3/31/2011

Christmas in March...A Family Treasure Find!



Hello my friends...I hope you're having a fabulous day! *


Have you ever experienced Christmas in March? Well...I have! But I must admit...I think this is the first time. Hehe! My honey came home the other day with two big ol' boxes under his arms. He had been cleaning out his parent's basement. Both his Father and Mother have already passed on and we have recently acquired their home and belongings. *


Family Treasures...Two Vintage Nativity Sets


Sooo...Honey placed the boxes on the floor and began opening the first box. He carefully unwrapped the treasures that were inside. To my total surprise...a little olden Nativity set began to fill the floor! Onto the second box...another sweet Nativity set was unwrapped...very carefully! I placed the first Nativity set into an old, rusty wire basket that honey had also found in the basement. Isn't the wire basket just scrumptious? I love it! There the marvelous little pieces sat...until I could give them a much needed but gentle cleaning.



Want a closer look? *



Closer still? Ohhh...I really am being a tease...aren't I! Hehe!


There are a total of 23 pieces to this beautiful vintage Nativity set. *



Mary, the mother of Jesus.


Isn't she just precious? As you can see...she needs a gentle cleaning. Years and years of use are layered upon these sweet pieces. My honey told me...as he was unwrapping them...that he had so much fun playing with them when he was little! Ahhhh...I can't tell you how much that warms my heart!!!


This vintage Nativity set was a Christmas gift to my father-in-law when he was 10 yrs. old...in 1944...from his mother and father. I can just imagine the excitement as he unwrapped each piece! Like father...like son!


Vintage Chalkware Nativity...


I have seen this type of Nativity set before but I really didn't know to much about it. After doing a little search on Ebay, I found a few similar sets and read all that I could about them. I know that this particular set is at least 67 yrs. old because a few of the pieces had been hand marked. Hand written in pencil was this inscription...


"Dwain...Christmas, 1944...5th grade...10 yrs. old"


My honey didn't know much about the "particulars"...just that they were a Christmas gift from his Grandma and Grandpa...to his Dad. Whether they were new when they were given...or whether it was a family treasure that had been further passed down...we don't know. I did find a couple of chalkware Nativity sets that were very similar...in size and in the colors that were used....that were manufactured in the 1920's. If any of you know anything about this type of Nativity set...I would love to hear about it!



The second Nativity set...


I think this Natvity set is much newer in age. My honey said that this pretty ceramic set was his mama's "pride and joy"! Isn't it lovely?



A close-up of one of the camels.


This Nativity really is beautiful, I can see why my mother-in-law loved it so! The pieces are so intricate...just exquisite! The set was done in white with a beautiful blue glaze brushed on like an antiquing effect.



Here it is...all cleaned and set up.



Sooo very beautiful...and sooo very precious!



Here is the vintage chalkware Nativity set...cleaned and set up.



Do you see the angel overlooking the Nativity scene? She is sitting atop the large hat box...looking on!


I will use the hat boxes to store these family treasures in...until next Christmas! And then...I will carefully unwrap each little piece and display them sooo proudly in our home...remembering the sweet family that has already gone on to be with the Lord and how these precious Nativity sets brought joy to them!



The baby Jesus!


Born in a lowly manger of the virgin Mary...to be the Saviour of this world! I am sooo thankful for His precious gift to me...and that I can call Him my Saviour!!!


I am joining these fabulous parties today...



Vintage Inspiration Friday...hosted by Debra over at Common Ground.


A Few of my Favorite Things Saturday...hosted by Laurie over at Bargain Hunting and Chatting with Laurie.


