christmas traditions

A Beautiful Nativity Scene

Nativity Scene of local Nursery Home - Personal Photo

@LadyDuck (458867)

Switzerland

December 12, 2016 8:30am CST

If there is a place where I like to have breakfast on Sunday is at the nursing home cafe of our village. The cafe opens at 7 in the morning. You can smell their breads, pastries and croissants, fresh from the ovens. We went yesterday morning for a croissant and cappuccino, and I took a photo of the Nativity Scene, they put up in the entry all. We created a huge nativity scene in the living room, when I was a kid. Now I put a small manger near the Christmas tree, just to respect the tradition. Do you set up the Nativity Scene or you only put up the Christmas tree? The photo is mine

73 people like this

80 responses

@marlina (154165)

• Canada

12 Dec 16

As a kid, we did have a Christmas tree and a Nativiy scene at home but not now.

9 people like this

@LadyDuck (458867)

• Switzerland

12 Dec 16

I have a very small Nativity Scene, but I remember how much I liked to set up the scene when I was a kid. I would love to do this again.

3 people like this

@SIMPLYD (90722)

• Philippines

13 Dec 16

It's good to know that there , the nativity scene is always put up .

Here , as i have observed mostly just put the Christmas tree. It seems the nativity scene isn't practiced to be put up anymore .

Even at home , we only have the Christmas tree .

4 people like this

show previous comments

@SIMPLYD (90722)

• Philippines

13 Dec 16

@LadyDuck Yes, indeed , it is actually the real spirit of Christmas . Although , churches here have a big nativity scene at the side of the altar . And that's what is important , the church practices it always on December .

4 people like this

@LadyDuck (458867)

• Switzerland

13 Dec 16

I have the manger put up with the tree, but I do not set up a big Nativity Scene anymore. It's a shame, because this is the real spirit of Christmas.

2 people like this

@LadyDuck (458867)

• Switzerland

13 Dec 16

@SIMPLYD All our public office have a Nativity Scene in the lobby, because the south of Switzerland is Catholic.

3 people like this

Show more comments

@topffer (42156)

• France

12 Dec 16

It is a very large one, larger than the one in my church. We used to have a Nativity Scene at home when I was a kid, but I have never installed one in my home, only Christmas trees. Since I live alone, I do not even put a tree for Christmas.

3 people like this

@LadyDuck (458867)

• Switzerland

12 Dec 16

It was a lot of work to set a nice Nativity Scene, we did it when I was a kid. In Provence, I bought a full set of Santons. I should make an effort and set up the scene on the fireplace mantle.

1 person likes this

@topffer (42156)

• France

12 Dec 16

@LadyDuck It is very decorative, but, right, it is a lot of work. This one is very nice. There is one in quite every church here, but they are often very small. I saw an exhibition/contest of Nativity Scenes last December in a small town. The visitors could vote for their preferred one, and I chose one made with cardboard and all Santons in origami, including the baby Jesus and his cradle. It was the most original for me, but I doubt that it won.

1 person likes this

@LadyDuck (458867)

• Switzerland

12 Dec 16

@topffer That was a lot of work to make everything with cardboard and all in origami. It is surely something original, but I also doubt that it wins.

1 person likes this

Show more comments

crazyhorseladycx

@crazyhorseladycx (39515)

• United States

12 Dec 16

a stunnin' settin'! 'tis wonderful that the nursin' home cafe 'tis open to all. the aromas've no doubt got to be most temptin'! i used to've a nativity scene, gave such to the daughter when she got married'n've yet to replace 't....i've still not e'en gotten my tree. the only decorations bein' some lovely cards folks from here've sent that i've hung.

3 people like this

@LadyDuck (458867)

• Switzerland

13 Dec 16

The cafe of the nursing home is the best in town. When you pass in front of it, you feel the smell of fresh bread, pastries and coffee. It's hard to resist. I have only put up a small tree and the manger near it.

3 people like this

@LadyDuck (458867)

• Switzerland

13 Dec 16

@crazyhorseladycx This is a shame. Last Sunday I have seen the baker coming out from the back with a big birthday gate made for a client, it was beautiful.

1 person likes this

crazyhorseladycx

@crazyhorseladycx (39515)

• United States

13 Dec 16

@LadyDuck sadly the nursin' homes here don't make nothin' from scratch - all 'tis pre-boxed/made :(

1 person likes this

Show more comments

@MALUSE (69413)

• Germany

12 Dec 16

We used to have a nativity scene at home until I grew up. The figures were made of wood and hand carved. I haven't kept up the tradition, though.

