Sunday, December 14, 2014

nativity nights



The town nearest our farm does a living nativity each Christmas season. In your vehicle you wait in line for seemingly hours and then proceed thru a beautifully recreated Bethlehem. Complete with shepherds, tax collectors, angels, wise men and of course, the baby Jesus.

Donkeys, goats, chickens and camels roam around as the tale of the immaculate birth plays over your sound system. It's five minutes of pure bliss and I live for this event.

Not because of the program - it's great, but more because of the memories it holds.

Our very first time to go, we brought Aussie- a two week old tiny, beautiful babe, who slept snuggled up in my arms never even bothering to open an eye and peek at her surroundings. The following year she was a toddling 12 months old and Zain was just taking shape in my tummy. I held her in my lap as we pointed out the sights. 

And so it progressed. Each year babes growing up. A new little one in my arms, two on my lap pointing and giggling, another in my belly, a third new babe in our arms, three happily excited between us, and one more bud, cozily growing inside me.

All holding such sweet memories- it's become a milestone, a place to remember. Stand out moments of my walk thru motherhood. Sharing in this each year with them as we're all growing up and changing. 

This year was one I hope to always remember.

Kaleb brought blanket and pillows and built the kids a snuggly nest of softness and warmth in the back of the car. They wildly giggled and played, chatted and sang until finally- our turn arrived. I quickly pulled Eleanor into my arms, for while she likes to think she's a big kid, on this night I needed her, snug in my lap to share in her delight.



She was everything I hoped she would be- she pointed and oohhed and aahhed. She gasped at everything she saw, so much so that I wondered if she would keep breathing. Gasp, Gasp, point, Gasp, Gasp, point- her own little happy pattern. Kaleb and I laughed and smooched, carried away with her fervor. Just as we were beginning to exit, she leaned out the window for one final wave and a good-bye shout to the baby Jesus. She then broke out in her special tune. . .

"Lory, Lory, Alleloolie, Yesus, Yesus, ooh are ood."

perfect.

23 comments :

  1. Precious. Love.this post. Love that little song from that little heart and her worship:).... I've missed that drive this year and my heart now feels a bit more full remembering why.........

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  2. So very sweet in every way. I love memories that are made better with each new experience. I am sure your kids will love that special tradition as they grow too. You have such a beautiful way with words!

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  3. There's the quote I love, I forget who said it: "There's nothing like returning to a place that has remained the same and finding out the ways in which you yourself have changed." I love the holiday season for providing that continuity in the background so we can realize and celebrate all the wonderful ways families change! Its almost like a stop-motion picture. What a sweet memory :)

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    1. I think you just describes it better than I did! Thanks for sharing that quote- I love it!

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  4. A beautiful post, and what wonderful memories.

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  5. Beautifully written. Your description made me remember how my daughter, when she was all 'baby chubby', felt on my lap: extra squishy, extra cuddly. So yummy. So delicious. You're right to want to enjoy every moment of it whilst you can xxx

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  6. what lovely imagery! reminds me of my own childhood and our family traditions. your little ones will hold these memeories just as dearly as you do. xo

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  7. Love this! One of these days we're going to make it to that living nativity! I've heard great things about it. :)

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  8. ''Nest of softness and warmth'' sounds so lovely and heartwarming, you have a truly beautiful family and I love your ways of making this festive season unique to your family! :)

    http://aglassofice.blogspot.co.uk

    x

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  9. A drive through nativitiy? This is so American (Or at least seen from the distance it seems like it). Is it allowed to walk through? Just out of curiosity, I have never seen anything like this :) Anyways, sounds like a beautiful memory. Christmas time with children must be so much more beautiful and special, can't wait to have some of my own.

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    1. Lol- I guess it is! It would be fun to walk thru but now just drive thru and take it all in, in the five minutes given:)

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  10. Oh how sweet! What a beautiful family tradition to have.

    prosecco in the park

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  11. What a brilliant memory and tradition. I did something similar when I was a kid although it was just a display of OTT christmas lights and decor that you would drive through, not Bethlehem, but same concept. I'm dying to take my son back to my home city to see it one Christmas.

    V
    Life+1

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  12. I think I just got several cavities from that heart-melting story. Where to begin? I love that you and your hubby have this tradition and your littles are experiencing such a special part of the season. When they're older, I'm sure they'll reminisce about the pillow nest, the animals and the magical time spent as a family. I don't have kids, but that though is enough to make my eyes misty. I imagine it's so much fun experience life again with kids and helps you connect to the holiday.
    And the hymn...a-dor-a-ble! Great read for a Monday!
    Texas Jak
    www.novermyhead.com

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  13. Sounds like a perfect evening. You are so smart to document it all here so that you won't forget a minute of it :)

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  14. Wow, I just got so sentimental reading this! My parents used to take my brother and I to a living Nativity, too, and it was always one of my favorite parts of Christmas. It truly felt magical. I'm so glad other people share in it!

    lovelovelove,
    Erica
    cominguprosestheblog.com

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  15. Such a sweet memory and tradition! We don't have anything quite like that around here... that I know of, but it sounds so fun! I love the excitement of a child. I had it for so so long, college kind of beat it out of me I think ... haha. But every once in a while I feel like a child again, just for a second. I can't wait to see that in kids of my own someday. So special. XO -Alexandra

    Simply Alexandra: My Favorite Things

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  16. What a beautiful post! Your words make me want to try to fit a living nativity that a neighbor told me about into our Thursday night schedule...hopefully we will make it! Thanks for visiting and commenting on my blog :)

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  17. Ahhh...this is the sweetest thing I've read so far!! It's so so sweet and special when certain places makes us nostalgic <3 And Look at you now. You're a momma of 3 kids!! <3 Too adorable!!!! ^_^

    http://anshul90.com

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  18. aww soooo cute <3
    Wish you an amazing day!
    kisses
    New post on: http://www.milanotime.net/fashion/pre-christmas-cocktail-with-friends/

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  19. Oh I love these types of nativities! We've done a similar one in the past, but you walk through Bethlehem. Another great tradition!!

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