Thank you Debra and Laurie...for hosting these fabulous parties for all of us to enjoy!


~~~~~~~~~~~


Well my friends...I'm so glad that you stopped by today! Thank you for letting me share a little "Christmas in March" with you! Hehe! Please leave me a note and let me know that you were here...I would love to visit with you!


Warmest Spring Wishes!



36 comments:

Confessions of a Plate Addict said...

What wonderful nativity sets, Chari! And how nice that they have sentimental value as well! I know you will really enjoy them this Christmas! And that wire basket...can't wait to see what you do with it! Happy weekend!...hugs...Debbie

Ann@A Sentimental Life said...

I am so happy for you! and so glad your husband knows a good thing when he sees it! is it not the best when people write on items!? my grandmother did and now I do with certain things...for the next generations. I am sure you are already looking forward to Christmas!

Marilyn said...

Such a treasure for you both to enjoy and you will have something very special to have out during December. Happy Christmas. ♥♫

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

Oh my, what wonderful treasures and such fabulous finds. I can't wait to see them this coming Christmas. I know you will have so much fun decorating with them. Hugs, Marty

Salmagundi said...

Those are wonderful treasures to find - the best kind with memories attached! Hope you are enjoying this spring weather (except we have had wind!). Mike has been home this week on spring break; the little kids were on break last week, so I have done very little but cook for two weeks. Bob is going to have to eat frozen leftovers all next week, because I'm not cooking!!!! Well, until Friday anyway. Then we're having company for the weekend -- ll friends from Kansas City are coming to celebrate my daughter's 5 year anniversary free from cancer. There will be lots of cooking going on then. Take care, Sally

The Old Parsonage said...

Woo Hoo - what treasures! You know how much I LOVE Christmas these are terrific. I think my favorite is the chalkware set - just lovely!

Leann

Babs said...

Chari, There's nothing so meaningful as loved family treasures. It's so wonderful that your husband wanted to bring them to you and that he has fond memories of the nativity sets.Do you think the blue ceramic one might have been made by a friend or family member? Wishing you a Merry March Christmas.

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

What a great gift, Chari! I don't think I've ever seen so many pieces to a nativity set as in the first one. I could see either of these on your beautiful buffet come Christmas time.

Picket said...

Oh my word sweetie...my heart is about to burst...what precious... precious treasures...and how wonderful that you and hubby are now the keepers of these beautiful pieces....I am so happy for you....family treasures are just the best...have a great weekend sweetie....Picket

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

What a priceless treasure! I know you are happy to have it! Will you leave it out to enjoy? I love the angel looking over...makes my heart sing! I'm so happy for you, sweet friend! It's a blessing! ♥

The Old Parsonage said...

Woo Hoo - what treasures! You know how much I LOVE Christmas these are terrific. I think my favorite is the chalkware set - just lovely!

Leann

Unknown said...

Chari,

What a wonderful surprise!!! Both sets are so lovely. You have real treasures in these and the memories your husband has of playing with them is so precious!

Enjoy!

Blessings,
Kathy

On Crooked Creek said...

Chari,
Tears of joy are streaming down my face. What a blessing! Your husband and you, both are very blessed.
I knew the painted set was chalkware before you wrote (and I read) it! I believe the other set might have been made by your mother-in-law. Ceramics were a big "crafting" rage during the later 60's and 70's of many housewives. Ask your husband if he remembers his mother taking a class locally.Thank you for sharing "Christmas in March". It truly, is for all year through.
Fondly,
Pat

Beth said...

Chari, Your nativity sets are really lovely. Thanks for sharing.
Blessings, Beth

The Quintessential Magpie said...

Chari, that really is Christmas in March! WOW! I love these nativity sets. I collect little stray sheep from ones I have found about, but you are so blessed to have received the whole deal! Love both of them, but the chalk one is probably my favorite. It reminds me of one we had when I was little. I'm so happy for you!!! You are going to have a wonderful time with these pretties.

