny near me. I consider them my good luck charm!
The legacy left by Nanny and Poppop is powerful.They didn't have much but they loved a lot and shared what they had. There was always food on the table and room at the inn! What a beautiful reminder during this holiday season!
Love,
Cousin Patty
Jackie,just to let you know that the hole in the back was part of Poppop's design. He placed a
Christmas tree bulb through the hole that would light up because he wanted to make sure the scene had the required bright light for the wise men to follow.
Sharon, if you want Nanny's plates from their vacations in Seaside Heights, Lake George, etc/, I think I may still have them in my attic.
Pop-Pop's favorite saying about school always came up when he was adding columns of numbers, or some other thing that could be considered "educated" and he would say "that's why I sent you to school." I still use that all the time along with all of the information learned from "the girls at the Pru"
Nanny gave to each of her "favorite girls" [including Kathy, who got the skaters fom under the tree], what she thought you would cherish and take care of. Andrea got the sewing machine because she would sit with Nanny and cut out patterns and sew clothes for her Barbie dolls. Nanny loved that she was able to do that. What did I get - oh yeah, her jewelry which I do cherish and wear often particularly the ring that Poppop designed for her.
Patty, you were his original doll [after me, of course], because you were his first grandchild. He loved all of you so much equally and would be so proud of each and every one of his "dolls".
Jackie, love the blog so keep it going. Love, Aunt Betty
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