Bringing Christmas to life

Photos by IRIS SMOOT/Acorn Newspapers REASON FOR THE SEASON—Taylor Blomquist, 7, and her friend Cheryl Conatser of Simi Valley, at right above, watch a living nativity scene during the last day of the annual Simi Community Church event on Tuesday at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Above right, baritone Paul Bartlett, seen through an etched glass nativity scene, sings Christmas songs. The event, which ran for five days, featured local musical groups and hundreds of créches from around the world. Two 9-year-olds dashed from table to table playing a game of seek and find.

The girls were looking for a baby Jesus in a boat, a figure with the babe's finger in his mother's mouth and a sheep with a funny eye.

The figures were among 400 créches on display at the Simi Community Christmas event held last week. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints presented the dazzling display of créches free to the public.

"I think it's really beautiful. I like seeing things from all over the world," Sophia Kinch said as she checked off a found item.

The fourth-grader came to the event with her schoolmate Abby Westenskow and Abby's mom.

"I like the way they set things up for this special event," Abby said. "It's awesome."

More than 400 people per night dropped by to view the nativity scenes.

The créches were set on 40 tables draped in velvet and silk in the church's grand hall. The church is at 480 Sinaloa St.

Most of the nativities were on loan from people in the community.

"There are some private collectors that have fairly extensive collections. Other people just wanted to share their unique créche," said Leila Jones, chair of the organizing committee. "We advertized for people to bring them in. This is not only a church event; it's a community event."

In some cases, people purchased the créches when they visited a foreign country.

"A man came in the other day from Colombia. He was so thrilled to see something from his country," Jones said. "The créches represent that country's traditions and costumes."

MPRESSED—Lisje Limpo of Moorpark takes a look at a tiny créche, one of among 400 on display during the event. There were a Mongolian nativity with fur hats, carved figures in native costume from Africa and kimonowearing figures from Japan. The display presented American and classic traditions as well.

A nativity carved on a pinhead and one featuring rubber duckies were among the more fanciful sets.

Ceramic, wood and fabric were some of the materials used. There was a Waterford crystal nativity from Ireland and one made of rolled banana leaves from Kenya.

While the visitors wandered around the displays, vocal groups, soloists and musicians treated them to the glorious sounds of Christmas.

"We invited the school groups to come in, and the church formed three choirs," Linda Smith said, a member of the organizing committee. "We had many wonderful performers from classical to opera to jazz."

After an eight-week break, the committee, made up of more than 20 members, will start making plans for next year's event.

"We really want to provide a gift that is welcoming," Jones said. "Christmas is all about sharing with others, sharing with our community."