Pre-Christmas Nativity

Not much stitching going on here.  But my nativity set is up, in its pre-Christmas state.  Mary is still great with child, Joseph is watering the donkey, and the manger is empty.  The shepherds tend their flocks, while the Roman guard is at the gate, taking the census. 

The shepherd's camp is new this year - a 50th birthday gift from my sister.  I'd been wanting that for several years.  Thanks Laura!  The ducks are also new.  All the other animals have had a story card in the box - and the stories are quite dramatic/sappy.  I couldn't imagine what sort of tale the Fontannini family might come up with for Mama Duck and her babies.  Alas, there was no story card.  I guess that's where the Fontannini's draw the line.

The star, angels and magi will be set up closer to Christmas. 

I'd love to do some stitching today, but it looks like (more) snow shoveling will take priority. :)