Right about now is the time I start to feel the pressure of the holidays. I have only bought Christmas presents for James, the cards have not been addressed, I have not thought out the holiday menu, haven’t completed the decor projects I had in mind and on and on . . . So, to help keep those stressful feelings at bay, today, while James is napping, I’ll pull out my pretty holiday notepad, make a list of everything I “need” to do and “want” to do, and create a mini-schedule so that I can see what fits and what doesn’t. I always feel 100% better when I get the chatter out of my head and onto the notepad! 
I’m trying to keep my priorities on honoring the spirit of the season and creating memories for our family. And I wanted our home to reflect that as well. I’ve always wanted a nativity scene, but in our prior small townhouse, we really didn’t have a good place to put one. But that didn’t stop me from admiring them in every store whenever I would see them. I love the ones that look like care and attention went into the details of the figures. Imagine my delight when I spotted one at Costco recently for $79! I think it’s lovely displayed in the entrance to our home and sets the stage for Christmas. I placed the nativity scene on a piece of burlap, added a bow and some snow. And, yes, I know it probably wasn’t snowing in the desert;) 
Isn’t the detail on these figures great? And the colors are so beautiful. 
Ah, the joy of Christmas!!!
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Megan, Love the nativity. I have been wanting to purchase one for a few years now, just haven't found the right one. I too was starting to panic…gifts still need to be purchased, wrapped and set under the tree…meals planned, cards printed and addressed…but, somehow it all doesn't seem so important anymore…you truly realize what's important when your oldest child comes to you sobbing…and then goes on to tell you that her best friend's mother died in her sleep this morning. A battle with cancer lost. I realize, my girls will have their mom this Christmas…Will won't. May each of us remember the true reason for the season. Let's just say…my priorities, as well as my families just got rearranged!!
Beautiful Nativity set and beautiful post! You'll get it all done, you're superwoman. 🙂
megan-
The need and want list needs to be done here as well. I posted it on my blog so it actually gets done.
I'm reading and writing blogs tonight instead of addressing my christmas cards…
looks like you are as well!
nicolette
Megan, I've been following you for several weeks and I am just AMAZED by everything you do! I absolutely love this post! You are right, Jesus is the reason for the season! Oh, and I love the snow…Something about snow makes Christmas even more magical, so it's a great touch! 🙂 Stop by my blog if you get a chance! http://www.lilboogerbows.com
What a gorgeous nativity set. Luckily, when my husband and I moved into our home, we found a really pretty nativity set in our attic.
Good luck with all of your Christmas to-do's. I am relieved to be done with most of ours!
x
What a beautiful nativity scene. The colors are beautiful. And the verses telling of Christ's birth is even more beautiful! Wonderful post, girl (: Praying for you this week as you need to get things done!
Think I am going to cave & add snow to mine too. 🙂 My cards are sitting in the box they came in. Zero presents are wrapped. Still shopping to do. Just glad I'm not the only one! I'm TRYING to not stress. Easier said than done.
What a beautiful set! When I was little, I pretended that our family's nativity set was a dollhouse. I loved playing with the animals and making stories up about the holy family. That's probably on my permanent record. 🙂
What a beautiful nativity. I have memories of my mom reciting the whole story by heart as we placed all the central figures where they were supposed to go 🙂
Jesus is the reason for the season! That's another reason why I love blogging…there are so many Christians sharing many of the same values. The Lord is with you! XOXO Desiree
What a beauiful post and nativity set!!
My cure for the crazies (which I get about three times a week):
1. take a second to reflect on what's important: God, your family, and what makes you happy
2. MAKE A LIST! 🙂
3. feel so much better even if you only get one thing crossed off the list!
You'll get it all done!! xo
My computer froze and posted about a million comments. Sorry! Must have been the crazies : )
I feel the same way today. I definitely need to work on my lists to get some direction. Beautiful nativity set!
What a beautiful post and a gorgeous nativity scene! You have to love Costco. 😉
abby
This is great… I love it.
My dream is to one day have a really big elaborate nativity scene… and yours is pretty darn great.
What a gorgeous set you have!! So pretty. And lovely post too 🙂
Beautiful, megan. We had to trade in our pretty one for one made of fabric. The kids love playing with it so I figure it's all good. The other day I hear my daughter say, "Hey, mom, we lost Joseph." well you better find him, I thought!
Glory to the newborn King!!! Love your nativity…I have like 7 (love them much?!) It is so hard to get swept away this time of year…enjoy your morning with James and tackle your To-Do list in the afternoon. His Christmas morning will be perfect…that's all that matters anyway!!!
xoxo…love you sweet friend!
Love the detail on that nativity! Hope the list helps, if nothing else it will allow you to take off some of the stress and enjoy the process {or at least that is what making lists does for me}.
this is gorgeous! i'm on the lookout for a nativity scene for next year as well, i'll have to check costco!
I have been looking EVERYWHERE for a nativity scene that I like. This is by far the best looking one. I'll have to check out Costco!
Thanks,
Katie
What a gorgeous Nativity!!! I love it!
Agree with Chic Coastal Living. 🙂 Merry Christmas!
Oh that is one thing I didn't get out this year! We just moved into a townhome because we moved so quickly for my husband's job : ( We just don't have the room, I know you feel my pain!!!!!!!!!
Hopefully next year we'll be more spread out a bit because it's not Christmas without my Navity scene out, your's looks great!
paula
You have reminded me that i really need to get one too – i was admiring my parents one only last week
Beautiful!
Rachie xo
I love the nativity scene. I've been feeling overwhelmed for the last couple days as well… I think I'll try your list logic… need some focus asap!
I love your navtivity scene. I hear you on getting your "to do" list done. No matter how I plan I seem to come down always to the last 10 days as well. Happy holidays!
He is definitely the reason for the season! Love your nativity scene!
Luvs!
Your nativity scene is beautiful. That is always the first thing I put up every year to remember what the season is all about.
this is precious!
What a joy to see you – and others – honoring the true meaning of Christmas – the gift of Jesus Christ. May God continue to bless you, your husband and your sweet little James.
What a beautiful Nativity set. I've been searching for the perfect one (and the perfect place, out of reach of young ones).
Thanks for such a touching post. The holidays always seem so busy and rushed so it's nice to see these reminders of what we're really celebrating. And it's even better to see others truly honor what Christmas is about.