Journey to Bethlehem

 Several years ago my friend Mary told me about "Journey to Bethlehem," a living nativity where you walk through Bethlehem. I've wanted to go for years and we finally made it.  You walk through Bethlehem, with shekles to spend on food and activities.  It is really well done and all the cast members take their job very seriously and try to help you have as authentic an experience as possible.  There was a petting zoo, a real camel, a shepherd trying to sell his sheep's wool etc. Mary and Joseph come riding through on a donkey looking for an inn to stay the night. The Roman soldiers are walking around the town, including the Emperor.  Angels appear in the sky to announce the birth of the Savior.  The children could make a clay candle holder, roll pita bread, drill, grind flour, learn to weave, bead some jewelry, sing and dance, play games etc. My children absolutely loved it.  It helped set the mood for Christmas.