I am blessed to have two beautiful little goddaughters. One of them I get to see often, but the other one lives far away in Georgia. For years I’ve tried to think of something special to give Ana for Christmas. Something meaningful that grows with her and lets her know she’s in my thoughts even though we don’t get to spend much time together. I liked the idea of some sort of collection, but never saw anything that felt right.
So I was ecstatic when my friend Jackie told me about the gift she gives her goddaughter (who is also her niece). Every year Jackie gives her niece a piece from a nativity set. Why didn’t I think of that? Jackie selected a nativity set made by Fontanani because they do beautiful work and have been around for a long time and aren’t likely to go anywhere. The first year, Jackie purchased the stable because her goddaughter was just a baby and didn’t know the difference. Since Ana is older, I decided to start her with the Holy Family. I can give her the stable next year and then give her an additional piece every year until she has a full set.
By the way, if you don’t have a Jackie in your life, you really should go out and get one. Not only does she have great ideas like this, but she is also the type to drop whatever’s happening in her own life to stay with your children for several days while your husband’s in the hospital and your mother needs a little break. I love my family, but there’s something special about the family we get to pick, isn’t there?
I did this for 21 years for my two nieces. They always looked forward to their new piece for their nativity. I learned though to write down, in one location,
Which piece I’d gotten for them, after I accidentally duplicated pieces one year. Another family member made a stable for each of the girls. Very special. Fontanini is such a beautiful set.
Writing each year’s piece down is such a good idea, Cathy. I always think I’m going to remember things like this, but I never do. Thank you!
The thing about a Jackie is, it only works as part of a bigger picture. It’s like with batteries – they aren’t of much use, until you find something that has a place that they fit perfectly into. 🙂