Today’s nativity was created for me by my college friend Mark. It’s made of bicycle chain and is absolutely wonderful. As you probably know I love riding my bike, and this nativity makes me think of the ways we travel through life. AND the fellow travelers we encounter! How we shine light into their lives and they shine into ours. #Day14 #nativitycollector #crèchenerd

Today’s nativity is made of repurposed oyster shells. In South in the 1800s, oysters were most widely available in winter months (starting in December), when the weather was cool enough to prevent seafood from spoiling while traveling. Enveloped in seaweed and wet straw, oysters could be transported for up to two weeks without decaying. This seasonal window meant that oysters gradually became associated with Christmas. #Day13 #nativitycollector #crèchenerd

Today’s nativity is one of three on our tree. I love its simplicity. Back when my mom still had us put up a full size tree each year at her house, there was a matching ornament to this on her tree. Which reminds us that though we may be separated by time and space, we’re all connected. #Day12 #nativitycollector #crèchenerd

New this year to the nativity collection is this fabric nativity. We fell in love with the overly bearded wise men and the sheep, which looks like a dog (and since there are no shepherds, is a dog). I’m reminded in this nativity that conformity to what we think, or have been taught, can cause us to miss the possibilities around us! #Day11 #nativitycollector #crèchenerd