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Before it was airborne, before it was guided by a famously radiant reindeer, and long before it held the hopes of children across the globe in a single, magical sack, the sleigh was a triumph of terrestrial engineering. It was a vessel born of necessity, its polished runners gliding over snow-covered landscapes where the wheel was rendered useless. Yet, how did this practical vehicle of winter travel transform into one of the most potent and enduring symbols of Christmas magic? The journey of the sleigh is a story of cultural evolution, artistic imagination, and the deep-seated human desire for wonder.

The sleigh’s origins are rooted not in festive lore but in the stark realities of northern climates. Across Scandinavia, Russia, and North America, early sleds and sleighs were the indispensable solution for transporting goods and people over ice and snow. Functionality was the sole driver of early design. The first sleigh was likely little more than two wooden runners attached to a platform, pulled by dogs, horses, or even reindeer. It was the pickup truck of the pre-industrial Arctic and boreal world.

This evolution from utility to luxury began in the 18th and 19th centuries. As road networks improved in Europe and America, the sleigh’s role as a primary transport vehicle diminished. Paradoxically, this decline in necessity allowed for its rise as an object of leisure and status. The wealthy began commissioning ornate, custom-built sleighs, featuring graceful, swan-like curves, deep velvet upholstery, and intricate hand-painted details. These were not vehicles for hauling firewood; they were for sophisticated winter outings, for courtship, and for being seen. The crisp jingle of harness bells on a cold, clear night, a sound immortalized in the 1857 song "One Horse Open Sleigh," became the soundtrack of winter romance and high society.

But the sleigh's ultimate climax as an emblem of Yuletide wonder was cemented in the pages of literature and print. While Washington Irving had hinted at a flying sleigh in his 1819 The Sketch Book of Geoffrey Crayon, Gent., it was Clement Clarke Moore’s 1823 poem, "A Visit from St. Nicholas," that gave us the definitive image. His immortal lines, describing a "miniature sleigh, and eight tiny reindeer," irrevocably linked the vehicle to the mythos of Santa Claus.

Moore’s poem was the spark, but the illustrator Thomas Nast fanned the flames, beginning in the 1860s. Nast’s cartoons for Harper’s Weekly gave the American public a recurring, visual depiction of Santa, his workshop, and, crucially, his sleigh. Nast drew a robust, cargo-style sleigh, laden with toys and gifts. He standardized the image and made it canonical. This was the sleigh we know today: not a delicate vehicle for a country dalliance, but a powerful, purposeful craft on an annual, worldwide mission.

In the contemporary era, where a horse-drawn sleigh is a profound novelty, its symbolic power has only grown. It is a piece of beloved nostalgia-tech, representing a simpler, quieter time before the roar of engines. It appears in countless films, from the heartwarming chaos of Elf to the enchanting journey in The Polar Express. A decorative sleigh on a front lawn or a mantelpiece is instant shorthand for the arrival of the Christmas season. It has become a vessel for our collective imagination.

From the frozen rivers of the north to the starlit skies of Christmas Eve, the sleigh has carried more than just passengers and cargo. It has carried our traditions, our artistic visions, and our capacity for belief. It is a reminder that sometimes, the most magical things have the most practical beginnings, and that the right story can give even the simplest creation the power to fly.

Transform your property into a captivating winter wonderland this holiday season by creating an immersive walk-through Christmas experience. With careful planning and the spectacular array of decorations available from ChristmasNightInc.com, you can design a memorable journey that will delight visitors of all ages. This detailed guide will walk you through the process, from developing a theme to selecting the perfect, show-stopping pieces.

Step 1: Discover Your Theme and Narrative

Before the first string of lights is hung, establishing a cohesive theme is paramount. Your theme will guide every decorating decision, ensuring a harmonious and professional-looking display. Consider the atmosphere you want to create. Is it a traditional, Rockwell-esque Christmas village? A whimsical and playful Santa's workshop? Or a serene and reverent Nativity scene?

Popular theme ideas to spark your imagination:

- Classic Christmas: Think warm whites, rich reds and greens, and timeless characters. This theme relies on nostalgia and traditional holiday symbols.

