Away in a manger

Before I do anything else, I want to direct you to Christine Henderson's blog, The Write Chris, where I am being interviewed. I hope I was good. Even more than reading my interview, if you go back to her post of Monday, she's got all these great links for charities that could use donations, like, buying a goat for a village or helping the Salvation Army.

I confess, when I look about at all the need in the world, I feel a little guilty about what I'm going to share today. My Nativity.

Different, yes? Some might say sparkly.

Some might even say gaudy.

Some might wonder why there are disco balls, pearls, and glitter in the creche with Baby Jesus. I know Vegas is in the desert, but I don't think it really compares to Bethlehem.

Here's the thing. I've had this nativity set since I think about 1984. It is a one of a kind, uniquely made for me by one of the Three Kings in the Glory of Christmas. His name was Richard. If I wasn't trying to think of his last name, it would come to me in a flash, but my memory enjoys hiding things from me (it usually gives me the answer in the middle of the night, causing me to bolt upright in bed).

Let's face it. Even these guys look a little Brokeback Mountain...

At the time I knew him, Richard lived in Laguna Beach. He was a floral designer. Am I leaving enough clues here?



He was sweet and funny and I had the best time hanging out with him backstage (I was a flying angel). Somewhere around 1987 or so, he moved to Hawaii. I haven't heard from him since, but I hope he's alive and well and having a wonderful Christmas.







A side note about my baby Jesus: I know it is tradition to hide the baby until Christmas Eve, but my baby is glued to the manger. He ain't goin' nowhere.

So each year, I give you, LIVE FROM LAS VEGAS -

THE NATIVITY!

(insert wild applause here.)

Please remember, there is a two drink minimum at this show.