A Pig in Clover

We were very proud of our friend Pigs, the Piggybank, when he took a starring role in the final nativity tableau at our local church yesterday.

Pigs was there to represent the gold, given as a gift to the Baby Jesus by the Wise Men. Now, you need to know that Pigs is almost full of lovely shiny £1 and £2 coins which he looks after for us and  pays out to us (in modest quantities) when we go racing and need some coins for betting.

During the service Pigs was brought up and added to the crib scene along with the frankincense and myrrh. Can you see him at the front of our picture, looking a real natural?

Santa Bear climbed onto the roof of the stable for a real good look at this timeless scene and to be reminded of where the tradition of giving presents, that he works so hard to support, originates.

Having completed his present delivery work until next year, Santa Bear took some time off to relax with Mary and Joseph, practise his donkey riding and to marvel at how big the Baby Jesus had grown in just over a week.

 
We won't see much of Mary and Joseph now until next Christmas, but we know they won't be resting on their laurels, as they'll be very busy and attentive parents.

Lots of love

All at Beard Unlimited xxx

Merry Christmas from All at Bears Unlimited

Apologies for the rather long half way break on our epic walk, but we want to take an extra pause now to wish all our readers a very happy and peaceful Christmas. We've had a couple of new perspectives on Christmas recently which we'd like to share with you.

First, some alternative Christmas decorations ...

This was the sight at one of our churches this morning. The arches were made of willow and decorated with lights. They were very beautiful. They are actually there for a wedding tomorrow and we have a feeling it will be a very special occasion. We might be tempted to sneak along for a look. 

Then, Friday this week was a very special day as we had the travelling crib (Posada) come to stay with us. We were the host family for the night and we took our responsibilities very seriously making sure Mary, Joseph and the donkey were warm, well fed and made to feel part of our household. They even watched Simon Reeves Pilgrimage programme with us and we were able to say to them 'just look at what your original journey inspired'. We all found this trio very peaceful and inspiring company and we were sad to see them go when we took them to their next destination, although we understood that history had to be fulfilled. We will see them again, in Church, on Christmas Eve at midnight, when all being well, the Baby Jesus will be born. 

How exciting! 

Lots of love

Gio, Bris, Olaf and all at Bears Unlimited xxx