- Winter Wonderland: A sophisticated palette of blues, silvers, and whites, with a focus on snow, ice, and elegant reindeer.

- Santa's Workshop: Bursting with color, playful elves, and scenes of toy production, this theme is a delight for children.

- A Story of the Nativity: Create a peaceful and moving experience centered around the birth of Jesus, with life-sized figures and serene lighting.

- Candy Cane Lane: A fun and whimsical theme dominated by reds and whites, with oversized sweets and cheerful characters.

Once you have a theme, craft a simple narrative for your walk-through. This story will help you structure the experience and create a logical flow for your visitors. For example, in a "Santa's Workshop" theme, the journey could begin at the mailroom, move through the toy factory, visit the reindeer stables, and culminate in a meeting with Santa himself.

Step 2: Map Your Journey: Layout and Flow

With your theme and narrative in mind, it's time to map out the physical path your visitors will take. Sketch a layout of your space, whether it's a front yard, a commercial property, or an event venue. Consider the following:

- A Grand Entrance: Your entrance should be a "wow" moment that sets the tone for the entire experience. Think about using an archway, flanking the entrance with impressive figures, or creating a brightly lit path.

- Create Focal Points: Design your walk-through around several key scenes or "vignettes" that align with your narrative. These will be the main attractions and photo opportunities.

- Guide the Way: Use lighting, pathways, and strategically placed decorations to guide visitors from one focal point to the next. The journey should feel intuitive and uncrowded.

- Build to a Climax: The walk-through should build in excitement, leading to a grand finale. This could be a massive Christmas tree, a meeting with a central character, or a spectacular light show.

- Don't Forget the Exit: The experience shouldn't abruptly end. A thoughtful exit, perhaps with a "Merry Christmas" sign or a small parting gift, leaves a lasting positive impression.

Step 3: Selecting Your "Wow" Factor Pieces from ChristmasNightInc.com

ChristmasNightInc.com specializes in life-sized and larger-than-life decorations that can serve as the stunning centerpieces of your walk-through experience.

For a Grand Entrance:

- Flank your entrance with a pair of majestic Life-Size Toy Soldiers or elegant Nutcrackers. These create a sense of occasion and welcome guests in style.

- A Lighted Archway or a custom "Welcome to..." sign can also create a magical portal into your winter wonderland.

Creating Your Main Scenes:

The extensive catalog at ChristmasNightInc.com allows you to build entire scenes. For a "Santa's Workshop" theme, you could feature:

- A bustling scene with multiple Elves appearing to be hard at work.

- A dedicated area for Santa's Sleigh and Reindeer, with a life-sized sleigh that can double as a fantastic photo opportunity.

- Of course, a magnificent Santa Claus figure, perhaps seated in an ornate chair, is ready to greet visitors.

For a "Classic Christmas" or "Winter Wonderland" theme, consider:

- A family of Life-Sized Deer, some grazing and others majestically poised.

- Charming Carolers in traditional attire create a heartwarming scene.

- A stunning Life-Sized Nativity Set for a more traditional and meaningful focal point.

Photo Opportunities:

In the age of social media, offering engaging photo ops is a must. ChristmasNightInc.com offers a variety of options that are perfect for this:

- Santa's Sleigh: Allow visitors to sit in a life-sized sleigh for the ultimate Christmas photo.

- Giant Ornaments and Picture Frames: These create a fun and whimsical backdrop.

- Character Benches: A bench with a friendly snowman or other character invites guests to sit and snap a picture.

Step 4: Layering with Supporting Decorations and Lighting

Once your main attractions are in place, it's time to fill in the details and create a rich, layered look.

- Abundant Greenery and Trees: Use a variety of Christmas Trees of different sizes to add depth and a festive feel throughout the space.

- Pathways and Borders: Line your pathways with Oversized Candy Canes, Festive Light Stakes, or smaller figurines to keep guests on track and enhance the immersive feel.

- The Magic of Light: Lighting is arguably the most crucial element in creating a magical Christmas experience. ChristmasNightInc.com offers a wide selection of lighting options:

• LED Lighted Displays: These come in a variety of shapes, from stars and snowflakes to angels and reindeer, and can be used to adorn buildings, create backdrops, or stand alone as features.
• String Lights: Use these liberally to wrap trees, outline buildings, and create a warm, ambient glow.
• Spotlights: Use spotlights to illuminate your main figures and scenes, making them pop in the darkness.

