1. Christmas cards with a nativity picture- sure there are a lot of Christmas cards with the nativity picture at the front, but you can narrow down your collection by keeping those with pop-up pictures or those cards that break out into Christmas songs once you opened it. You can also set aside the cards with the nativity picture that you received and place it in a different container.

2. Nativity figurines- these are definitely something that you have to have if you are into collecting nativities. One of the popular ones is the Jim Shore nativities due to his detailed products. If you have kids at home, it will be best to stick with wooden products so that it will be sturdier. However, if you have a place where the kids will not be able to reach you can have ceramic or even porcelain figurines. There are also some products where you can purchase individual figurines such as Joseph only, an angel, and other characters in the Nativity scene.  Surely, building your figurine collection is something that you can build on for years to come.

3. Plates- this refers to the dining plate that is not really used for dining because it is more of a collectible item. Sometimes there are plates that will come out only during the Christmas season and the design is available only for that certain year.

4. Christmas tree decoration- there are Christmas balls that have pictures of the nativity. You can collect the good ones such as those that are embossed, those with intricate details, or Christmas tree decoration products from a very good brand. Jim Shore products have these decorations.

5. Christmas star- the star that is usually placed on top of the Christmas tree is now not that plain anymore. There are now stars where you will see the nativity and other designs inside when it is lit up.

Many people find the nativity to be a reminder of the true meaning of Christmas, adding one to your home can help add more meaning to the special day.

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With more and more people tightening their belt this season, it may be a time to rejuvenate your craft skills from when you were a child.  Remember when you could sit down and make your own handmade Christmas ornaments to give to family?  Those were probably the best gifts they received, too!

Well, you can certainly do that again this year if you choose.  With a little creativity, some help from the Martha Stewarts of the world and off you go.  Pretend you’re locked up in Santa’s workshop, whittling away at some object for a good little girl or boy.  It doesn’t have to be anything extraordinary, like something you plan on selling on the home shopping network or anything.  Find that simpler time again.

And don’t worry if you are not into Christmas decorations that are about Christmas, per se.  You could just as easily enjoy shopping for, making and hanging ornaments and decorations that reflect the great holiday season that it is.  There is so much energy of gratefulness and renewal during this period.  The way you adorn your home with these heart-warming decorations is simply a reflection of the way that the holiday spirit is getting into you.  For others, the true ‘reason for the season’ is reflected in a nativity collection or set that can be displayed in any number of ways.  However you may celebrate, from our home to yours, may you be blessed with a warm and cheerful holiday season and bright new year!

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