We Two Kings of Orient Are

It’s January 6, the Feast of the Epiphany. And you know what that means.

1. It’s officially the last day of Christmas. Waaah!

2. It’s time to think about taking down the tree. Waah!

3. We’ve eaten all those homemade white chocolate-dipped pretzels and now my jeans are too tight. Waah! I have to do something about that. Other than buying bigger jeans. I promise to start right after I bake Epiphany cake. Results (about the cake, I mean) to be posted later.

Meanwhile, let’s celebrate the day with these three wise men.

Would you believe . . . two wise men?

I found the standing wise guy last year in a thrift shop in Massachusetts.

I found the kneeling wise guy this year in a thrift shop in Pennsylvania.

The third wise guy must still be lost on his way to Bethlehem. Maybe I’ll find him next year.

The two who have arrived on my mantel are both papier-maché and marked “Made in Japan.” Don’t you love that glossy paint in vivid ’60s colors? I wish I could find the entire set!

Mr. Royal Standing Wise Guy has such a skeptical expression, as if he’s saying, “That’s the newborn King? That little thing?”

And Mr. Royal Kneeling Wise Guy appears to be so overcome with awe that he might accidentally spill that large dish of gold coins right into the manger. Have a care there, Mr. Royal Kneeling!

Your turban, by the way, is awesome.