In the early 1800’s, my great-great-great-great-grandmother came into possession of one of my family's most important heirlooms, a small figurine of baby Jesus.  This small figurine is made of porcelain bisque, and comes with an assortment of outfits along with a removable head piece.  Though it is hard to trace back, it is thought that it was gifted to her by a marquise in Spain. It has remained in my family for 7 generations.  My grandmother, after having received it from her mother (being that the heirloom has only been owned by women), brought this relic to America from Ecuador.  This was not an easy decision to make because she owned very little and she didn’t know when she’d return.  However, the sentimental and real value outweighed the cons and she ended up staying here and raising my mom.  Though this doll technically belongs to my mother, it stays with my grandmother and has become part of her Christmas tradition.  Every Christmas she takes it out, dresses it up, and puts it on display for everyone to see and enjoy.  The joy it brings her every time she brings it out is unmatched. I envy that I will never get to experience that joy.  Since my sister is the oldest, she will inherit it from my mom, but I hope my sister carries on the tradition and puts it on display for the holidays.

– Julianna T.

Relationship:  Grandchild of im/migrant Grandchild of im/migrant