I have amassed quite a collection of Radish & Patch characters over the years and while they usually adorn my front window, some of the characters are also spread throughout my flat. I even carry a Rainbow Jesus in my trusty steed Blanche! Anie Radish is the Creator of Radish & Patch. She knits, sews, crochets, and creates beauty through music, slow fashion, and two fabulous adult children. I'm also delighted that she's a pal of mine! Anyway, back to the story.
For this Holy Season I thought it prudent and a little bit mischievous to put together a Radish & Patch Nativity scene.
I assembled the characters, we had a little tea party and chatted about our hopes and dreams. I asked what they thought about the R&P Nativity and they were excited! I asked the characters who they’d want to be and it generated quite a lot of conversation, yet in the end I think we’re onto something special.
From the beginning I knew I didn’t want a standard binary Holy Family.
Rocky the Racoon and Foxy the, well, Fox seemed the most appropriate choices. They’re quiet, unassuming folk.
Having recently acquired a pocket sleepy kitty and a personal support pickle, they were the obvious choices for the baby…but as they are still babies, I’m keeping them out of the limelight for now. One of them will be put in the special sleep sack on Christmas Eve after dark. To represent the birth of the Christ Child.
The messenger that delivered the good news obviously had to be the Radish, right?
The Wise Ones were a struggle to cast because all of the characters are wise in their own way. Eventually, the Clever Cluckers (Lulu, Pearl and Annabelle) found their way into the scene. Now, because the Wise Ones didn’t actually meet the Christ Child in the barn, they are in a different window, preparing to travel to meet the Christ Child in the family home. And you KNOW they will be bringing practical gifts…
While Rocky and Foxy are in the centre of it all, there are supporting characters as well. We believe there were other animals in the barn with the Holy Family, so this nativity should reflect that as well.
In no particular order we have Sir Vincent the cat, Robin the robin, Pinky the bunny, and everyone’s favourite Messiah, Jesus. It is worth noting that Jesus asked not to be typecast as the Christ Child. I thought that was a fair request.
If you live in Fernie, you are welcome to come and see this magnificent sight for yourself in the window of 291 2nd Avenue. If all goes well, the windows will have lights strung so you can see the cast of characters after dark
And there will be a version of this story posted in the window as well as the list of characters.
Whatever you believe or don’t believe about the birth of Christ, it is important to pay homage to those traditions which are important to us. It is also important to use our sense of awe, wonder and humour in these long, dark days.
From my home to yours I wish you a Blessed Advent, Holy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanzaa, Blessed Yule, Merry Christmas, Happy Saturnalia. However or whether you celebrate, know you are loved and I’m happy we get to live in this time and place together.
Originally published December 2023