My weekend was a bit of a wreck, so my Jakesprinter’s Sunday Post simply didn’t happen. But I had given some thought to the theme, Concept, and am feeling seasonal and a little nostalgic.
“So this is Christmas, and what have you done?” So tragic, Lennon’s death. Can you believe that it was 32 years ago?
I wonder what Christmas means to you? My conception is the traditional one, the important factor, the boy child who was conceived. “Unto us a boy is born, King of all Creation”. Every Christmas my little wooden stable comes down from the loft, complete with nativity scene.
Nativity scenes come in many forms. The original is credited to St. Francis of Assisi in 1223. He wanted the emphasis to remain with the religious significance of Christmas rather than materialism and gift giving. These days, Christmas markets and all, I rather think materialsim has won.
I have heard of, though not yet seen, the szopka nativity scenes traditionally exhibited at Christmas time in Kraków. They date from the 13th century, and include elements of architecture. A yearly competition is held in Rynek Główny to determine the best. That must be exciting!
Image of a szopka from Wikipedia
Religion doesn’t play a huge part in my life, but I do love the carols at Christmas time. “Peace on earth, goodwill to all men” seems like a good maxim to me.
The wreath is in it’s traditional place on my fireplace, and the cards beginning to arrive. My Polish family always send cards which celebrate the birth of our Lord.
Why the Christmas tree? The evergreen tree, which does not lose its leaves in winter, is regarded as the symbol of eternal life. I have lots of “old friends” on my tree.
And some beautiful hand made ornaments, proudly given to me by my Polish family on my first visit to Poland, though I’ve never been there at Christmas.
And, of course, topped by the angel made for me by my daughter Lisa.
I wonder if Jake’s going to use Christmas for his theme next week? If so, I’m ahead of the game, and that’s a first!
Do you have a concept you feel like sharing? You’ll always be made welcome at Jakesprinters Sunday Post. Click on the flying dragon logo to be transported there.
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restlessjo 
If you like nativity scenes and, one of these days, you happen to be in Tavira around Christmas time, go to Vila Real de Santo Antonio to see the “Giant Nativity Scene at the António Aleixo Cultural Centre” http://visitalgarve.pt/visitalgarve/vEN/NaoPerca/Detail/?EventoId=5073.
Feliz Natal from Portugal
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Thanks, Fernanda. I have heard all about these from a friend who was there last year. One of these years we’ll be able to spend Christmas in Tavira. (I hope)
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Your ornaments are wonderful – over the years I think they become like old friends!
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Yes, they do, Meg, with the odd newcomber every now and then.
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What a coincidence….listening to ‘do they know it’s Christmas’ as I read your post. Love the Polish cards and your crib.
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No escaping the Christmas songs just at the minute, David. Nice though. Have a lovely festive season with your family.
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Thanks for getting me in the holiday spirit, Jo, since Christmas in Oman doesn’t really happen!
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I can see why it wouldn’t, and let’s face it, I’d be happy to swop for some sunshine. Next Christmas you can be more tradiitional, Cath. Will you see family this year?
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Actually, my husband and sons are all coming on New Year’s Day for 11 days! I can’t wait. Too late for Christmas, though.
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It’ll be a special New Year though! Enjoy.
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Glad your photos are back!
Your ornaments are lovely.
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Sitting next to my twinkling tree right now, Tilly.
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Reblogged this on RD Revilo.
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Thanks a lot. That’s really kind of you. Merry Christmas!
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What beautiful pics! I absolutely love those eggs 😉
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They are lovely, aren’t they, Dianne? I was quite taken aback when I was presented with a box of six. Thanks!
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Lovely Christmas images, Jo. Your angel is ‘divine’. 🙂 Wishing you a wonderful season of peace and joy. xx
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Sunny merry Christmas, Sylvia! Or do I mean Merry sunny Christmas? You get the gist, and you know I’d willingly swop places.
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😀
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Very nice! I enjoyed seeing the tree ornaments. Feliz Navidad from Ecuador!
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Thank you, and Merry Christmas to you from the north east of England.
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Love your ornaments. Great story for the concept, Jo!
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Thanks, Amy! I’m stuffed if he does Christmas this weekend, aren’t I?
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I have nominated you for the Blog of the Year 2012 Award. You can see it here: http://wp.me/p23TG1-1PM
BE ENCOURAGED! BE BLESSED!
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Whoopee! Thanks so much Francine. I’m up to 4 stars now.
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Great post Jo! I skipped this one myself.
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I do like Jake, because he gives me the chance to tell stories with photos, which I love doing, Nicole. Many of the challenges are purely photographic and I’m not that good.
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🙂
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love your nativity scene 🙂
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Not very Christian, but me and the husband fight every year over the right to assemble it!
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Your cards and tree ornaments are beautiful.
BE ENCOURAGED! BE BLESSED!
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I’m definitely getting in the mood now, Francine. I made a slow start but there’s plenty of time for the important things, isn’t there?
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nicely done–love your decorations, from cute to beautiful
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Thanks, hon. The same ones come out every year. Just now and then I’m tempted into buying a new one.
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me too — I bought some black shiny balls with gold sparkle and they are gorgeous — I notice purple is big this year
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Nice and seasonal – well done Jo!
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Merry Christmas, Andrew! All the best for 2013 to you and yours.
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I’ve read you Jo … I don’t mean to sound like a Scrooge, but I think the spirit of Christmas has been long lost.
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Still nurturing it, a little bit, at ours. I do love the atmosphere of Christmas- just not all the hype!
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Loved seeing the cards from Poland. Thanks for sharing
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They’re last year’s ones- this year’s are just arriving. It’s nice to feel loved.
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Those eggs are beautiful, Jo.
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Yes, I have a cherished box of 6, Julie.
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I think the gift-giving-commercialisation came a long time after St Francis! There’s a museum of nativity scenes near here.
Your pictures are lovely. Lots of happy memories for you.
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I was quoting Wikipedia, Viv. It suggested that the Romans were big on gift giving in their Saturnalia celebration. I love the atmosphere of the Christmas markets but have never been to one abroad (unless you count Nottingham!). Sad this year because I’m not seeing the daughter until her wedding in February.
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