"And there was a baby, lying in the manger..."

As far back as I can remember, my family has always had a manger scene displayed at Christmas. It was one of the many ways we remembered what December 25th really represented...the memory of our Savior's birth.

My childhood manger was unlike the one's found in department stores, though. No gold or emeralds or sparkles could be found on it- just a little wood and pine straw made by my dad's hands. It certainly was not beautiful in the traditional meaning, but it was perfect none the less.

When my husband and I bought our house {oddly enough at Christmas time} I searched for a manger to continue the tradition. But, I just couldn't find one that I felt stayed true to the one a baby was born in so many years ago. Completely bummed, I gave up on the purchase and decided to wait until the following year to make one.

Then, I was surprised by my father Christmas day...I remember him handing me a large cardboard box with the top flaps open and tissue paper sticking out. Inside sat a manger, just like the one sitting on his mantel! Although I was not apart of this particular craft, I feel like I just have to share how easy it really is to make! You won't believe it!

My dad used a scrap piece of wood he had on hand. Placing it flat on a work table, he used a little wood glue to adhere the bark along each edge, omitting what will be the front. After placing the sides, he finished by gluing the top piece to the manger's "walls." All that was left to do from there was lay down the pine straw/moss inside the manger {to make the "floor"} and place my figurines.

We did decide to add another piece of bark across the bottom to cover the front edge and really give it a finished look. Literally, in matter of minutes you can have a manger sitting in front of you!

This is one of the best presents I've ever received and I'm so excited I get to share this tradition with my son for years to come...perhaps even make one for his own home one day. {many, many years from now!!} ;)

Wishing you a Merry Christmas!

Jade

Blogs I've Linked Up To:

Craft-O-Maniac

C.R.A.F.T.

Tracy's Trinkets and Treasures

Not JUST A Housewife

No Minimalist Here

Someday Crafts

The Shabby Nest