December 11 – Christmas crib – A tradition that warms the heart

“Nativity scenes – a tradition that warms the heart”

It’s that time of year again: the cold winter air makes us pull our scarves tighter, the streets sparkle with fairy lights and the smell of cinnamon and freshly baked cookies fills our living rooms. But for many, one tradition is an inseparable part of Christmas: the nativity scene. Whether classic wooden, minimalist modern or homemade – the nativity scene tells the age-old story of Christmas in its very own way.

What makes the crib so special?

The nativity scene is much more than just a decoration. It is a symbol of the birth of Jesus, often embedded in a lovingly designed setting. Their style varies from region to region – Italian nativity scenes are often magnificently decorated with many figures, while rustic wooden nativity scenes dominate in the Alpine countries. No matter how they are decorated, they bring a contemplative atmosphere into our homes. A little fun fact: did you know that the first nativity scene as we know it goes back to Francis of Assisi? In 1223, he staged a living nativity scene with real people and animals to make the splendor of Christmas tangible.

The magic of handicrafts

Who doesn’t have fond memories of making paper or salt dough figures as a child to enrich the nativity scene at home? For many, crafting is part of the anticipation of Christmas. With a little creativity and patience, you can create a very individual nativity scene.

Tip for DIY fans:

• Wooden sticks and moss from the forest for the landscape
• Modeling figures from self-drying clay
• Fairy lights for the starry sky

Homemade nativity scenes are not only unique, but also a wonderful joint project for the family.

Cribs as collector’s items

For many adults, collecting nativity figures is a passionate hobby. A new shepherd, angel or sheep may be added every year. Hand-carved figures from the Erzgebirge or the artistic creations from the Tyrolean region are particularly popular.

The right care for a crib

Anyone who owns a traditional nativity scene knows how important it is to look after it properly. Wooden figures should be dusted regularly and protected from excessive moisture. And of course, setting up the nativity scene is a special ritual every year – why not involve the family and create the scene together?

Why we love the crib

The nativity scene brings us back to the roots of the holiday. It reminds us that Christmas is not just about consumption, but about warmth, family and solidarity. As we set up the figures, we think about the values that are particularly close to our hearts at this time of year: Compassion, hope and love. So, grab a cup of hot tea, a blanket and enjoy the sight of your nativity scene. Maybe you can tell your family the Christmas story – or even better, make up new adventures for Mary, Joseph and the Christ Child together.

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