Century Park Blog

Even as temperatures dropped, Christmas spirits were rising in Colorado Springs, Colorado, last weekend when The Inn at Garden Plaza hosted a Live Nativity scene. This was the first time The Inn hosted an event like this, but it was a central part of how their community celebrated Christmas this year.

“It is important to remember what Christmas is all about,” explained Theresa Fitts, director of marketing and sales for The Inn. “It isn't about Santa Claus.”

Visitors drove their cars into the parking lot at The Inn, where there they were greeted with hot cocoa, warm cider and cookies. Children from Palmer High School in Colorado Springs were on hand to sing carols as the vehicles paused to get their treats. More than 100 luminaries were lit to then guide visitors to drive their cars along a path around the building.

The Live Nativity was set up inside the garages of The Inn.

“Our garages each hold three cars,” said Fitts. “We moved out the cars and opened all the doors. We put bales of straw on the ground and, of course, the star that guided the wise men was brightly displayed above the manger scene.”

A doll was used for baby Jesus, but members of The Inn’s leadership team played the roles of Mary, Joseph, the wise men and even an angel. In another garage, live goats stood watch with a shephard, along with a sheep, donkey and llama graciously provided by Wishing Star Farms.

Residents of The Inn lined up in the lobby.

“We took small groups and drove them around the property so they could see the Live Nativity scene too,” shared Fitts. “They loved it!”

Other cars were filled with families and friends who came from all over Colorado Springs to see the Nativity. More than 30 vehicles shared in the experience.

“There were families with small children who came through thanking us for doing a Live Nativity,” Fitts added. “I’m sure they wanted their kids to see the true meaning of Christmas in the birth of Jesus. There were also cars full of adults who were thanking us. It was very moving. We all thoroughly enjoyed doing this for our community and our residents.”

And sharing the message of Christ and the holiday spirit is, after all, the reason for the season.

Additional Images (click to enlarge)