My Little Town of Bethlehem
I Did Find It A Better Home
“This year, The Village was put up in the Library, on a new table; there are quite a few new elements, which needed to be accommodated. It has grown so much, and taken on such a different feel. As I put the finishing touches on it, I realized that my Mother never gave me anything for The Village, for a second, I found it odd. Then I remembered that she did give me the village of Bethlehem – four buildings the same size as my original Village, three kings, livestock, and of course Mary, Joseph, and Jesus. Mother always stood out. It had been such a wonderful surprise, my Bethlehem; I kept it in the kitchen, on the window sill between the sink and the Florida room, where I spent time with it daily. I have set it up in the new kitchen, but the window sill here is too small, so Bethlehem sits on the counter. I have to find it a better home.” http://thatisallfornow.com/?p=6514
I have two hot water bottles, along with their furry like lamb and teddy bear covers, in a bottom draw, in my bedroom. They are one of those gifts, which my Mother saw in a magazine, and thought brilliant, sending two! I remember opening them, and thinking – hum – what exactly will I do with these? Of course, I knew I would save them, because they had come from her.
My Mother had both exquisite and quirky taste, a quality which I appreciate; but sometimes created a slight moment of apprehension when opening a package from her. She knew I loved surprises, and often sent what I call Tuesday surprises, a just because gift; I love those just because tokens of love.
When the Town of Bethlehem arrived I remember playfully opening it and thinking, okay Mother, now what? Initially, I thought she was sending houses for The Village, but I quickly understood, that it was an entirely different Town she had gifted me with, one, I must say, much more in line with her values of Christmas. I fell instantly and madly in love with it! http://thatisallfornow.com/?p=2152
As I wrote last year, I had not found its rightful place, in the new house for it, by Christmas, thus I kept it in the kitchen, but it did not feel at home. However, this year, I did find it a perfect place; it is in the library, a place where I spend as much time, if not more, as in the kitchen. I love the simplicity and peace which it brings.
In case you are wondering, The Village has gone to the basement, where I must honestly say, it may spend the year. In my own share of quirkiness, I decided to create a winter wonderland, while Kate was away on business. I even took out a fake tree, which I put up one year in Florida (The real tree is fully decorated in the living room – I am guilty of Christmas excess). The Village seems quite happy downstairs, as do we; there is something deeply joyful about Christmas.
I would like to wish you a very Merry Christmas, and at least a few minutes in the next few days, where you stop to reflect on what we attempt to commemorate with our nativity’s and villages, and trees, and cookies, and presents, and plays, and carol’s, and candle light services – the birth of Christ, the perfect gift from a Father to his children. God bless you.
Oddly, I have found occasion to use those hot water bottles.
