PARSIPPANY — For one day only, Cookies & Crèches, the exhibit of nativities and crèches f will once again take place at the historic Smith-Baldwin House next to St. Gregory’s Episcopal Church in Parsippany, on Saturday, December 14 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Admission is free. Parking is available at St. Gregory’s Church.
In what has become an annual tradition in our area, visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy the enchanting display set up throughout the Smith-Baldwin House. The personal collection of hundreds Nativities or “crèches” belonging to the Rev. Susan Sica, come from around the world. As different cultures interpret the timeless story of Jesus’ birth in their own way, different perspectives of the story come to the forefront, be it in the materials used, the characters or animals included, or the scenery provided. A scavenger hunt for children encourages them to learn more about each piece, as they must find the different materials used in the making of the set, a particular animal featured, or the country where the set was made. At the conclusion, participants get special holiday treat!
The Smith-Baldwin House will be fully decorated for Christmas, adding a touch of nostalgia to the Christmas tradition of displaying a nativity set in a home. A “Christmas Shop” featuring vintage ornaments and decorations will also be open for business. The Smith-Historic Baldwin House, part of Parsippany’s Historic District. The House was purchased by the Township of Parsippany in 2013 for the purposes of education and preservation. (Please note: The Smith-Baldwin House is not handicap accessible).
Christmas “cookie walks” grow in popularity every year, providing visitors with an enjoyable way to get a head start on their holiday baking. The home-baked cookies will be available for purchase at the price of $12.00 per pound. The proceeds are to benefit the ministries of the Church.
