There's no place like home for the holidays

Looking around my house this time of year,

I see lots of things;

cherished things,

things handed down,

and newer items purchased for my own enjoyment; 

items to pass along, 

at some point,

 to another generation.

But more than 'things',

I see people I love;

friends and family I was with 

when Christmas items were acquired,

memories of life shared

 and

gifts given and gratefully received

(like an angel with her 'big girl panties' on!)

and a Santa puppet that we're sure needs to be tested 

for Graves disease.

A truck from my sons childhood brings back memories -

of Christmases spent together.

and realization of how far we've all traveled since that time.

And, of course,

doesn't everyone have a spotted reindeer head?

I have several choices for a Nativity

but this is the one that made the cut this year.

There was something very appealing about taking scraps, 

left overs,

 and combining them

with the most ordinary of household objects

from my childhood,

wooden clothespins,

to create something which points to the holy.

The reality that the aged clothespins are differently colored,

creating the effect of a biracial couple,

was definitely a plus.

As my Pearl reminds me

Good to remember!