Here’s Looking at You, Kid

Tired of Christmas trees with tacky beer-can ornaments? Icicle lights? Slow drives around suburban neighborhoods just to see another inflatable Christmas character?

Instead, check out these area nativity scenes and get your faith on!

One of the most impressive crèches is adjacent to the city hall in Quincy, Mass. On the grounds of Hancock Cemetery—where 69 revolutionary war soldiers, former Harvard University president Leonard Hoar, and generations of the Adams and Quincy families are buried—a huge manger with a near-life-size replication of the Holy Night dominates the scene. Complete with real straw, a particularly cheerful baby Jesus looks on as barnyard animals bow and respectful wise men bear their gifts. An angel with the words “In Excelsis Deo” streaming across her body sits atop the whole construction, and a painting of a blue night sky with a brightly shining north star lines the back of the manger.

Another large nativity scene sits in front of the statehouse at Boston Common. With the golden dome in the background, Christmas lights at the top of the manger illuminate a troubling scene: as a kind gentleman resting on a nearby bench pointed out, “the babe is missing.” It might be the work of vandals, or the baby Jesus might appear on the 25th. Either way, a solemn Mary and Joseph look solemnly upon a manger full of hay.

For something a little closer to home, check out Lawrence Street near Central Square. Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus are watched over by a jolly Santa Claus and Frosty the Snowman. Winnie the Pooh and Tigger, each donning a Santa cap, flank the display, and two menorahs in the windows round out a confusing mosaic of holiday dècor.