The Spirit of Christmas

The Spirit of Christmas was most certainly in the air Sunday. The First Christian Church hosted their annual quilt show in the sanctuary. On the left side of the aisle were new quilts.

On the right side of the aisle, vintage quilts were featured. Terry B. really supported this show by bringing her collection of 21 vintage quilts.

In addition to the quilt show, this church also hosts a soup and dessert dinner in the midst of their own Festival of Trees. It is such a beautiful event.

Above is my favorite tree. Trish S. and her daughter decorated this tree and named it "Grandpa's Shed". Look closely to see the tree is built around a wooden step ladder and chuck full of things from the workshop. At the base is a sleigh full of chopped wood. So creative.

After the festivities at this Adel church, a friend and I traveled to the Methodist Church in WDM and toured their display of Nativity Sets, over 400 in fact in the "No Room in the Inn" exhibit. 

To truly romanticize the presentation, nativity sets were embellished with all kinds of accessories from candles to dishes and lots of lighted garland. It was just beautiful.

This was the 11th year for this well-organized event. It takes volunteers a week to set up and was open to the public for 3 days, Dec 5, 6 & 7. Admission is free however, in keeping with the spirit of giving shelter, donations are accepted for Greater Des Moines Habitat for Humanity.

I thought this was one of the most original sets. These wise men were fashioned from cattle horns.

 

 David and Miriam, former owners of Atherton House, had this special exhibit on display. This whole nativity village was displayed on stacked limestone and built by David and Miriam just for this event.

I guess I am now ready to get out my nativity set and decorate my tree!