Those interested in Christmas eclectic can view nativity scenes composed of rubber duckies, bears or crocheted people at the Holy Ghost Lutheran Church annual nativity display this weekend Friday through Sunday, Dec. 5-7.
The displays will be set up in the Holy Ghost Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall, at the corner of East San Antonio and South Adams streets.
The free event will kick off on Friday, running from 4-9 p.m. The scenes will be open from 2-8 p.m. on Saturday and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sunday.
The tradition began in 2007, with 10 small tables of sets in the church’s Sunday school building.
“We just feel we need to start the season off right,” said Kathy Boos, one of the organizers of the event. “It puts you in the mood for the season.”
A church member brought the idea of displaying nativity scenes to Holy Ghost from her former congregation.
“We tell people, this is the beginning of the Christmas season and Jesus is the reason for the season,” said Boos. “Come and adore him, this is how it all started.”
The event displays nativity sets from its church members. Some of the sets are from other countries, homemade or family heirlooms that have been passed down.
Displays range from the more traditional depictions of the Christmas Story to the more unique. The church houses scenes composed of figurines, one from Dooley’s, a former local business, to displays congregants pick up in other countries. They also have Christmas trees set up with nativity ornaments.
“I try to count every year, and I lose count. It’s over 300,” said Boos. “And its different every year. We have people from our church that bring theirs, and we have people in the community that have some.”
While the time to bring the sets has past, Boos encourages anyone who is interested to contact the church at 830-997-2288.
Some of the owners of the scenes write a short description of where they received their set, which will be displayed next to the nativity scene.
They also have a variety of materials, said Boos. The hall has seen nativities made from wood to a crocheted set.
Refreshments will be offered. Punch, hot chocolate, coffee and cookies will be served.
For more information on the Holy Ghost Nativity Display, log on to the church’s website at holyghostfbg.org or call the church office at 830-997-2288.
