Mangers are a Major Attraction

The traditional Nativity scene outside is just the beginning.

Go inside the church Sunday and hundreds of other manger scenes, sometimes known as crèches, await.

Some can fit in your hand. Others are tall and colorful. They come from around the world, from Italy to New Mexico to the Holy Land.

But all share one quality, the event organizers say. They are unique, beautiful and an important reminder of the spiritual side of what can be a very commercial season.

“I think looking at these makes people feel good,’’ said Diane Libbey, Christian education chairman of the church.

The Nativity display can be viewed  from 1:30 to 5 p.m.

This display is just one dozens of family-friendly events scheduled throughout town during the Grafton Celebrates the Holiday event Sunday, Dec. 4.

More than 100 Nativity scenes will be displayed, including one in a music box and another that dates back to 1937. There is a Native Eskimo Snow Babies scene.

Some sets reflect the heritage of their home countries. Manger scenes from the Holy Land, for example, leave blank expression on the faces of Mary and Joseph, so that the viewer can use their own imagination and experiences to fill in the visages.

And in many cases, they elicit a sense of nostalgia. “You see people go around and they talk about their own,’’ Libbey said. “You’ll hear, Oh, my mother had one of those.’ ''

And there is even an area where children can interact with the scenes, because children love to touch and play with things, Libbey said.

Church secretary Janice King said the Nativity story touches a chord.

“It’s human,’’ she said. “Everyone can relate to having a new baby and showing off the new baby. It’s like a big art exhibit.’’