Step 5: Incorporating Sound and Interactive Elements

To truly engage all the senses, consider adding sound and interactive elements to your walk-through.

- A Festive Soundscape: Play a curated soundtrack of instrumental Christmas carols or cheerful holiday tunes. Conceal outdoor speakers along the path to create a seamless audio experience.

- Storytelling Signage: Place small signs at each vignette to tell a part of your story, adding another layer of engagement for visitors.

- Interactive Fun: Consider a "scavenger hunt" where children can look for specific small decorations along the path, or a "letter to Santa" mailbox where they can post their Christmas wishes.

By thoughtfully combining a compelling theme, a well-planned layout, and the stunning decorations available at ChristmasNightInc.com, you can create a walk-through Christmas experience that will be a cherished holiday tradition for your community for years to come. Start dreaming and planning today, and get ready to spread the magic of the season.

We are all aware of the controversial nature of religious display on both public and private property. Many newspaper stories have been written recently about Christians and Christian families being denied the right to display a Nativity Scene on private as well as public property.

We are not attorneys nor are we experts in constitutional law. What we offer, for your information and education, are links to three very informative websites. These websites are The Thomas More Law Center, www.thomasmore.org. They were a help to Christmas Night since Thomas Kiley purchased one of our life size outdoor Nativity scenes to honor his family of five generations in Bedford NY and was able to display it on public land.

Also please visit The National Legal Foundation at www.nlf.net. and see www.achw.org/html/nlf.html for Nativity display stories and a letter from the chief counsels of the foundation and center spelling out the details of our right to display a Nativity scene on public and private property.

Lastly, for advice and encouragement from a citizen who fought city hall and won, please visit Bruce Barilla at www.nativityhelp.org.

Here comes the leap, are you ready?

In Italy, where the Nativity crèche originates, everyone is welcome! Way beyond the three kings, the shepherd, the host of angels and the little drummer boy, beyond the menagerie of camels, oxen, sheep, chickens, goats and donkeys you might find in the original nativity, Italians love to place small statues of all of their patron saints, heroes, and icons in the manger.

Jumping to the most extreme, I will admit I laughed out loud when I first saw Elvis, Marilyn Monroe and a small blue Smurf among the statues of a nativity scene!

But it made me pause to consider the possibilities

Imagine a man who has always loved the silky smooth voice of Elvis, especially his gospel music and best selling Christmas album Blue Christmas. As a young man he had a desire to be a famous singer, but now, long past the age limit of American Idol, he must content himself with singing Christmas carols with his family. Maybe he has been a faithful member of his church choir for many years and this year he gets to sing a solo at the midnight mass! Wouldnt it be a wonderful surprise for him to wake up on Christmas morning and find a small statue of the King among the three wise men? Surely he would cherish this gift the rest of his years!

It is easy to imagine a young woman with a troubled past, filled with angst, like almost every teenage girl I have ever known. She holds onto a secret dream of being an actress, knowing well that her evening courses at the community college will lead her to a career in pediatric nursing, but look out when Saturday night karaoke rolls around. Count her in for make-up, painting sets and sewing costumes for every community theatre production.
Her dreams were nurtured early on: She was one of the sheep in the annual Christmas pageant, a carrot in the kindergarten play about nutrition, and a bright, shiny, tap-dancing tooth in a locally produced TV commercial for her dentist. She gradually progressed from mouse to mouse king, candy drop to snow princess in the annual production of The Nutcracker. All through high school she teaches dance at Miss Kims Dance Academy instead of flipping burgers at a fast food joint.
But make no mistake about it, she is old school; she loves the old movies from the long ago time when the actresses were glamour queens. Her bedroom is decorated with vintage movie posters. The young Elizabeth Taylor, Judy Garland, Shirley Temple and Marilyn Monroe are her heroes. All of them were blazing stars.
When she gets her first apartment, a few weeks before Christmas, her family buys her a first nativity as a house warming present. Her kid brother finds a statue of Marilyn about the same size as a shepherd, he even figures out how to remove the wings from an angel and super glues them on so they look like they belong and there you have it, an angelic Marilyn Monroe wearing the beautiful white dress from Diamonds are a Girls Best Friend blowing a kiss to the Christ child!

