FOR ALL vVHO LOVE, OWN OR COLLECT CRECHES Vol 3
No. 3
The Newsletter of the Christmas Nativity
Fall 1999
JOIN IN THE CRECHE SOCIETY DISCUSSIONS
NATIONAL CHRISTMAS CENTER OPENS
We shall hold an exploratory meeting of the creche society for this side of the Atlantic on Saturday, December 4, 1999, in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, at 10 a.m. Fred Cole, of the Central Moravian Church, kindly has offered us a room in which to meet. Creche Herald is hosting this first gathering, but the newsletter cannot run the society. The future of the society depends upon an active board of directors and a chairperson who has the time and interest to devote to the undertaking. If you would like to serve on the board or chair the society, but cannot attend, please let me know by letter or e-mail. Our address is Creche Herald, 117 Crosshill Road, Wynnewood, PA 19096-3511.E-mail:crecher@op.net. Bethlehem is a delightful Christmas town to visit, and always stages an exciting Christkindlmart. Fred also has graciously extended an invitation to view Central Moravian Church' s splendid Putz which he coordinates. Looking forward to hearing from you or meeting you in Bethlehem. Rita B. Bacher, Publisher
Bright red and green standards fluttering in the wind, a spectacular three-dimensional star poised above its roof, the National Christmas Center in Paradise, Pennsylvania, welcomes visitors in this picturesquely named town. I visited the Center on a muggy July day, and immediately upon entering, got into the Christmas spirit. High overhead, a train wends its way around the lobby. A creche from the turn of the century lends a joyous dignity, contrasting with the 1950's Christmas scene, sparkling with bubble lights. In front stands a cotton-wrapped tree, its placard recalling that in Christmas 1833, a German settler in Illinois, finding no evergreens along the banks of the Mississippi, decorated a small sassafras tree, wrapping the bare winter branches in cotton to give a snow laden look. Among the display treasures are a corridor dedicated to over 500 images of Santa, an early emporium with creches and toys, Tudor Towne with its 150 animated animal characters in sixteen storybook scenes, and a gift shop. Highlight of the Center is a walk-through, life size recreation of Mary and Joseph's journey. A Roman sentry reads a decree in Latin, merchants ply their wares, and we see a carefully researched depiction of what the Holy Family's home might have looked like. Along the way, shepherds, angels, and Magi all pay realistic homage to the final Nativity scene. More galleries are planned for this delightful family attraction. Open lOa.m. to8p.m.Tel: 717-442-7950. Website: http://welcome.to/national christmas center.com.
INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION UPDATE
Plans continue to unfold for the International Creche Convention in Pamplona, Spain, October 11-15, 2000. Registration fees for participants are set at 204.34 Euros. The US dollar, as of this writing, was only slightly less than the euro, making the rate in US dollars nearly the same. Contact: Asociaci6n de Belenistas de Pamplona, Apartado de Correos 2161, 31080 Pamplona, Spain Planners also are inviting participants to display their creches, with the dimensions not exceeding 1.5 meters in any direction. Contact the Association at the above address. Conference hotel reservations are made through Viajes Navarsol. Double room with buffet breakfast: 16,800 pesetas. Single room: 9,500 pesetas. Add 7% tax. An additional meal adds 3,000 pesetas plus 7% tax daily. Value of the peseta to the US dollar, as of this writing, was 162:1, making a double room about $104 plus tax. Viajes Navarsol also will book side trips or excursions. The address: Viajes Navarsol, Avda. De Sancho El Furerte 8, 31007 Pamplona, Spain. E-mail: Info@navarsol.com. Convention website: www.aleluya2000.cjb.net/