When a gift becomes a treasure.
The Lenox china nativity was in a special box, each piece packed in a protective layer of bubble-wrap. A gift from my mother. She’d shop the after-Christmas sale at Macy’s and add a character for my siblings and I each year, four complete sets in all.
I didn’t appreciate the gift then; it was too extravagant, too fragile. I prefered my rustic manger and resin figurines; something that my children could handle. Besides, as a young family living on one income at the time, there were practical things we could have used. What was I going to do with a bone-china Balthazar? The set remained packed away as we moved from home to home.
I found the box as I was setting up the decorations this year and set it on the floor in the living room. Gingerly, I unwrapped each piece: the Holy Family, an angel, a shepherd and lamb, a donkey, the little drummer boy, and the three wise men bearing gifts.
Blinking back tears, I see it now as a treasure, my mother’s way of gifting her children a keepsake, something she never would have had in her home growing up. I arranged the pieces carefully on the table. This will be my first Christmas without her.
Threads of Thought
Hold your loved ones close, and keep those you’ve lost in your hearts during this joyous season and always.
Thank you so much for being a part of my Seams Like a Story Family. I can’t wait to share with you in the new year!
Blessings for you, Debbie. Cherish the fond memories, and feel free to shed those tears.
Thank you so much.
❤️ tender moments during the first Christmas without mom.
Yes, holding her close.
Your mom will always be with you. The first year after your mom’s loss is especially hard.Thank you for your tender story. I have a Christmas village my mom built piece by piece over the years. It brings wonderful memories when I look at it.
Yes,Thank you Diana. The Christmas village you mother built is a treasure as well.
Merry Xmas, Deb! Thank you for all the anecdotes and observations, all of which reminds us it is the little moments that make life special.
Michael B (OVWF)
Thank you for reminding me that as writers and poets our words are personal, yet have the ability to reach other hearts as well. This is why I write. Looking forward to connecting with you at or writers forum.