One of my first Christmases after moving to Washington, D.C., I visited the National Cathedral. An Episcopal church of neo-Gothic design, it’s the second-largest church building in the country and one of the tallest structures in D.C. I was expecting only to tour the beautiful cathedral and see the city from its observation tower. What I didn’t know is that one of its little-known holiday features is a display of nativities from around the world!
The Start of My Collection
Although I’m not religious, I love the holiday season. Mulled wine, silver tinsel trees, scary retro Santas: I love every part of Christmas, the shinier and gaudier the better. Which is funny, because my favorite nativity up to that point was the simple white porcelain set my mother had displayed since I was a child
But this was different: so many countries of the world, each interpreting the same story through their own culture and native materials. Felted wool, carved wood, corn husks, metal, stone, terra cotta and more. Some were intricate or ornate, and others very simple. The figures more often than not represented local ethnicities. I pored over the exhibit for hours.
I decided then and there that I needed my own collection. So in my travels, I have sought them out in local shops and markets. It’s easier to find them in countries where Christianity is the predominant religion, of course. And it helps if you’re traveling during the holiday season. But that hasn’t stopped me from trying in every country I visit. I was even able to find one in Kyrgyzstan! Made from felted wool, it’s only the Holy Family, with a round wool yurt to store the pieces in. The little dolls are so sweet that it might be my favorite.
I added one new set to my collection this year from my recent Yucatan trip. Since I’m headed to Christmas markets in Europe soon, I will be on the prowl for a few more this season!
My Nativities From Around the World
Ukraine
In Ukraine, their matryoshka (nesting dolls) are each different, compared to Russian matryoshkas which are successively smaller dolls. Ukrainian matryoshkas tell a story, with each size showing different scenes or characters, so I was really excited to find one of the Christmas story at a local market.
Guatemala
I was able to find a few nativities when I visited Guatemala – the large statues are one of my favorites!
Mexico
In Mexico I found what I like to call a “portmanteau gift”: one souvenir that combines two things you really really like! I bought two similar nativities – one each for me and my sister – since we both love nativities and Day of the Dead. I also found the cutest church nativity – see below!
Peru
In Peru I went a little crazy and bought almost every nativity I saw. Maybe it was euphoria from surviving the Inca Trail hike, maybe it was altitude sickess – I just kept finding cuter ones. How adorbs is the little llama shepherd Holy Family?
Italy
I cheated a little on this nativity – it’s actually a gift my mother brought me this year from her first solo trip to Italy. It’s small, only about two inches high, but I just love the smooth carved olive wood and embracing figures!
Kyrgyzstan
Are you ready for my favorite? The Kyrgyz nativity is so cute it makes me squee. Made from felted wool, it’s the three dolls of the Holy Family, with a yurt to store them in. A tag inside listed the artisan’s name as part of a fair trade women’s cooperative.
National Cathedral Exhibit
Starting Your Own Collection
- Serrv.org
- LDS Living
- HandmadeHope.com
- Or check Etsy – I’ve had my eye on this gorgeous felted wool set from Israel for a while!
What do you collect from your travels? If you have questions about my collection, or if I’ve inspired you to collect nativities from around the world, please let me know in the comments!
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