A 3D Nativity

When it comes to a 3D Christmas, what's more dimensional than the figural representaion of the first Christmas known as the Nativity scene. Also refferred to as the creche or the manager scene, this tradition found in so many homes literally brought the birth of Christ to dimensional life after centuries of being portrayed in graphic art such as paintings and stained glass. (You can read about St. Francis of Assisi starting this tradition here, in a report from —who else?—the Franciscans.) Again, thanks to the Sears "Wishbook" for Christmas 1966, below are some classic examples of Nativity scenes (click on each image for a larger view), from large lighted figures for a snowy lawn to simple scenes (such as the beautiful "Modern Cathedral Nativity") for an end table or shelf ... a tradition both dimesntional and divine (in the sense of scared art) that blesses many homes at Yuletide— very appropraitely, for these "3D" scenes remind us of what is, after all, the whole point of Christmas.