Christmas Eve Cafe

Spain calls their Nativity-scene buildters Belenistas,
though this one is by an American in Santa Clara

At the conference, Benito learned that in Europe, whole cities have Nativity scene clubs that spend an entire year constructing life-sized dioramas, "For example, Madrid, Sevilla, and Barcelona: their clubs start building detailed buildings, with little exterior little lights, little pots and pans, trees and some of the dioramas have real water running as a little creek or fountain."

One of the few Americans to participate in the international conference, he laughed when he recalled how the European artisans reacted when they discovered his nationality, “A gentleman said to us, "Americans, pay close attention to this diorama because St. Joseph looks like the Hollywood actor, Charlton Heston, Mary is the likeness Ava Gardner, and the Egyptian figurine looks like Yul Brynner." But apart from this playful reference to the Hollywood film The Ten Commandments, Benito was one of equals amongst a handful of 550 international nativity makers in attendance. All were treated to the various creative ways that the nativity clubs and Spanish and Italian artists craft their dioramas to be truly sensory experiences.

Merry Christmas, friends! And garrett, too!

And of course a special thanks to the cobloggers! Give them a hand.

Tomorrow and Friday will be open threads from me, but I've got some good ones in the mix.

Cucking a chicken.

If you need a last-minute gift recommendation for your cat...

This dog wants you to know there's no shame in wearing a garish Christmas sweater.

Never challenge a cat in a pouncing contest.

On the internet, no one can tell if you're a cat.

Scuba Santa delivers toys to all the good underwater boys and girls.

Sweet drinks cabinet.

Washington's Christmas Eve crossing of the Delaware.

Farmers add some Yule lighting to their tractors:

posted by Ace at 07:30 PM

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