The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Woman, 103, assembles elaborate Nativity scene
Dressed in a red sweater and Santa hat, holding a cup of hot chocolate, Edith Sarajeta de Jordan is Christmas personified. Her Stone Mountain home is filled with holiday decorations, including a large Christmas tree in the front entrance of the house and elaborate garlands hanging along the staircase. Christmas is a valued tradition for Sarajeta de Jordan, a 103-year-old Panamanian immigrant who moved to Georgia in 2000.
“I’ve lived in several Latin American countries, whether because of school or work. I came to Georgia to help out at home and take care of one of my great-grandchildren, to help raise the child, who is now a grown man,” said Sarajeta de Jordan, herself a mother of two, grandmother of four and great-grandmother of six children.
It is not enough, however, to simply put up a Christmas tree. Or to decorate it with customary ornaments from her native Panama that she cares for as if they were her most valued treasures.
“We wrap them in crepe paper and we store them very carefully,” she explained.
By far, though, the most important decorating detail throughout the years has been setting up a memorable nativity scene outside her home. Baby Jesus, Joseph, the Virgin Mary and almost all of Bethlehem are all represented. The assembly process is not just a daylong project, but rather it begins as soon as Thanksgiving wraps up and lasts until the days leading up to Dec. 25.
“Christmas, ever since I was born, meant a lot, because in Panama, when I was little, it was really celebrated,” said Sarajeta de Jordan.
From this was born her passion for the Nativity.
“People would always make a Nativity scene. No matter how poor you were, your house would have a Nativity. We would always be on the lookout for what to put in it. We would always hold on to every figurine possible to put in the Nativity,” said Sarajeta de Jordan, whose set even includes figurines from her own mother’s Nativity scene.
“I’ve been gatheringthem since I was 4 or 5 years old. They are figurines that are more than 80 years old,” she added.
For Sarajeta de Jordan, it is about keeping traditions alive. Every year, rain or shine, she and her family assemble their Nativity scene.
“This is very valuable to me. I’ve made Nativity scenes every year. I’ve taught it tomy children and now my grandchildren and great-grandchildren, so that the tradition continues and does not die,” explained Sarajeta de Jordan.
Friends, neighbors, and others from the community contribute to the tradition as well.
“When I need help, I grab whoever is there close by to give me a hand,” she assured.
In particular, Sarajeta de Jordan believes that children should help with the project.
“People should bring children to see Nativity scenes and have them make them at home. These days almost no one does Nativity scenes,” said Sarajeta de Jordan.
Even though hers consists of many figurines, Sarajeta de Jordan never forgets where each and every one goes.
“There are the cities, the desert, the flock of sheep, even the Nile River,” she said.
The exactquantityof figurines she uses has never crossed Sarajeta de Jordan’s mind, however. Nor does she notice if her Hispanic customs in any way clash with the American ones held by her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
“My mother has made sure that all of those traditions coexist, since there are different nationalities in our family,” explained Ann, Sarajeta de Jordan’s daughter.
“We conserve Hispanic, English, and American traditions,” she assured. In the end, though, Ann says that Sarajeta de Jordan has always preferred to speak to them in Spanish.
That same iron will has helped keep Sarajeta de Jordan healthy and full of hope throughout her 103 years.
It is a positive attitude and way of life that Sarajeta de Jordan recommends to all the community.
“Don’t worry about what your neighbor says. Not at all. Not even a little. Accept what comes to you as it is, and walk at least an hour a day,” she advised.