Years ago, my mom started an incredibly special Christmas present tradition for her grandchildren – giving handmade nativity sets from around the world!  Through her involvement in WOM (Women on Mission) at her church, she became aware of www.worldcrafts.org.   Their mission statement begins, “World Crafts develops sustainable, fair-trade businesses among impoverished people around the world. Our vision is to offer an income with dignity and the hope of everlasting life to every person on earth.”  In buying their products, we are able to help make a difference across the world! 

This link is for their beautiful selection of nativity sets – http://worldcrafts.org/shop-subcategories.asp?cat=2&subcat=20.  Prices range from 19.99 to 79.99 not including shipping.  One year, for a more budget friendly option, my mom substituted a lovely handmade card with nativity scene for each of the kids.  http://worldcrafts.org/shop-subcategories.asp?cat=2&subcat=11  These come in sets so can be divided up.   I have known some of the nativities to sell out.  Thus, the early November post.  Get ’em while you can and mark your calendars for future years for a reminder to place an early order for best selection.

When family travelled internationally and brought back surprises, we added these sets to the collection.  As my kids’ collections grew, I began to get attached to them and requested a set for me and Tim as part of our Christmas presents also.  That way, when our kids head off on their own, they can take their sets and we’ll still have ours to enjoy displaying.  For now, we just put out one of each set and keep the others stored. 

So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger.
Luke 2:16