Our Foundation Creche is an unusual theme with two variations
Our high expectations of German creches are surpassed with this unusual specimen which features beautiful colors, relief -- and an unusual 'foundation' which raises and increases the visibility of the Holy Family.

To see a variation, click the companion creche below
The Foundation Creche -- The Magus

It's isn't every day a package comes in the mail from a total stranger, who, in this case did not remain a stranger for long.

Her name is M. Patricia Koogle, and her touching words accompanied two of the most beautiful creches I have ever seen: "Dear Alexis," she writes, " this is a gift from one Christmas lover to another. Do not send me any money -- Just enjoy and cherish them - -and have a Very Merry and Blessed Christmas."

I was speechless... Still am, as a matter of fact: not only for Patricia's generosity, but at the beauty of the Christmas scenes as well.

I have called them the 'Foundation' Creches since their design incorporates a white-brick foundation on which the manger is built.

I wondered, at first, at this novel construction. Then I realized that perhaps the intention was to highlight the Holy Family by 'elevating' on the pedstal of the foundation.

Printed in Germany, this Foundation Creche features 4 planes: the first contains a standing shepherd, his dog and a kneeling shepherd with a lamb. Separating these two figures is a Wise Man in a fiery red cape and a sheep.

Here, perhaps, I ought to mention that this creche is unusual not only because of it is raised on a foundation, but also because all the color elements have been printed separately, die cut, and attached to a cream, brick-patterned, board.

I suppose this construction allows for production flexibility: glue down a shepherd here, a magus, there, and you have infinite chreche designs -- without the expense of printing separate plates. Ingenious, really. But then, again, we're talking about our friends, the Germans, aren't we?

The second plane is the manger front in one piece onto which has been attached a sleepy sheep. The manger is constructed of bricks and wood and features a thatched roof on which the words Gloria in Excelsis Deo! (Glory to God in the Highest!) are written. Two palm trees are found to the left of the central opening, the Bethlehem star shines on the right, and a square, cellophane-covered window completes the design.

The third plane consists of the Virgin and Child. The Mother, in a flowing blue cloak and a red dress, is adjusting the swaddling clothes while the Babe peacefully lies in the manger. Joseph, again a separate piece, is looking on holding his crook.

The fourth plane creates the back wall, which has the muted-brick pattern of the foundation, and features a semi-circular window. This window, covered with cellephane decorated with six-pointed Stars of David, is crying out for a light source. One can imagine the beautiful glow it would create in a darkened room.

We thank M. Patricia Koogle for sharing this gem with us.