Preparing for Christmas

Each year, as I decorate for Christmas, I wonder why I don't own a nativity set. Growing up, my parents used to display this porcelain set with brown paint accents (which I think were hand painted by my aunt or grandma). Mom would display it, and I always had a fondness for it. Now that I think about it, I used to have a small set of my own, in frosted glass. I loved that set...wonder what happened to it?

As an adult, I own my own home and decorate with my own select pieces. And it seems like this should be the year the nativity set makes a home with me. I have a few criteria about nativity sets that perhaps I should share:

• I don't want it to look old fashioned (i.e., like 1950's prayer cards)
  
• I want one that is classic enough that if I have kids, they will remember my set
• It can't take up a lot of space- my home is "petite"
  
• It should be tasteful in its use of color (if any- I may be somewhat partial to white or glass)
• The 3 wise men should be included. I am always drawn to those figurines.

Olive wood is attractive:Crystal or glass catches my eye too:This also appeals to me for wood:

(I have asked Santa, but if he's too busy getting other things, then I shall hunt on my own!)