3 people like this

@LadyDuck (458867)

• Switzerland

12 Dec 16

My father used to set up a beautiful nativity scene. The figures must be in a big box in the house of my mother, at least I hope they are still there. Some were made of wood, some are those handmade in Napoli. They are very old and beautiful.

1 person likes this

@MALUSE (69413)

• Germany

12 Dec 16

@LadyDuck I've been to Napoli and to the street in Spaccanapoli where all the shops with the nativity scenes are. Some are really funny. Footballers, pop stars and politicians at the crib beside ox and donkey!

2 people like this

@LadyDuck (458867)

• Switzerland

12 Dec 16

@MALUSE Those they make now are very funny, but those made about a century ago were beautiful. I sincerely hope to be able to recover them.

2 people like this

@TheHorse (206284)

• Walnut Creek, California

13 Dec 16

I just make little Christmas trees. Nothing else.

3 people like this

@LadyDuck (458867)

• Switzerland

13 Dec 16

I have lost the tradition to set up the Nativity Scene, but I miss it. I loved to create small lakes and the cascade with pieces of aluminium foil and broken mirrors. I should do it again.

2 people like this

@TheHorse (206284)

• Walnut Creek, California

13 Dec 16

@LadyDuck I used to create Nativity Scenes in my mind when I'd visit my horse around Christmas.

2 people like this

@TheHorse (206284)

• Walnut Creek, California

22 Dec 16

@LadyDuck I think you should get back to creating your own nativity scenes! It's a beautiful image.

2 people like this

Show more comments

@Shellyann36 (11385)

• United States

13 Dec 16

They have a very nice nativity scene! We have a smaller one that sits on our hutch.

2 people like this

show previous comments

@Shellyann36 (11385)

• United States

13 Dec 16

@LadyDuck Yes, so many people forget today, that Christmas is really about Christ. Most young children today don't understand that, and it has to be taught.

1 person likes this

@LadyDuck (458867)

• Switzerland

13 Dec 16

@Shellyann36 I agree, Christmas has become such a commercial event that children do not even know the real meaning of the celebration.

1 person likes this

@LadyDuck (458867)

• Switzerland

13 Dec 16

It's a nice tradition and a way to remember what Christmas really means.

1 person likes this

Show more comments

@marguicha (215711)

• Chile

12 Dec 16

I have the smallest manger which I add to the very small tree I put up, just for Leticia and myself.

2 people like this

show previous comments

@marguicha (215711)

• Chile

13 Dec 16

@LadyDuck We had a bigger manger when we were small. I think that my youngest daughter has it now, some pieces broken. My aunt still has the manger my grandfather brought from Germany. It´s a beaut made from wood.

1 person likes this

@LadyDuck (458867)

• Switzerland

12 Dec 16

I also have the very small one now, the tree is not big too, but I like to create the Christmas setting.

1 person likes this

@LadyDuck (458867)

• Switzerland

13 Dec 16

@marguicha I still have all the figurines, the house and the manger that my father used. They came from his grandfather, beautiful pieces of art.

1 person likes this

Show more comments

@much2say (53944)

• Los Angeles, California

12 Dec 16

That is quite a Nativity scene and I read in a comment of yours that this was only part of it - wow! We've only put up the Christmas tree through the years.

2 people like this

show previous comments

@much2say (53944)

• Los Angeles, California

12 Dec 16

@LadyDuck How big was the whole scene? Looks like they did a great job - they took the time to put in some wonderful details!

1 person likes this

@LadyDuck (458867)

• Switzerland

12 Dec 16

Yes, this is the part where there is the manger, on the left the village continues, with small streets, figures and shops. They did a very nice work.

1 person likes this

@LadyDuck (458867)

• Switzerland

12 Dec 16

@much2say I would say that the whole scene is about 5 meters long. The next Sunday, when I go there for breakfast, I will take more photos.

1 person likes this

Show more comments

@crossbones27 (48444)

• Mojave, California

12 Dec 16

I saw the picture I am going to respond later. Realy tired.

