advent decor

For past two years have hosted a "Nativity Open House" with depictions from many countries/cultures. I especially like the cultural reference of the hat shop below. Just as many of us learn the story of room made for the Holy Family in the animal's shelter, this shows room made for the birth and adoration of Jesus where a family makes their livelihood.

The Nativity Retablo is a perfect size for where I want to use it. I love the blue colors of the night sky and the stars. The figures are really colorful, too. I really like it. The only problem with the "Blue Nativity" I bought--he didn't allow the colors to dry all the way, so the door stuck and some of the paint pulled away from the wood in about 5 small spots on the door and the front of the shelves. I am going to try to find some paint to match and touch up those spots, because I love the Retablo and don't want to return it. I received it more quickly than was promised, but wish that he had waited one more day to send it, to make sure the paint was dry.

My son and grandsons are totally in to rebuilding VW`s. These items are the preferred gifts for them. One is a Computer Web site engineer, one is a Meterials Engineer for a extreemly large construction company and my son is a VW mechanic. As you can see these are the perfect gifts for them. I can't wait for Christmas to see their reactions to these gifts. An extremely excited Grandma.