This little book shows you some of the nativity scenes we have seen and some of the figurines and accessories that you can find in the Christmas markets and shops in and around Salzburg, Austria. You find the most beautiful Tyrolian hand made wooden cribs and figurines here.
Nativity is a Catholic tradition, separated in many countries from official society as Christianity no longer has the same function, although European values are deeply steeped in Christianity.
In Northern European countries the birth of Jesus is no longer the central theme of the Christmas displays.
We show you also some alternative displays, usually with animals, that are used instead to make the children, and adults, happy. Mostly they are in shopping windows and displace for a while the display of some of the commercial goods that is the daily function of the windows.

Eric Thomsen has published in science, economics and law, created exhibitions and arranged concerts.