Nanny's Houses

Today I set up Nanny's houses, a collection of ceramic, Christmas themed houses and people that my maternal grandmother purchased many years ago. They were always stored throughout the year then put on display every December in her home, quickly becoming a tradition in our family. When I was about 6 years old, I was admiring the scene on our mantel when, with the tact of most 6 year old children, I asked to have the houses when she was 'no longer here' so to speak.
Years later, after she passed away, my mother brought home the set in their original boxes with the words "For Clare" scrawled on the top. She had remembered my childhood request. And I still loved them.
Ever a fan of tradition, the houses still come out every year, taking pride of place with their little snow covered trees and ceramic, scarf clad villagers that Nanny had collected all those years ago. They remind me of Christmas, of Nanny and of my childhood admiration for their quaint beauty.
My wish this year is that one day, I'll have a tactless grandchild of my own to who will love the houses too.

 This year's display is being watched by Nanny, seen here in a photo as a child: