Willow Tree Nativity

If you are in the market for a new holiday creche or nativity scene, consider buying a Willow Tree nativity set. Compared to many other figurine collections, the Willow Tree brand is very affordable. You can have the beginner set of figurines, which includes Mary & Joseph, and the infant Jesus, but also includes a young shepherd with a sheep in arms. It's a lovely start to what will become a Christmas tradition.

Additional pieces for the Willow Tree creche could include angels and, of course, the Three Wisemen. But you can also accessorize with additional animals and shepherds, as well as an actual creche backdrop. The accessories are reasonably priced: $60 for the Wisemen set or the Shepherd set and about $80 for the creche.

If your budget is smaller, you can get the Holy Family for about $65. Then through the years, you can add individual pieces to the scene. That's one of the beauties of a Willow Tree nativity, you can buy a single angel figurine for under $15. For years I have used nativity scenes as Christmas presents. A new couple, just starting out and celebrating their first Christmas as a family, will appreciate the thoughtful gift of a starter creche. And then, each year you can add to their nativity with a new piece! For some people that might seem hokey, but what's a better gift -- a gift certificate to a restaurant or something that evokes the real meaning behind the Christmas season?

Willow Tree was created by Susan Lordi and one of the things I love about the collection is the simplicity. Mary, with Jesus in her arms, creates a striking pose. But there's no eyes, no smile, on the figurine. Everything you get from looking at it comes from the pose. Mary is gently adjusting the cloth around her child's head. She leans in as though to whisper to Him. It's a perfect portrait of motherhood and it's all done in a few stokes.

I'm glad I found Willow Tree. The figurines are really beautiful and buying them for other people gives me joy. There's more than just the nativity pieces, of course and one of my favorite baby shower gifts is an "Angel of Mine" figurine. Mother and newborn caught in a moment of tenderness and quiet.

As the holiday draws closer and you're still trying to finish up your shopping, consider giving the gift of a Willow Tree nativity scene. It's a gift they'll cherish for years to come.