I've been looking for a nativity set for ages.
Several years and many Internet shopping excursions later, I've collected the ox and the donkey. That's it.
That's because the options out there are these:
the obscene,
the anemic and vacuous,
the wooly Waldorf,
the folksy,
the inaccurately ethnic,
the unaffordable ($1,100),
and the vague and washed out.
Actually, Ostheimer (above) and Engelberger (first photos), both German wooden scenes, appeal to me the most. But I'm not sure I like them enough to go for the entire set. And so we settled for the two Engelberger animals this year.
The hunt for a beautiful, child-friendly, respectful, well-crafted crèche will resume next year.
Hey Knitting Queen - you missed this one! http://aww.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=26930
I just looked yours up and think I'm going to steer my kids into the wood carving business - WOW!
Merry Christmas and may God continue to bless you and your family with health and happiness!
Posted by: LovingLynden | Monday, December 15, 2008 at 09:41 PM
This one is quite nice: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_gallery_19&listing_id=17962492
Actually there are quite a few nice ones on Etsy, you just have to dig a bit.
Oh and HI! Been poking around here for awhile, just never commented :)
Posted by: Ashley | Monday, December 15, 2008 at 09:54 PM
Ironically, I bet Steff on Sunday night when we were over that there was a story behind the set. You're delightfully true to form, Merry Christmas Martina.
Posted by: k | Tuesday, December 16, 2008 at 12:21 AM
I can't wait to show you my set from India.
Posted by: celeste allyn | Tuesday, December 16, 2008 at 04:17 AM
I hear you - I've been searching too. I keep trying to talk Jon into carving me a set. I'd settle with one figure a year...
Posted by: Tessa | Tuesday, December 16, 2008 at 09:02 AM
We have both the first obscene example (I understand its offensiveness, but my kids LOVE it and spend a lot of time playing with it) and the "anemic" Willowtree set, which I asked for as a Christmas gift.
I also have a beautiful jigsaw carved nativity hand-crafted by a married couple that live in Hope.
I'm pretty sure I know which nativity you would prefer, Martina. :) If you like, I could emai you a picture and find out if this couple is still making these sets.
Posted by: Niki F | Tuesday, December 16, 2008 at 05:00 PM
Oh, and I am so sad (sarcasm) I can't afford the cutely bear set. It would look so lovely in my home.
Posted by: Niki F | Tuesday, December 16, 2008 at 05:02 PM
excuse me, i don't find ducklings obscene! endearing maybe, but certainly not obscene.
Posted by: slydi | Tuesday, December 16, 2008 at 10:41 PM
When are you going to get the Ostheimer "Black Peter"?
Posted by: Danielle | Wednesday, December 17, 2008 at 08:44 AM
There's a carver who sells nativity scenes at the "One of a Kind Show" in Toronto... they're absolutely beautiful and less expensive than the ones shown above! MAybe if you have any relatives in Ontario they can send you a set?
Posted by: Xavier Emmanuelle | Wednesday, December 17, 2008 at 09:52 AM
Thanks for the suggestions.
@Niki F - I laughed nervously all evening after finding out you own two of the slandered sets.
@Danielle - I posted about the Ostheimer Black Peter figure last year!
http://www.freshmd.com/fresh_md/2007/12/right-in-there.html
I feel I should at least collect Mary, Joseph and Jesus first.
Posted by: FreshMD | Wednesday, December 17, 2008 at 09:28 PM