A number of cribs in Dublin offer an opportunity to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas.
The story of the nativity often gets sidelined when the Christmas shopping chaos descends. One way to explain its significance to children is through the traditional Christmas crib. There is no shortage of cribs around Dublin, and youngsters Shane Boylan and Jamie Delaney pay a visit to three of the biggest.
Now in its 11th year, a visit to the Irish Farmers' Association (IFA) Live Animal Crib at the Mansion House is a tradition in the run-in to Christmas for many people. In 2004, it raised over 10,000 euros for charity.
St Martin Apostolate in Parnell Square West has been operating a Moving Crib since 1956.
It depicts 14 scenes from the bible.
'Christmas Comes To Farmleigh' is the title of a programme of cultural events at Farmleigh in Phoenix Park. In keeping with the story of Christmas, its crib is in the stables.
At the end of their tour, Shane Boylan and Jamie Delaney know most of the Christmas story, but are a bit hazy on some of the finer points. Shane Boylan decides the Three Wise Men who visit Jesus after his birth bear the gifts of
Myrrh, Frankenstein and silver.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 21 December 2005. The reporter is Sandra Hurley.
