Holiday Ornaments & Decor

Spotlight on Christmas Ornaments and Nativity Scenes

Nativity scenes commemorate the birth of Jesus in paintings and hand-carved cedar wood wall panels. The creation of three-dimensional nativity scenes is credited to St. Francis of Assisi, who in 1223 built the first nativity scene in a cave, complete with live donkey and oxen. This custom eventually arrived in Spain and thus to the Americas. Known as a nacimiento, a nativity scene includes the Holy Family, shepherds, farm animals, the magi, and the star of Bethlehem. In Mexico, the nativity scene is set out on December 8, though Baby Jesus is not placed until the 24th. Master ceramists incorporate Mexican or Peruvian accents to their hand-crafted nativity scenes, so a llama or two maybe be present in an Andean nacimiento!

In India, artists join the holiday celebrations with hand-embroidered tree trimmings that sparkle with colorful elegance. From candy canes, to stars and elephants, ornaments are filled with the rich artistry that so enthralled Mughal emperors.

Novica's collection of holiday ornaments include clove tree ornaments from Indonesia; masks from West Africa; Huichol art from Mexico, and dried gourds from Andes. Angel ornaments crafted of ceramic, glass or natural fibers including palm and pandanus leaves complete our Holiday Decor selection.