Nativity Creches from around the world

Last New Year's Eve I visited the The Washington D.C. Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

They had a lovely display of nativity creches from around the world. Each set was beautiful. Many different techniques and materials were used. The contrasts were so much fun to see.

I loved the little felted people and animals

The Temple is quite impressive

Beautifully painted ceramics

The grounds of the Temple were decorated for Christmas.

The Alaskan cabin was so cute with it's moose and dog sled

This set was made of glass beads

I love this Mexican set with the colourful painting. I have a similar one.

This Mexican set was beautiful too.

This set was fun.

This sweet little needlework set caught my fancy

So beautiful

Salzburg Christmas Museum

I was fortunate enough to visit the Salzburg Christmas Museum, last spring when I was on the wonderful TLC doll tour.  It was fun to see all the antique and traditional items on display.

A traditional Austrian/German Christmas is very much like ours, with a few differences.

For instance Saint Nick's companion is a horned, anthropomorphic figure named Krampus who, during the Christmas season, punishes children who have misbehaved.  Pretty scary, eh kids?

A number of different Saint Nicks with some of their odd companions named Krampus

A lovely large kitchen room box

Antique Erzgebirge Christmas Pyramids

Chocolate making in a miniature kitchen with a fancy ceramic stove

Antique Christmas music box

This is what Krampus does if you are naughty. So you'd better be nice.

Scary Krampus has some frightened maidens in his cage

Chimney sweeps were considered good luck

Wonderful antique Christmas toys

Pretty snow babies and dollies

Santa is skiing in with his pack full of presents

St. Nicholas didn't always wear red.

I love this reindeer.

Angels singing on high

Antique feather tree

A sweet little Santa

Ornaments for your tree

Lots of snow babies and more dollies

I love this reindeer too.

Is this the little match girl? I love Santa's face.

In an alcove at the back of the museum thee were several Christmas market booths in miniature

The main exhibition is made up of eleven theme sections complemented by special displays. Accompanying items and symbols of the traditional Christmastime celebrations can be marvelled at in the ‘Celebrations between Advent and New Year in southern Germany and Austria 1840 – 1940’ exhibition. What makes the exhibition extra special is that each of these works and unique items is of cultural and historical significance, and was collected by Ursula Kloiber during a period of almost 40 years.


I hope you enjoyed the tour.

Happy Holidays to you and yours.

Susan