XO,

Sheila :-)

Tammy said...

Beautiful....wow...two great nativity sets. I love the chalkware...in great shape too.
smiles...Tammy

Kelly said...

Those are gorgeous!! What great finds! They remind me of the ones we had when I was a child.

Kelly

ℳartina @ Northern Nesting said...

Hi Chari, what beautiful nativity sets!! Can't wait for Christmas to see what you do with them my friend! Have a great weekend, Martina

Bohemian said...

Oh Chari they are wonderful! A dear elderly Friend of mine surprised me one year by giving me her Vintage Nativity and I cherish it. She knew it was going to a loving Home where it would be properly appreciated and I was honored to be the recipient.

Springtime Blessings from the Arizona Desert... Dawn... The Bohemian

Pat said...

Oh! WHat a nice heirloom to have. It sounds like your hubby was so happy. And he knew you would share his excitement. Some material things just DO mean a lot when they are loaded with memories.
Thanks for sharing this blog.

Pat

Kim @ Starshine Chic said...

What a sweet little treasure. I'll bet you were so excited to unwrap each piece. I know I would have been. Can't wait until it is really Christmas time to see how you display them.

Cindy (Applestone Cottage) said...

Oh Chari,
You really hit the jackpot there!
What beautiful and amazing nativities you found!
I remember how fascinated I was by the pics that Russ had from his parents. They must have been quite the collectors! All the treasure's you have found!
LOVE,LOVE,LOVE IT!
Hugs girl,
Cindy

Joan said...

What wonderful treasures your husband brought home! I know these will have very special places in your home for many Christmases to come!

Anita@Theycallmejammi said...

Both sets a gorgeous...don't you love famly treasures and the ongoing history they hold. That chalkware set is just beautiful.

Divine Theatre said...

Wowie!
Please come visit my post on my most recent shelter pet in need and enter my GIVEAWAY!

xoxo

Happy To Be/ Gl♥ria said...

How PRICELESS are these girl..and to have them be apart of your family you know I love that..What else has Russ brought into the house I want to see girl do tell!!
Hope all is GREAT in your world today..Dawna is coming in this afternoon snow finally melted YIPPEE!! Ok need to go clean toilets ha ha!! Love ya Sis..only 2 more months..Hugs and Love Gloria

podso said...

What a treasure!

Gypsy Heart said...

Beautiful!! Such a treasure trove of goodies...and I can only imagine how your home will look this year at Christmas.

Hope you have a magical weekend!
xoxo
Pat

Sherry @ No Minimalist Here said...

Hi Chari, These are both such wonderful nativity sets. How nice that you have something to display from your husbands childhood. Love the wire basket too.
xo,
Sherry

FLOWERSHOPGURL said...

Hi Chari, What a precious treasure for your husband and you to share with your family. I hope you can find out some more information on them. I'm sure we will see pictures of them again when Christmas time comes. It was wonderful stopping by today, it's been far to long since I last visited. I have missed your lovely posts.
Hugz,
Kim

Jessa said...

Wow what wonderful finds. Love the vintageness of Mary. Such a treasure. Christmas in March, love it!!

Daphne said...

Those are beautiful nativity sets, Chari! What special family treasures. I'm lookin forward to seeing them on your blog in December!

Lynn said...

Amazing nativities Chari! I'm so glad you have them, I know you'll appreciate and enjoy them:@)

Gail said...

Oh Chari, what a gorgeous family treasure! I'm looking forward to seeing these beautiful navities displayed this Christmas.

Have a wonderful weekend,
Gail

FABBY'S LIVING said...

Oh Chari honey, how sweet this Nativities are, specially beacuse it was from you in laws's! I love to keep inherited things with love to pass them to the younger ones too. They're beautiful! I can't wait to see them in action this Christmas coming, all fixed up with your talent! Couldn't join your party, I tried 3 times! Thanks for sharing this beauties.
FABBY

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

Oh Chari, I can only imagine what a wonderful time it was to watch your husband unwrap these treasures, and then to see you get them all cleaned up. Both sets are absolutely wonderful! I love that his father received the chalkware set for his 10th birthday. How special that is. The beautiful pale blue set is amazing. I love the stable backdrop too. Thank you for linking these treasures to Favorite Things. (Oh Yes! That wire basket is so cool too). laurie