The Christmas season is, for many, the most beautiful time of the year. Beyond its spiritual dimension, it centers on family gatherings and togetherness. While the Christmas tree adorned with lights has become a modern symbol of the festive atmosphere, what truly sparks joy for a believer who sees Christmas as the birth of Christ is the Nativity scene, traditionally set up in family homes on Christmas Eve.
One of the most enchanting Christmas traditions is arranging Nativity scenes, and the display created by the Sakic family in Siroki Brijeg stands out as particularly beautiful. Alongside the central figures of the Holy Family in the stable, this depiction of Bethlehem features a total of 272 figures, some of which are moving installations. Ana, Kresimir, and their young son Roko pour a great deal of effort and love into its creation.
“We’ve divided the tasks somehow: he’s the electrician and handles the construction work, setting up the wiring and mounting all the moving figures,” Ana explains.
“I love it, and I loved it as a child, but I didn’t have the means to make it, especially the motors that power everything. But today, everything is accessible,” Kresimir notes.
This vibrant Nativity scene is full of depictions of everyday life, such as a Dalmatian market or an old Herzegovinian stone house. Many visitors have come to see it, including children from a local kindergarten in Siroki Brijeg. They explored, touched every little figure, and enjoyed the magical depiction of Bethlehem.
“My greatest joy comes from making someone happy, when someone comes to see what we’ve created and leaves amazed – it fills my heart,” says Kresimir.
“The most beautiful part of it all is the people these Nativity scenes bring into our home,” adds Ana.
Ana and Kresimir also devote great attention to decorating their Christmas tree. The ornaments on their tree come from all over the world.
“Wherever we go, we make sure to find something suitable for the Nativity scene or the tree,” says Kresimir.
“I carried a crown ornament from London in my hands the whole time, through the city and at the airport, while waiting for the plane, because I was afraid it might get crushed. My friends were literally telling me, ‘Just put it in your backpack!'” Ana recalls.
While the tree and Nativity scene are traditionally set up on Christmas Eve, Ana and Kreso did it earlier this year so they could focus yesterday on other traditional customs, like lighting the Christmas log.
“In the end, when Christmas has passed, and we sit down to reflect on how beautiful it was, how much we sang, and how funny it all was, no one really remembers if the cabbage rolls were better than last year. After all, it’s just food. The customs are lovely, and they should be respected, but let them be the B-side of the record,” Ana concludes.
The A-side, Ana emphasizes, is more important. It’s the little things: a hug, a conversation, and time spent together with loved ones. Ultimately, time is the most valuable gift we can give to someone and something that can never be returned, Federalna writes.
