Live Nativity becomes a Tradition
By Andrea Stoltzfus York
Photos by Dryhouse farm
As the holiday season approaches, stars appear on silos, and lights brighten fences and tractors as farm families share the holiday spirit. A nativity scene on the lawn or near the barn may take the place of summer flowers or fall pumpkins. The Yoder family at Dryhouse Holsteins, however, take the nativity scene a bit more seriously. Michael and Maria Yoder and their children – Natalie, Paul, Grant, and Cade – use their bank barn and fill it with animals and volunteers dressed in period clothing, to create a living nativity to spread the joy and message of the season. Michael said they first came up with the idea in 2016. They had used the barn to host church events and Halloween parties. “We also own many of the animals that are used in the nativity, so it dawned on me one day that we should try to combine these kinds of events,” he said. He suggested the idea to their church’s Sunday School class, bringing them on board to help serve food and be part of the cast. Their first live nativity was a onenight event, attracting 350 people to the farm. In 2019, they expanded the event to two nights, hosting 700 visitors to the farm. Michael’s entire family takes part in the event. Maria is in charge of the cookies, coffee and hot chocolate. The couple’s sons dress as shepherds and also help with the kids’ activities, while daughter Natalie portrays an angel from high atop the hay bales. From her perch, she keeps a headcount of visitors. Located in Mifflin County in central Pennsylvania, the live nativity attracts guests from across the region. “We have had people travel from over two hours away to see it,” Michael said. “It’s a great community event for friends and family to catch up during the Christmas season.”
goats, sheep, a pony and chickens. The Yoders create a large pen with a low fence, so kids can reach in and pet the animals. Friends dressed as shepherds roam with the animals and answer questions about them as well. “It’s a great opportunity for all ages,” he added. “Some people have asked why we don’t charge for the event – we are happy to give this gift to the community.” While the nativity symbolizes the traditional message of Christmas, Michael said the event has another benefit. “Our goal is to combine the true meaning of Christmas and also get people out to the farm and promote a positive image of agriculture,” he said. This year’s live nativity will also be held on two nights. “It’s become a tradition for families,” Michael said. “Hopefully it will make the Christmas season feel a bit normal this year.” This year’s live nativity at Dryhouse Farm will take place on Thursday, December 17th, and Friday, December 18th. from 5:30 to 8 p.m.
Dryhouse Farm has 200 milking head and 230 head of young stock. Michael works the day before the event to sweep the barn floor and spends the morning of the event hanging lights and setting up animal pens. In addition to the farm’s cattle, animal participants include a llama, donkey, WINTER 2020 PA Holstein Profiles 11
