Safeguarding 500 nativity scenes is a job that Lila Argo’s grown children take seriously. That’s why they bring their sleeping bags.
Every Christmas season, Argo’s middle-aged daughters spend the night in the same room as the plethora of nativity sets the family sets up on display. This year, two of her daughters spent three consecutive nights watching over the nativity sets.
“There’s too much value in there, both monetary and sentimental,” said Argo. “We just feel more comfortable knowing that one of us is in the room at all times.”
For the past 15 years, a family tradition has been born out of the Argo family’s dedication to ensuring that their collection of nativity sets are enjoyed by the public. This year’s display was shown Friday, Dec. 1 and Saturday, Dec. 2, at CRISTA Nursing Center. More than 1,000 people attended the free exhibit.
The family started setting up the displays the preceding Wednesday, allowing just short of 10 hours for the task. Argo’s three daughters, their children and her son’s children all help out at the event; some even take time off school or work.
“It’s a family affair,” Argo said.
Nativity scenes from all cultures and mediums are displayed, including nativities from Puerto Rico, Thailand, Madagascar, Wales, Vietnam and Belgium. Most have the usual display of Jesus in a manger and Joseph and Mary in a barn. Depending on the nativity’s origin, some involve igloos or tepees instead of barns. Others are created using hand bells or origami.
“Our goal is to have ethnic representations from as many different cultures as we can,” said Argo, of Seattle’s Lake City neighborhood. “That’s one of the perspectives.”
The tradition began 15 years ago when Argo worked at CRISTA as an activity coordinator. Because many of the elderly residents who reside in CRISTA’s nursing home don’t have room to store their own Christmas decorations, Argo decided to set up a nativity display. Her daughters helped her set up 40 nativity sets they “had in the family” for residents to enjoy.
The residents wished their family members could come see the nativity sets, so the Argo family decided to extend the display to a two-day showing. That was several years ago.
Many of the nativity sets are gifts, are received as donations, or are purchased when family members or friends travel to other countries. The family also displays nativity sets owned by CRISTA residents, or other members of the community. There are several “ancient” ones, said Argo, from the 1930s.
“It’s just something that grew,” Argo said.
Argo’s granddaughter, Morgan Argo, took two days off from school to help out with the event for the third year in a row. The 11th grader, who attends White River High School in Buckley, Wash., also is beginning to collect nativity scenes.
“I have about four (nativities) that are mine that I bring,” said Morgan, 16. “I usually get one during Christmas.”
After the two-day event ends, the nativity sets are sent home with their respective owners for display the rest of Christmas season, she said.
This is one of the largest nativity exhibits in the Pacific Northwest, said Jill Olney, CRISTA public relations and marketing director. Children from King’s schools and families throughout the community come to enjoy the yearly display.
“Two days ago (the Argos) started coming in the ice and snow, pulling boxes out of a big truck,” said Olney. “They are a very committed family.”
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