Christmas display to feature more than 1,000 nativity scenes

For the Frontiersman

PALMER — The public is invited to view more than 1,000 privately owned nativity scenes on display during Colony Christmas at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 560 West Arctic Ave. in Palmer, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Dec. 11 and 2 to 7 p.m., Dec. 12.

The free event includes musical performances by community groups, local schools and churches every half hour.

For the past 10 years, community members have set up their personal nativities in rooms that are transformed into a variety of themes, such as: the International, Royal, Country Store, Patriotic and Children’s Room.

This year, one room will feature dozens of nativities from Palmer resident Darcy Grover’s private collection.

“My first nativity was a white porcelain set that my sister gave to me for Christmas during our first years of marriage,” she said. “I always loved the feelings that came from seeing the variety of nativities and through the years, I acquired about a half a dozen or so.”

She said she became a serious collector about 10 years ago.

The Christmas nativity display also includes some of Darcy Logan’s favorites from the dozens in her collection.

She said some of her favorite nativities have come from second-hand stores, like the one that caught her eye lying in a basket.

“I saw the skirt of a wooden figure about a foot tall and on the skirt was a small nativity; then I found each of the figures for the nativity and each one had a small nativity carved in their skirts,” said Logan. “I thought, how could anyone give this away, it is the best treasure I have ever found.”

Another of her favorites was a one-of-a-kind gift from her children who had it made for her by Palmer artist and friend, Aaron Barrett.

“Aaron carved the bodies out of whalebone and the faces are ivory,” Logan said. “I leave it out all year to enjoy.”

She said the displays are a gift to the community and an opportunity to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas. Logan has been involved with the Christmas nativity display for the past 10 years; helping set up the rooms, bringing in her nativities, check-in and hospitality. “It has become a tradition and it will always be a part of my Christmas.”