The Nativity Set -- Improved Upon

     I went to school at the University of Michigan. (Go Blue!) In Ann Arbor, I lived in the attic of a professor and his lawyer wife. In return for room and breakfast, I kept their house clean, babysat their daughter...and walked the dog at noon, if I wanted lunch, as well. They were kind and intelligent people, and this little farm girl learned much from them. 

I grew up with this kind of Nativity. 

In fact, I just bought a similar set for $10 at the Treasures thrift store...so we could have one this year. (My previous sets are still in the Michigan storage trailer. There was no chance to make it there this year, thanks to storms, a broken-down truck and both our Election commitments. We hope to make it in the spring.)

     My Ann Arbor family, on the other hand, had dozens of figures under their Christmas tree, doing all sorts of things, besides the usual Holy Family figures. It's the Italan version of the Nativity -- and every year at Christmas, you add another piece. 

     I admired these so much, but never thought it possible to have my version. Thanks to a great buy on Ebay, I do! Nearly 60 Italian figures, in three different sizes, doing everything from fishing to spinning. There's even a bum or so. (Don't ask -- I haven't a clue.)

Baby Jesus has an extra manger, too. Go figure.

Did I get them for a good price? Put it in this manner --

'My First Nativity Set' is ON SALE for $154.99 at the Fontanini store. (Fontanini is one of the best-known Italian makers of this style.)

An 11-piece set, normally $438, is $384.

Four figures on Ebay are $60 -- on sale from $80. 

(You can pay that much for a single figure or two at the Fontanini shop.)

A poultry shop? $85 -- and that's on Ebay, not the Fontanini site.

The carpenter's shop on Ebay is a bargain at $66; it includes the carpenter.

I'd love this little thatched roof wine shop, but it's not for sale. (I couldn't afford it, anyways.) 

Maybe I can make one.

This set doesn't include my old friend The Squatter...and there's no stable. (No problem with the latter -- I already have two.) Mary's not around, either. (Maybe shopping?)  But considering the prices...guess I didn't do that badly, after all.

I'll display the largest figures with pine branches, lights and other goodies, around the thrift shop set. The other sizes also have their special place.

But sooner or later, the girlies will be here visiting -- and Things Will Change.