Schools from across North Yorkshire have been making cribs in shoeboxes, for York’s shops and businesses, to remind shoppers of the real meaning of Christmas. Thirty cribs, all made by children, will be blessed at a special service at All Saints' Pavement on Friday 28th November at 10am, and then taken to their new homes in shops and businesses for December.
The Revd Derek Earis will be leading the service at All Saints' Pavement. He said, “We’re delighted that so many schools and businesses have come together to help people remember the real meaning of Christmas. Eight schools have made thirty cribs for twenty shops and businesses in town, with scenes showing the birth of Jesus Christ. It’s such a simple and lovely way to remember that Christmas celebrates God’s love for us.”
One of the schools taking part is Heworth Primary. Head teacher Simon Biddlestone said, “The children have enjoyed making the cribs, and they’re looking lovely. We have five classes at school, and each class has made a crib scene in a shoebox to give to a shop in York. It’s very easy, amongst all the presents and excitement, to forget the real meaning of Christmas. We hope that these cribs, our presents to shoppers in York, will remind them of the most important part of our celebrations.”
Sahara clothing, on Swinegate, is one of the York shops that will be hosting a crib scene in December. Sheila Riley of Sahara said, “When the church contacted us and asked us if we wanted to take part, we thought it was a brilliant idea! We’re a family owned business and we’re delighted to support our local schools and help put York on the map.”
Below, you can download a map of all the locations in York where you can find the cribs.