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Christmas and Easter Memories (Jeanne)

Eileen always had us set up the manger scene at Christmas time with all the figures except baby Jesus. He was usually on her dresser in the bedroom, awaiting Christmas morning. When we were kids, she would allow us to put in a piece of straw each time we did a chore, or something kind, or generally had a positive attitude. I remember loving to "get" to put straw in the creche and kept busy with different jobs around the house to earn the privilege.

On Christmas morning, we would make a procession throughout the house. I got to be in front since I was the youngest. (In later years, it was one of the grandchildren in front.) We sang "Silent Night" and held candles as we walked to get the baby Jesus and bring him to the manger.

During Lent, she would cut a branch from the lilac bushes and "plant" it in dirt in a vase that Louise still has - green and antique-looking. She would hang purple colored empty eggs from the branches. They had the symbols of the crucifixion story on them. On Easter Sunday, she would change to the brightly-colored eggs with symbols of Jesus' resurrection. It seemed to me that the branch bloomed out (in leaves) overnight!

I've tried replicating the Easter egg tree, but I keep killing my lilac branch with inattention between Ash Wednesday and Easter Sunday! I will try to do a better job next year. My mom rocked this!
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