This is the first set in a series of 5 depicting the traditional pageantry of the First Christmas. The characters are all based on children who came into my life years ago when I was Pageant Director for several different churches in California and then later in Minnesota. The children have all grown up by now, but have left a lasting impression on my heart.
The youngest children always were granted the parts of Mary and Joseph since all they needed to do was sit there patiently, try not to fidget and be nice to the doll in their charge.
Eric was my most impressionable donkey. Disabled since birth, his costume needed alterations to avoid any mishaps as he “grazed” around the stable. It was as much an exercise in building self-confidence as it was the fact that he was so adorable with donkey ears on his head and a big smile on his face. Eric grew up to be an engineer.
Eric’s brother, Phillip, always wanted to be a farmer, so playing the part of the cow seemed a match made in heaven. Phil never got to round up cattle, but did become an attorney working on behalf of farmers in the State of California.
