Third Annual Community Creche Christmas Celebration

The Community Creche Christmas Celebration, a free event showcasing hundreds of nativity scenes and several performances by local musicians, will be held on Friday, 5 December; Saturday, 6 December; and Sunday, 7 December at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints building at 283 James Street in Morristown.

The Celebration, which is open to the public, is a unique collaboration of community volunteers. Countless hours are spent in the weeks leading up to the exhibit by carpenters and handypersons hanging a false ceiling, wall coverings, and lights and by interior designers preparing tables to stage the display. During the exhibit, others staff a children’s room, perform in a staged tableau, and serve as docents. There are even volunteers who spend nights sleeping in the building to assure the security of the loaned nativities.

All of the musicians, amateurs and professionals alike, also donate their time. “We appreciate the generosity and talents of our musicians whose performances make our Celebration far more than just an exhibit,” music director Marco Vergara noted. Featured performers this year include sopranos Jamie Baer Peterson and Elena Teresa Bird, pianist Carl DiCasoli, and the sextet Express Male, an independent vocal ensemble within The Morris Choral Society.

For many, a visit to the event is becoming an annual tradition where they can enjoy old favorites and delight in new additions. For example, nativity collector Rebecca Kirkman will include old favorites such as her Russian nativities among the dozens of nativities she will lend the exhibit this year. But she will also display some of her newly acquired creches featuring native artists from Peru, Africa and India. This year some of her nativities will require a much closer look—several miniature nativities feature figures under one-inch tall.

Many families enjoy the welcoming atmosphere of the Celebration. A favorite is the children’s room where staff members help parents and children create Christmas crafts together. Visitor Tyler Oborn noted, “I enjoy this exhibit because it is such a family-friendly event that I can enjoy with my two young children.”

Public affairs representative Tracy Norton added, “Last year, one guest commented that the Celebration brought a feeling of peace to her heart and tears to her eyes. I can’t think of a better way to begin the holiday season, can you?”

Hours for the exhibit are Friday, 5 December 6-8:30 p.m., Saturday, 6 December 4-8:30 p.m., and Sunday, 7 December 2-7 p.m. For the most up-to-date information on the schedule musical performers visit www.communitycreche.org or www.facebook.com/communitycreche