But Smurfs you ask? Sure! Heres the story:
While mom and dad are Christmas shopping, their little boy is left at Grandmas for the day. Grandma loves to read aloud. Jordan loves the stories she tells. After hearing the story of the Drummer Boy and how everyone has a gift to offer, grandma gets out the toy box.
They spend the rest of the afternoon playing with Jordans daddys favorite toys. Daddy had a full set of all of the little blue Smurfs. Like most children, Jordan marches the toys around and acts out the stories grandma just told him.
Later that afternoon, strapped into his car seat, he is still playing with his favorite little blue Smurf. Mommy and daddy are asking about what he did at grandmas. Everyone laughs a daddy makes up stories about the Smurfs.
Just before bedtime, the little boy notices more presents under the tree. He is just beginning to read and sees his name, J-O-R-D-A-N, on a few of the brightly colored boxes. Thinking about the story of the Drummer Boy, he finds the little blue Smurf in his pocket. Jordan! Its bath time! his mom calls. He sees the manger scene and puts the Smurf there for safe keeping while he takes a bath.
While mommy is tucking him in for the night, daddy is picking up toys and straightening up. He spies the Smurf standing over the crèche as if he is watching over the baby Jesus. Daddy puts two and two together. He gets it. He knows that it is about so much more than just the toys. With a tear in the corner of his eye, he knows Jordan gets it, too. For many years to come the little blue Smurf has a place of honor in the manger.

Who is welcome in your house? Who are your patron saints and heroes? What statues or icons might you add to your nativity each year in your growing collection?

Brian "Fox" Ellis · Fox Tales International
www.foxtalesint.com

Christmas decorations are symbolic, festive, and joyous. However, they spoil if you leave them up too long. They look out of place as the New Year loses its shiny newness. It's best not to leave decorations up too long, and it shows good etiquette. You don't have to take your ornamentation down the day after Christmas, or even by the first of the year. But don't let your tree, lights, and figures linger too long into January.

The first consideration is the tree and other greenery. Check with your city, community, or building to find out if there are specific days for tree collection, or specific ways to dispose of your items, such as tying up branches or the entire tree. Be courteous and try to adhere to those practices. Otherwise, you may be stuck with a tree carcass in your front yard until the next opportunity, which might be a while.

Another consideration to keep in mind is that Christmas is celebrated on a different day by the Orthodox, and there are other religious holidays to consider. Chanukah can end as late as the first of the year. Christians observe Epiphany in the first week of January, and Orthodox Christmas can occur into the New Year, as late as the first or second week of January. The nativity scene and other festive decorations can remain up to observe Orthodox Christmas, as well as keep the spirit up for other holidays.

You might also want to keep an eye on the weather and decide to take decorations down early. If you get word of a blizzard, you might consider taking decorations in earlier than planned. Decorations can freeze in place and delay your removal of the adornments, which may not be adored for as long as they remain. It can also be unsafe to take down decorations in cold and icy conditions. Be sure to choose a time that will not put you at risk, especially if you must climb on ladders or lug heavy items across large stretches of snow or ice.

The nativity scene and other figures are made to endure cold temperatures, ice, and snow, but prolonged exposure causes more wear on the figures. Bringing them in before an early January blizzard can help items last that much longer. You'll get more seasons out of your holiday decorations by saving them from one more cold blast each season.

As a child, do you remember driving around neighborhood after neighborhood, face pressed against the cool glass of the car window, your breath creating fleeting steam patterns around your nose? If you never did it, you're missing out. Don't let another child miss out on the magic of the Christmas season, and put your decorations to use for a good cause - your church programming.

Using decorative displays for commercial use or fundraising can be a little tricky if not approached correctly. First of all, resist the urge to charge too much, or opt for a "suggested donation" instead. Families of all walks of life should be able to share in the joy of the Christmas season as well as the community of your church. Embrace those who cannot pay and be thankful for those who can give, or even give more than what's expected. Show the grace and compassion that the Holy Child was born share.

