Tie o’ the Day reminds us of the proverbial “reason for the season” of Christmas. Tie’s scripture is from Psalms 16:11. Tie is joined by a nativity scene Christmas tree ornament created by my Grandma, Zola Wright. (She was Momo to her grandkids.) I do believe her craft imagination exceeded even Suzanne’s. Who woulda thunk to make this ornament? Momo.
This little nativity scene is set in milkweed pods. I remember this decoration from as far back as I can remember anything, so it’s probably at least fifty years old. It is now in extremely fragile condition, so I am overly protective of it. I bring it out for a short time each Christmas season, and I gingerly put it away in its private box until the next year. The box is made of wood– strong enough to protect this precious item from being crushed, or otherwise harmed.
Although this nativity scene was made to be a Christmas tree ornament, I don’t hang it on the tree. I’m afraid it might accidentally fall to the floor and shatter. I’m equally afraid the character figures might simply give up the glue ghost and fall out. I lay it on its back. Momo made this before the advent of crafty glue guns, and the Elmer’s glue which she used is not holding all the figures to the pods anymore. I’m quite amazed that the gold rick-rack still adheres as a frame for the nativity. (I don’t have plans to re-glue things. I’m keepin’ it real.)
The ornament is kitschy, I know. But it reminds me so much of how Momo enjoyed her projects. She was perpetually in the midst of creating art pieces out of tidbits and scraps. I miss how excited she was to display the treasures she built. The shelves in her house were filled with her wonders to behold, especially to kids. Momo was an elegant, humble woman, but she was a proud show-off when it came to her crafts.
Oh, the craft!