Years ago, I remember drinking in the words of the Tasha Tudor Book of Holidays like Bob Cratchit over a bowl of smoking bishop: "We followed a path lighted by candles to an enchanting Creche in the woods." Gazing at the captivating watercolors, I kept imagining myself on that same path--the words of Adeste Fideles ringing out above the rustle of wind and crunch of snow--padding toward a gleaming creche with two hands clasped with those of my little ones. It took about seven years of dreaming before we found just the perfect one two Christmases ago--a place to pray under the stars, to warble carols through a cloud of icy breath, and to nestle the Christ Child after Mass on Christmas Eve.
We have not yet managed the path of candles, but someday, someday . . . .
Theresa smiles:
Margaret places the Babe in the stable:
Come and behold Him, born the King of Angels:
Alice, this is the most beautiful Christmas memory I can imagine!!
Posted by: Dawn | January 04, 2007 at 07:05 AM
I ditto what Dawn said. What a wonderful, wonderful memory.
This makes me miss my little acreage of woodland so much! :(
For the path of lights, why not let the children hold candles until you can get something more permanet? Just a thought.
Posted by: Cay in La. | January 04, 2007 at 08:16 AM
Wow, that is gorgeous. It looks so peaceful. I love this idea.
Posted by: Jennifer | January 04, 2007 at 08:22 AM
That is one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen - I'm bookmarking this into my Christmas folder and next year, I'm going to try it, too!
I love Tasha Tudor.
Posted by: Beck | January 04, 2007 at 08:40 AM
So very beautiful and inspiring!
Posted by: Cheryl | January 04, 2007 at 08:41 AM
I love it!
Posted by: Love2learn Mom | January 04, 2007 at 08:50 AM
What a beautiful tradition to pass on to generations!
Posted by: Michelle | January 04, 2007 at 10:09 AM
Another wonderful idea Alice! I'm sure you'll do the path of candles someday. Your children look so well dressed and sweet.
Posted by: Cheryl | January 04, 2007 at 12:49 PM
So beautiful!
How blessed your children are, Alice!
Posted by: Jane Ramsey | January 04, 2007 at 02:19 PM
How wonderful, can I come and just live in your garden, I promise I won't be any bother, please...:)
Posted by: Meredith | January 04, 2007 at 03:48 PM
This is magic!
Posted by: Suzanne Temple | January 04, 2007 at 09:33 PM
Oh, Alice. I longed to do this years ago when we lived in the city. Now that we have some woods of our own, I had forgotten all about it. I'm so glad you shared this! Next Christmas...
Posted by: Our Magnum Opus | January 04, 2007 at 10:01 PM
The scene is just a dream! That is yet another idea I will borrow! We don't have "woods," but a dark corner of the yard would work well. Thank you again, Alice.
Posted by: Jeannine | January 04, 2007 at 10:38 PM
This is so very lovely! Thank you so much for sharing!
Posted by: Kimberlee | January 04, 2007 at 11:37 PM
This is such a treasure, for your family and for all of us! I also love Tasha Tudor. And how relieved I am to know that you once wished for this and it came true years later. It is a dream of mine to have an outdoor nativity one day! Now I know it's possible. God bless you, Alice!
Posted by: Kristen Laurence | January 06, 2007 at 02:21 AM
This is absolutely beautiful!
Posted by: Christine | January 08, 2007 at 12:11 PM
Wow, Mom, the photos are so pretty!
='D
--Theresa
Posted by: Theresa | January 31, 2007 at 02:20 PM
I didn't see this until now. It's just beautiful! I loved that idea from Tasha Tudor...I also think I read that it's a German custom. How lovely that you have a place to do that!
Posted by: Jenn Miller | February 12, 2007 at 02:03 PM
Alice, I finally ordered the Tasha Tudor book and smiled when I came to the passage about the Creche in the Woods - I didn't remember it as the inspiration for your own, but I immediately thought of this post as I read the words. Now the wheels are turning in my own mind....
Posted by: Jennifer | July 28, 2007 at 10:28 AM
Alice your nativity and family are beautiful! I've been looking for a lovely outdoor nativity for a few years now. Do you mind sharing where you found it? Still praying for your mother, and family. God bless.
Posted by: Sarah | December 27, 2007 at 12:13 AM
Dear Michelle,you have captured the betuay of the individuals as well as their loving family unit & the joy they share being with each other. Thank you for sharing these images with us all. Ryan's aunt aka ABG
Posted by: Taanaanii | July 12, 2012 at 12:42 AM