This is a 3.5 X 4.5 inch baby first picture frame announcing “It’s A Boy”. A teddy bear is in one corner of the picture frame with baby blocks, a rattle, and a little train engine strung on a ribbon. The frame will hold a 2 inch by 3 inch photo. A fold out leg allows the frame to stand on any flat surface. An attached ribbon will also allow the photo frame to be hung on your Christmas tree. Select this link to view our Baby First Christmas Ornaments.
The Christmas Crib
In the year 1220 St, Francis of Assissi visited Bethlehem. He was so impressed with the way Christmas was celebrated there, that he asked the Pope for permission to recreate it in his own village in Italy.
He built a manger in a cave and placed a stone image of the baby Jesus in it. He surrounded the manger with real animals and said a Mass. The people who came felt as though they had been at the actual birth of the Baby Jesus.
Before long, wooden nativity scenes were displayed in churches and homes across Europe. Today they continue to be popular as a way of reminding us that Christmas is really about the birth of Christ.
The tradition was brought into Spain from Naples. In Catalonia, a figure is included that represents a Catalan peasant. In Provence, in the South of France, nativity scenes use small clay figurines called Santon, which represent the traditional trades and professions of old Provence. The Santons are then collected as art or craft objects.
A nativity scene, also called a crib or crèche, generally depicts the birthplace of Jesus. Nativity scenes usually show Jesus in a small crib or manger, with Joseph, and Mary in a barn intended for the housing of animals. A mule, ox, sheep, and sometimes other barnyard animals, surround them. Often added are the three wise men, shepherds, angels and the Star of Bethlehem. Select this link to view our Unique Baby Gifts.