Today I want to dedicate my article to one of the most beautiful Christmas traditions: Nativity scenes, and the birth of the baby Jesus. This tradition dates back to the 18th century when the first Christmas nativity scenes were built in the reign of Carlos III in Naples, Italy. These models were characterized by the details in the designs, the figures, and especially by a representation of the birth of Jesus set in the well-known Neapolitan chaos. This tradition, which spread around the world, has been recognized as a cultural expression of the simple life of the Neapolitans, making Naples famous as the city of nativity scenes.
Today many families continue this Christmas tradition, building the nativity scene according to their imagination and creativity. Most nativity scenes are made up of houses, roads, rivers, mountains, lights, figures of people, animals, the representations of the Three Wise Men and the paths that lead them to the stable where the Child will be born and many representative elements of each local culture. But there is something that cannot be missing: a humble stable with the representations of Joseph, Mary and a cradle where the baby Jesus will be placed on December 24, the date of his birth.
This is one of the most important traditions for most Latin American families, who year after year dust off the boxes where they keep all the Christmas decor to set up their nativity scenes next to the Christmas Tree. This is undoubtedly a beautiful event that brings together children and adults, maintaining the spirit of family unit that is characteristic of Christmas.
Merry Christmas to all!