2 people like this

show previous comments

@crossbones27 (48444)

• Mojave, California

15 Dec 16

@LadyDuck Funny I do not remember that but vaguely. This and how you describe looks cool. Why do I get the feeling you are this interesting lady who has lived a full life. Now all I do is hide in the closet because I hate people. i should get out more and get right with the world. Thanks this motivates me.

1 person likes this

@LadyDuck (458867)

• Switzerland

15 Dec 16

I would be pleased to motivate you. I do not like to go outside a lot, but during the quiet moments of the day, when only a few are around, I like to have a look at the outside world.

1 person likes this

@LadyDuck (458867)

• Switzerland

12 Dec 16

Have a good rest.

Show more comments

changjiangzhibin89

@changjiangzhibin89 (16542)

• China

13 Dec 16

It is a wonderful exhibition ,which makes your room be full of holiday atmosphere.

2 people like this

show previous comments

changjiangzhibin89

@changjiangzhibin89 (16542)

• China

14 Dec 16

@LadyDuck It is really beautiful ! Where do you get it from ?

1 person likes this

@LadyDuck (458867)

• Switzerland

14 Dec 16

@changjiangzhibin89 Do you mean this Nativity Scene? It was made by the nurses in the hall of the nursing home in our village.

1 person likes this

@LadyDuck (458867)

• Switzerland

13 Dec 16

Of course it makes no sense for people of other religions, but it's anyway a beautiful scene.

1 person likes this

Show more comments

Arthur Chappell

@arthurchappell (45002)

• Preston, England

12 Dec 16

I only display my Christmas cards - no trees and certainly no nativity scene

2 people like this

show previous comments

Arthur Chappell

@arthurchappell (45002)

• Preston, England

13 Dec 16

hope things improve by 2017 @LadyDuck

1 person likes this

@LadyDuck (458867)

• Switzerland

14 Dec 16

@arthurchappell Thank you Arthur, my Sister in Law is very very bad. I am sorry for my niece, we fear the worse just around Christmas.

1 person likes this

@LadyDuck (458867)

• Switzerland

13 Dec 16

I have put up only a very few decorations this year, it's not the best Christmas due to some health problems in the family.

1 person likes this

Show more comments

@garymarsh6 (23393)

• United Kingdom

12 Dec 16

I always put the nativity scene out for Christmas, however, we never place the baby in the manger until just after Midnight on Christmas eve after midnight mass!

2 people like this

@LadyDuck (458867)

• Switzerland

13 Dec 16

Gary, the Baby in fact was not yet in the manger and my father always waited until Christmas midnight to put the small statue in the manger. The 6th of January (Three Kings Day), he added the 3 kings in front of the manger. Wonderful and sad memories of a beautiful time.

1 person likes this

@LadyDuck (458867)

• Switzerland

21 Dec 16

@garymarsh6 I miss my father, he was the spirit of every holiday. Mom is different, she never really liked to decorate and organize the celebrations.

1 person likes this

@garymarsh6 (23393)

• United Kingdom

20 Dec 16

@LadyDuck Arr it is nice to remember our parents and what we used to do. Sad but wonderful memories as you say!

1 person likes this

Show more comments

@blitzfrick (2890)

• United States

14 Dec 16

Louis Black, an American comedian who bases his comedy on complaint, has posted his Negativity Scene on Twitter. All the figures are frowning.

2 people like this

@LadyDuck (458867)

• Switzerland

15 Dec 16

Well, I am not extremely religious, but I do not like to offend the Nativity. It is incredible how this can be "acceptable" to Christians, he would be at risk of jail in many countries if offended some other religions.

1 person likes this

@LadyDuck (458867)

• Switzerland

15 Dec 16

@blitzfrick Yes, in fact the Journalists of "Charlie Hebdo" were killed for posting a joke about Muslims.

1 person likes this

@blitzfrick (2890)

• United States

15 Dec 16

@LadyDuck Hooray for freedom of speech! He, like Don Rickles, is a popular US comedian.

1 person likes this

Show more comments

@youless (112123)

• Guangzhou, China

14 Dec 16

It is none of the custom here. But it is still nice to see it.

2 people like this

show previous comments

@youless (112123)

• Guangzhou, China

14 Dec 16

@LadyDuck Some of Chinese will still set up a little Christmas tree at home, especially when they have children. Christmas is a happy festival for children because of Santa Claus

1 person likes this

@LadyDuck (458867)

• Switzerland

14 Dec 16

Of course, it's not part of your religion and your traditions. When I was a kid we always set up the Nativity at my parents house.

