Crazy about creches: Local couple showcases display of hundreds of nativity scenes from around the world

For Lyle and Marlene Neher, Christmas truly is the most wonderful time of the year.
           
But you won’t find any Santa figurines, or red-nosed reindeers, or Elves on the Shelves at the Neher residence in rural Grundy Center. Instead, you’ll find an impressive display of over 300 nativity scenes from around the world.
           
“I’ve got 360 sets, as well as other memorabilia like books and wall hangings, from over 100 countries and six continents,” says Marlene Neher, the chief nativity collector of the family.
           
Marlene, who has been collecting seriously for about 20 years, says her crèche collection started when she received her family’s old nativity scene, which she always had a fondness for.After that, she received a set when she and Ralph were married. From there, her collection has grown - and continues to grow- each year.
           
“Some of them were given to me as gifts, some of them I’ve bought on eBay, and some of them we’ve gathered from our travels to different countries,” she said. “I really enjoy collecting handmade ones, and any nativity scene that’s different or unusual.”
           
Marlene’s collection boasts more nativity scenes than one can imagine; from A to Z - Australia to Zimbabwe - and everything in between. They fill every room of her house during the holidays - even the bathroom.
 
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