Away in a manger – Nativity scenes a hobby for Webster
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The wonderful collection consists of, not only the traditional Nativity, but unusual scenes also. They range from an African setting, to a Hispanic group, to a full stage of characters in a Native American scene.
Her collection also includes characters molded from mud and a simple white porcelain one from country singer Skeeter Davis? estate sale. Some are toys for children, she has them set on the floor for little ones to enjoy, as they are not allowed to touch the others.
She regularly scours yard sales, discount shops and a relative works at a thrift store out of town and captures treasures for her quite often. ?When friends realize you are a collector they love to get things for you. I just love unpacking them and the many memories of who gave them to me or how I got them,? said Webster.
Webster?s late mother gave her the very first Nativity years ago, which she passed on to her brother, not realizing she would become the collector she is today. That same brother gifted her with her second nativity from Okinawa, a lovely set carved from dark wood.
The cr?ches come from Italy, Vietnam, Hawaii, Africa, Bethlehem, Ecuador, Chili, Guatemala, Switzerland, Peru, Philippines, Germany, Spain and other countries.
A wooden pyramid piece with moving parts set in motion by the heat of six tiny candles, is her most cherished. It?s special because she purchased it in Germany while visiting her daughter, who was stationed there in the Air Force. She enjoys and treasures all her Nativities, but the ones received from friends are the most special.
Webster and her late husband, Beverly, retired to McMinnville from New York after passing through on trips to Nashville. ?We simply fell in love with Tennessee. We knew we wanted to live down here, but not in the city. We purchased some land 14 years ago and moved here, not knowing a soul,? said Webster.
She intends to stay in the area for at least a while, knowing some day she will probably relocate to North Carolina to be near her children. She confesses to being an avid shopper and has a knack for finding bargains, which she shares with others. This holiday season, she shared her finds with all the children at the headstart school, sponsored several angel tree recipients and took gifts to local boarding homes.
This very generous lady has found the true meaning of the Christmas holiday. As her collections proves, the Nativity has developed into an international art form that speaks to people of all faiths and cultures.
?Each time I look at the Nativity, it confirms my belief that we are here for a reason,? said Webster.