BETHLEHEM IN SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA

I LOVE history recreations. Often, the recreation gives you SOME of the feel of what like was like during a particular time and place. For instances, I always enjoy the Renaissance Pleasure Faire.

I am NOT a fan of Victorian Christmas, which I think started the "only the rich can properly celebrate Christmas" attitude. However, the Dickens Faire can be a lot of fun. And you can buy great gifts at the Dickens Faire.

Myself, I try every year to go to the local churches' recreation of the town of Bethlehem, set up in the parking lot of the First Baptist Church of Santa Clara. There are donkeys, camels, examples of shops from the time of Christ, Mary, the innkeeper, and very little "preaching". Each year it gets more elaborate.

No matter your religion, the WORDS that are quoted as the words of Jesus are useful for living a good life.

You cannot buy anything at Bethlehem. But you can make bracelets, pet camels, kneed bread, and watch the reenactment of the birth of Jesus. My favorite year was the year some of the wisemen rode camels.