Nativities hold the most meaningful part of our holiday décor. It's so interesting to look at the sets people own and display, which is why we are always thrilled to attend a nativity exhibit hosted at a local church. Every other year, the Catholic church opens their doors on Thanksgiving weekend and invites the community, free of charge, to the event. All sets belong to their parishioners and are tastefully displayed on long, covered tables. This year there were 300 to see! My mother and I have made it a habit to go and visited there a few weeks ago, on the Saturday after Thanksgiving.
There were large outdoor nativities.
Some were handmade with loving care.
We saw whimsical nativities, like these snowmen , and...
the Peanuts gang from my favorite Christmas special.
There were sets made from a variety of materials, such as bronze,
and lace.
Lots were antiques, having belonged to families for generations.
Specialty sets, like this Jim Shore collection, were on display.
A high number of nativities were treasures from parishioners' worldwide travels.
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| This set came from Zimbabwe and was traded by a local for American shirt, shoes and pants. |
This is just a small taste of what we enjoyed seeing. Later this week, I will share "part 2" which will highlight treasured nativities on display in our home along with a special new gift. Stay tuned!
Happy Monday!