M4 resident collects nativity scenes

Her collection contains nativity scenes from around the world

by Katya Lukina

Section Editor

As one enters the enclosed patio of Mutual 4 resident Andrea Maas, they’re immediately surrounded by nativity sets from around the world, with more to offer inside her unit. Even her bathroom puts people in the spirit of Christmas.

She started collecting them when she and her husband, an Air Force veteran, were stationed in Germany in the ‘70s.

Though she hasn’t traveled much outside the United States and Germany, she’s collected nativity sets from across the globe. According to Maas, wherever she’s traveled, she finds nativity sets. She jokes that they find her. She now has over 100 sets.

She’s found them thrifting, in bookstores, yard sales, and even in the trash. Her collection includes sets from Haiti, Ohio, Huntington Beach (made of thread spools), Spain, Hawaii, Nepal, India, Ukraine and other countries. They’re made from a variety of mediums, including wood, ceramic, metal, needlepoint, fabric and more.

She spends weeks setting up the nativity scenes in her home, by herself, and several more weeks to put them away once the holiday season is over. After the holidays, she stores them in the containers in her carport.

All are welcome to visit her home in Mutual 4, 41-B, and explore the collection. People are encouraged to call ahead at 562-481-2290 before dropping by. See more nativity pictures on page 26.

Katya Lukina

A miniature nativity in a German matchbox.

Katya Lukina

A handmade nativity assembled inside a box.

Katya Lukina