1 person likes this

@LadyDuck (458867)

• Switzerland

14 Dec 16

@youless Of course you only see the commercial side of Christmas.

1 person likes this

@jaboUK (64361)

• United Kingdom

14 Dec 16

I don't have a nativity scene, just a small tree. They have a cafe in a nursing home?

2 people like this

@LadyDuck (458867)

• Switzerland

15 Dec 16

Yes, there is a cafe open to the public and the bakery shop is attached to the cafe. They make the best pastries of the area. We like to go there to have our breakfast... who knows, it could be our final home.

1 person likes this

@LadyDuck (458867)

• Switzerland

15 Dec 16

@jaboUK Honestly I also would hate something like this, even if this place is beautiful, is far to be a "home".

1 person likes this

@jaboUK (64361)

• United Kingdom

15 Dec 16

@LadyDuck Oh I hope it won't be your last home. I have a dread of ending up in one of those places.

1 person likes this

Show more comments

@akalinus (40582)

• United States

13 Dec 16

I usually have a small Nativity in the house. I had one for years but the cat bit Joseph's head off once and then somehow it fell on the floor and someone smashed it to smithereens with a boot. I got another one but did love the first one. I have not put it up so far this year. I do not feel like celebrating and neither does my son.

2 people like this

@LadyDuck (458867)

• Switzerland

13 Dec 16

Nobody in the family is really in the mood to celebrate this year, with my Sis in Law in the hospital and knowing she will never come back home, we do not feel do to anything.

1 person likes this

@akalinus (40582)

• United States

14 Dec 16

@LadyDuck So sorry about your loved one. Christmas can be a depressing time of year.

1 person likes this

@LadyDuck (458867)

• Switzerland

15 Dec 16

@akalinus Thank you, you are right, this time can be full of joy or depressing.

@JudyEv (326098)

• Rockingham, Australia

13 Dec 16

I've always regretted never having a nativity scene but we were never at our home for Christmas so it didn't seem worthwhile. I wish now that we'd had one.

2 people like this

@LadyDuck (458867)

• Switzerland

13 Dec 16

My father always set up the scene when we were kids. I continued the tradition when we lived in Italy, but when we moved to Monte-Carlo, the apartment was too small for a tree and the Nativity.

1 person likes this

@LadyDuck (458867)

• Switzerland

13 Dec 16

@JudyEv I missed it a lot.

1 person likes this

@JudyEv (326098)

• Rockingham, Australia

13 Dec 16

@LadyDuck You would have missed the nativity for a few years after it being such a tradition.

3 people like this

Show more comments

Claudia Kirkland

@CRK109 (14558)

• United States

14 Dec 16

My Nativity, to me, is much more important than any tree. I only have a ceramic lighted Christmas tree on my table and my Nativity is on top of a chest of drawers.

2 people like this

@LadyDuck (458867)

• Switzerland

15 Dec 16

It's the same for me, people have lost the spirit of Christmas, that is not Santa Claus riding a sled and a tree, but it's all about the birth of Jesus.

1 person likes this

@LadyDuck (458867)

• Switzerland

15 Dec 16

@CRK109 Too many do not remember, it is a shame and it shows.

1 person likes this

Claudia Kirkland

@CRK109 (14558)

• United States

15 Dec 16

@LadyDuck Yes it is. Without the birth of Jesus, there would be no Christmas. Our world needs to remember that.

1 person likes this

Show more comments

@Gita17112016 (3611)

• Trinidad And Tobago

12 Dec 16

We do a nativity scene if we are at work...when I was working. But yes, we put up a Christmas tree about a week before Christmas.

2 people like this

@LadyDuck (458867)

• Switzerland

12 Dec 16

When I was a kid for most families the Nativity Scene was more important than the Christmas tree.

1 person likes this

@LadyDuck (458867)

• Switzerland

13 Dec 16

@Gita17112016 Not every country celebrates Christmas in the sense of the birth of Christ. Now it has become a commercial celebration, like many others.

1 person likes this

@Gita17112016 (3611)

• Trinidad And Tobago

12 Dec 16

@LadyDuck We are not Christians but the neighbors were more into parang singing.We never grew up with a Christmas tree either. It was just some soft drink (soda) to drink and maybe a slice of cake...we were that poor. No presents either.

1 person likes this

Show more comments