I have always wanted an heirloom nativity set. I've looked for years, but nothing has ever stood out. I have a cheap one as an ornament, but not anything gloriously fancy to keep as an heirloom.
I was in the local pharmacy waiting for my lamictal to get filled when I walked by the Christmas displays. The store also sells beautiful gifts/figurines and always has something wonderful to gaze at. As I walked by, I saw a nativity set. It was gorgeous. Each figurine was gloriously detailed and done with care. As I held one in my hand I realized the designs were (gasp) quilting blocks! All of the figurines have different quilting blocks! Who would do figurines etched with quilting designs? The set said "Jim Shore".
Then my heart sank. Surely something this detailed will cost a fortune or at least several hundred dollars. It's probably one of those sets that you buy each figurine separately at 50 dollars a piece. Once again, I'll have to walk away. But the set called to me. It was too stunning to look at.
Stop. You are manic, idiot. You came in for meds. That's all. I had to at least know the price so I asked. When she told me, I fell over in shock. It's affordable! No way! I could do this!
Once again, I had to stop and pause. How badly do you need/want this? If you buy it, will you regret it a few days from now? What if I can get this cheaper online? Probably, but I do believe in supporting small town stores. I didn't try to justify the purchase, just went over the usual logical questions I know to ask myself.
Needless to say, I bought it. It will be treasured forever. I know that even while manic. 15 years of searching for the perfect nativity set is over.
The tradition at my house while growing up is that each day a piece is laid out with Jesus being the last one done Christmas Eve. I don't know if I can wait that long..LOL. I hate to have Christmas done and over with now and have nothing to look forward to during December.
I checked out his website. Wow. Double Wow. Now, here's where I use self-control despite the mania. I have what I have always wanted with this nativity set. His pieces aren't going anywhere nor am I a "must collect" everything a designer makes. I have his nativity set. There won't be any crazy spending frenzy on his site despite how beautiful his pieces are. If I find something that strikes me later, maybe.
The tradition at my house while growing up is that each day a piece is laid out with Jesus being the last one done Christmas Eve. I don't know if I can wait that long..LOL. I hate to have Christmas done and over with now and have nothing to look forward to during December.
I checked out his website. Wow. Double Wow. Now, here's where I use self-control despite the mania. I have what I have always wanted with this nativity set. His pieces aren't going anywhere nor am I a "must collect" everything a designer makes. I have his nativity set. There won't be any crazy spending frenzy on his site despite how beautiful his pieces are. If I find something that strikes me later, maybe.
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7 comments:
Some times when things - such as this set - speaks to our inner selves we must listen and act. You will find much pleasure in it this year and years to come. Could be something to pass on to your children and grandchildren.
Happy Thanksgiving - we do have lots to be thankful for.
That is beautiful nativity scene. I know what you mean about waiting for the right one to come along. My dream nativity was the Willow Tree set and after yearning for it for several years was able to get it in post Christmas sales 2 yrs ago. I so look forward to Christmas coming so I can display it. Knowing that my children also love it is a plus too. I know yours will give yo the same joy for so many years to come!
I know what you mean about the nativity set. I bought my mother, "The Journey that Changed the World" by Jim Shore. She and I saw it in a gift shop, and I was so moved by it, I knew one of us had to have it!
Congrats on finding your nativity!! I bought the miniature version of this a couple of years ago, and have yet to take it out of the box. No place to set it and knowing the cat, she'd knock it off a table if I did put it out.
Quilty Hugs!
Nancy
What a beautiful Nativity!!! I have a few Jim Shore pieces that I've received as gifts, but I've never seen that one. I think you made a wise purchase!!!!!
Perfect! I've had my nativity for almost 29 years now. It was pricey and we collected more pieces each year but I've never, ever regretted it! You won't either bz it's beautiful and after all, you have waited 15 years to find the right one. :)
don't you just love his stuff! I made a ceramic nativity when I was very young. The teacher painted the faces and did the firing for me.. my mom put it out every year. When she passed and my stepfather disbanded the house, it went "somewhere" - that was the one thing that I regret not getting just because of the history of it.
Enjoy your set for many many years! Thanks for sharing
Beth in Dallas
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