Secondly, opt for charging (or asking for a donation, of course) per carload rather than per person. Light-peeping, like autumn's leaf-peeping, is something that is generally done in families or in groups. It's an activity that literally requires you to slow down and have a look around. Whether you choose a setup that people can simply drive through, or have a walking exhibit with paths through the woods, the ability to do a fun, safe group activity that encourages getting away from technology screens is a fading pastime.

Thirdly, as mentioned above, choose what kind of setup you'd like to prepare. If you have a stretch of property or large enough churchyard, get people out walking! Create paths that guide your guests to a nativity scene the way visitors came to see the Blessed Virgin and Emmanuel. Have a little fun with it, too. If you are so moved, create other areas that bring together winter animals, toy soldiers and even Santa Claus. Pay reverence to the reason for the season, but remember that not all your visitors may know your Redeemer the way you do. Show them it is possible to enjoy the silly parts of Christmastime while sharing in God's light at the same time.

We treasure the story of the Three Wise Men

Between them, Luke and Matthew further clarify that Mary and Joseph had left Jerusalem to pay taxes in Bethlehem and prepare for Jesus' birth. They also say the Magi visited the Nativity and the family found refuge from Herod's wrath in Egypt before returning to Nazareth after his death.

Many interpreters and artists have addressed the three Magi visitors. Matthew depicts them as the first Gentiles to recognize Jesus' significance, thus the very first worshippers. Falling before the Messiah-King, they presented extraordinary gifts: gold fitting a true king, frankincense recognizing the Son of God, and myrrh symbolizing His anticipated immortality.

We are not sure which label handed down over time best describes these Magi, whom Western Christians later named Gaspar, Melchior, and Balthasar. The Greek word magoi covers magicians, fortune-tellers, priestly visionaries, and astrologers. Connecting them with the star, Matthew may have thought they were astrologers, but they could have been astronomers.

Neither are we sure why, how, or from where Magi came. Many think they traveled from Babylonia or Persia. If they indeed asked King Herod about the arrival of a ruler who would upset his rule, they were probably Gentiles, not Jews.

Magi were free to mix with kings and others in high places. Dedicated to traveling afar and gathering broad perspectives of the world, some represented kings, and all sought knowledge. Peers undoubtedly regarded them as sophisticated and wise. Having a star guide their path to the Nativity surely helped our three Magi grasp their mission's importance. After seeing the newborn Babe, they wisely went home another way to avoid the cruel despot Herod.

Whatever the occupations of the Magi who found Jesus, they surely were three "wise men."

Over generations of storytelling, they have further graduated to "kings" in the eyes of many. Though no records indicate any of them was one, artists, writers, and many cultures have embraced all three as kings.

The Old Testament had said kings would come to the "brightness of dawn" (Isaiah) and bring gifts in tribute (Psalms). The three men of substantial stature who fell down before Christ recognized Him as the long-awaited King of the Jews. These already respected individuals gained even more esteem as they witnessed what they had seen. Those they told may have readily elevated them to "kings."

Though scholars may question details, ordinary people worldwide treasure the story we have learned over the ages. Most of us simply want to celebrate Christ's birth. Content with our Magi, we are sure they were Three Wise Men and comfortable if they were Three Kings too. They are essential to our Nativity scenes, our hymns, and "everything Christmas."

Maura F. Wood
August 15, 2004

THE SPELLING BEE

Excerpted from "Spelling Bee" The Musical

Speller your word is CRECHE

DEFINITION
A modeled representation of Mary and Joseph at the crib of Jesus as displayed at Christmas season.

USE IN A SENTENCE
Among the most memorable holiday decorations in the history of Wall Street was the Stock market CRECHE of 1929.

Please visit www.SpellingBeetheMusical.com.

Or Account of a Visit from St. Nicholas by Major Henry Livingston Jr. (1748-1828) (previously believed to be by Clement Clarke Moore)

'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there;

The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads;
And mamma in her 'kerchief, and I in my cap,
Had just settled down for a long winter's nap,

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.

The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow
Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below,
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a miniature sleigh, and eight tiny reindeer,

With a little old driver, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick.
More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name;

"Now, DASHER! now, DANCER! now, PRANCER and VIXEN!
On, COMET! on CUPID! on, DONDER and BLITZEN!
To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!
Now dash away! dash away! dash away all!"

