Walpole's Live Nativity Scene Marks 50 Years of Town Tradition

This year marks a remarkable milestone for Walpole's beloved Christmas tradition — the 50th anniversary of the Live Nativity on the Common, held each Christmas Eve. Since its inception, the event has been made possible through the dedication and hard work of hundreds of volunteers, who have helped bring the story of Christmas to life for the community year after year. The only exception was in 2020, when the pandemic temporarily halted the celebration, but now, after five decades, the Live Nativity remains a cherished part of Walpole's holiday season, uniting families and spreading the spirit of Christmas to all. Since 2018, Kelly Patch and Crystal Phillips have been the driving forces behind organizing the live nativity, with incredible support from the Walpole community. Each year, a dedicated group of individuals steps forward to portray the characters, perform the music and deliver the speaking parts that bring the story to life. Local farms generously provide the trailer and animals, while the Boy Scouts pitch in to set up the crèche. Mark Houghton works his magic to light up the scene, and after the performance, volunteers serve warm cocoa to the crowd, ensuring that the tradition remains a heartwarming experience for all who attend. Walpole's Live Nativity on the Common began thanks to the vision of Betty Prentiss and Peggy Graves. The idea was sparked when Prentiss heard about another town sponsoring a live nativity and, inspired by the concept, she shared her excitement with Peggy, saying she would love for Walpole to do one. Peggy agreed, and the rest is history. Many of the babies who portrayed baby Jesus in the past now have children of their own and some of the key players, such as Graves have passed, but the tradition lives on. Cindy Westover, of Galloway Real Estate in Walpole recalls, "My 42-year-old son was the baby Jesus and my sister, who is 62, was a child angel." "I remember as a child, leaving our Christmas Eve celebration to bring our Jersey cows from Crescent Farm, picking up Eeyore the donkey and bringing them to the common. I recall holding a candle while singing Christmas carols that night, then returning home to unload the cows and open presents. It was a magical night!" recalled Phillips. This year's celebration of Christmas will be presented on Tuesday, Dec. 24 at 6:30 p.m., on the Walpole Common, following the church services in town. All are welcome to attend this outdoor event portraying the birth of Jesus with community members, live animals and traditional carols. The event begins after the cast of Biblical characters takes their places around the manger, surrounded by cattle, sheep, goats and an occasional donkey. Leaders from each of the sponsoring churches read from the Biblical accounts of the birth of Jesus and then the townspeople join in and sing Christmas carols. Hot cocoa and social time will follow in the Walpole Town Hall at 34 Elm St., for a chance for guests to visit with their friends and neighbors. Walpole's Live Nativity is still looking for volunteers who would like to be angels, shepherds or wisemen. If you have any interest in helping with this year's Nativity Scene, please contact Kelly Patch, kaptcg1444@gmail.com; or Crystal Phillips, crystalphillips088@gmail.com.