Mission Accomplished

Several days ago I wrote about our sad state with no Christmas nativity.  Each time we would go out, I would search for one which we could purchase.  I made intentional trips to stores that people told me would have nativities.  I found nothing appropriate, until today.

Today Smitty and I rode the train to the largest city within our region, Freiburg, to look for a creche at the Weihnachtsmarkt, a suggestion from friends.  We found several, but none were quite what we wanted.

Riding the train home we talked about driving to a small store in Malsburg, another possible location for Christmas figures.  We passed the store the first time, then I questioned whether that tiny little place could have what we wanted.  Finally, we entered and found toys and crafts stacked to the ceiling and in every corner.   The shopkeeper, when asked for a "Crippe", meandered through a maze of stuffed bears, beads, and yarn to a case in a back room.  There, on the shelf, rested our figures.  Made of wood in Italy,  Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus came home with us.

The three of them have been placed in our entry area hutch with the  "fruitcake" king.  The Alpine horn player serves as the herald.   Next year we'll go back for more pieces.  But, for now, mission accomplished.