As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,
When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky,
So up to the house-top the coursers they flew,
With the sleigh full of toys, and St. Nicholas too.

And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof
The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.
As I drew in my hand, and was turning around,
Down the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound.

He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,
And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot;
A bundle of toys he had flung on his back,
And he looked like a peddler just opening his pack.

His eyes -- how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!
His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,
And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow;

The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,
And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath;
He had a broad face and a little round belly,
That shook, when he laughed like a bowlful of jelly.

He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,
And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself;
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread;

He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
And filled all the stockings; then turned with a jerk,
And laying his finger aside of his nose,
And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose;

He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,
And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.
But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight,
"HAPPY CHRISTMAS TO ALL, AND TO ALL A GOOD-NIGHT!"

Take any hundred people in the western world and pose the question 'what does nativity mean to you'?

Ninety percent will answer 'the birth of baby Jesus', 'the birth of Our Lord' and many more amalgams of such a thought.

For that is what they learnt to believe from a very early age. That is the Christian belief.

When our minds could take in the Festival of Christmas we then saw the baby Jesus lying in a cot of straw, adored by the Virgin Mary, his mother, and Joseph, his father. Close by were farm animals, cattle, sheep, a donkey and perhaps colourful fowl. For the scene was set in a stable - the only place they could find for the imminent birth of Mary's baby. Overhead a bright star seemed static in the heavenly firmament.

For most Christians the story of the birth of Jesus is pretty clearly defined. Just turn to the New Testament and there you will find everything one needs to know how the Savour, God Incarnate came into being. This is the story of the Jesus of Faith.

Down the ages artistic licence has been portrayed in the Scene of the Nativity. Whether it was a manger, crib, cot, grotto or cave that the baby Jesus was depicted in doesn't really matter. After all, the main thing is that 'He' was born to save mankind from eternal damnation and that was over two thousand years ago.

The Nativity brings together Mary, Joseph, the Christ Child, the shepherds, the angels, the animals and then on Epiphany, the Wise Men.

Western tradition sees the conception and birth of Jesus as divine events. Mary is depicted seated, holding the infant Jesus on her lap.

The eastern tradition, however, emphasises the reality of the incarnation of Jesus and his human birth. Mary is depicted lying down as she has just given birth.

In the hearth of Bethlehem stands the Church of the Nativity, one of Christianity's most sacred sites, the birthplace of Christ. Situated on Manger Square some miles from Jerusalem the Church is built over a grotto where the Virgin Mary is said to have given birth to Jesus.

These days it is administered jointly by three Christian denominations - the Roman Catholic Church, the Armenian Church and the Greek Orthodox Church. The site has been venerated by Christians since St. Justin Martyr identified it as the site of Jesus' birth in the second century.

Recently, the current Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem and head of the Roman Catholic Church in the region, described the Church's Basilica as a 'place of refuge for everyone'.

In the month leading up to December and Christmas, even in our much commercialised world, it is gratifying to know and witness the enormous thought and dedication that people are putting into their own personal appreciation and homage of this unique and sacred event.

The tradition of Christmas is celebrated and portrayed in many different guises throughout our world in this vibrant twenty-first century.

Over here in Ireland in our capital city, Dublin, thousands file past the 'Living Crib' outside the Mansion House in Dawson Street. Set up and manned each year by the Irish Farmers Association it embodies the very poignant picture of that momentous event. Whether in rain, snow or the endless grey of winter the scene is majestic in its magic and mystery.

With Ireland's increased prominence and participation in world affairs it is not uncommon to witness a kaleidoscope of ethnicity gazing in wonderment at the variety of animals surrounding the central figures of the Nativity.

Each child, usually accompanied by a family member or three, listens attentively to the story of the Birth of Baby Jesus as handed down from generation to generation, in whatever language. This image is then re-enacted by the family in their homes where each child becomes eager to create their very own individual crib.

To most of us in the western world Christmas presents a time for reflection on this humble birth of the child that created Christianity.

We know it as 'The Nativity'.

Henry G. Bellew
Author
Dublin, Ireland