Moses Lake couple collects Nativity sets
Lois Anderson inspects the Christmas Nativity display at her Moses Lake home. The Andersons will have their display up until after Christmas. For more photos, <a href="http://www.instantimagegallery.com/iig/c/193">click here</a>.
MOSES LAKE - When Larry and Lois Anderson travel, they pass on typical souvenirs like magnets and T-shirts and instead try to bring back Christmas Nativity sets from their various international destinations.
The Andersons have collected Nativity sets over the years, as mementos from their travels and ways to remember milestones in life.
Their collection includes a Nativity scene that Lois etched on a mirror; a set from Israel, hand-carved from olive wood; a ceramic set that Lois' daughter made while in college and their most recent addition, a one-piece Nativity scene carved in South Africa.
"We have always bought them here and there," said Lois, who enjoys collecting Nativity sets year-round in anticipation for the Christmas season. "I collect them and display them because Christ really is the season."
The Andersons also display their very first Nativity sets in their home each year. Lois and Larry married in 2003, a second marriage for both of them.
Larry purchased his first Nativity set in 1954, while Lois' first set is from 1953. The Andersons also display sets that were given to them over the years by their combined 11 children.
"We also give our children Nativities, and they're really into collecting memorabilia too," said Lois.
The couple also said they like seeing the different ways the Nativity scene is depicted around the world. The piece they picked up in South Africa on their way back from a service mission in Nigeria for example, is a little different than the typical Nativity scene.
Larry pointed out that while the set included a shepherd, the three wise men, Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus like most Nativity scenes, the piece also included an additional man.
"That's the tribe leader," said Larry. "South African tribes always include their chief in important things, so he's there."
The couple just returned from a trip to Samoa, Tonga and New Zealand but said they didn't pick up a Nativity set since they weren't on display yet.
The Andersons also have a larger Nativity scene they put up in their yard each year. Larry built the structure in 2005, and the lighted display stays up until after the holidays.
"We just don't have enough of that in Moses Lake," said Lois, who sees displaying the Nativity scene as a way to remind residents of the true meaning of Christmas.