“We have always marked Christmas”: for 10 years, two Gers residents have installed a giant nativity scene in their garage

The magic of Christmas still operates in Geneviève and Robert’s garage. No matter the years and the fatigue, in this little corner of their family farm, these two septuagenarians from the Gers commune of Pessan install their little characters in the month of December, as Christian tradition dictates.

“We put the cows in the stall in 2010. That’s when the crèche took their place in the garage,” explains Geneviève in front of the illuminated installation. But for the couple, the tradition dates back several years ago.

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“We have always celebrated Christmas,” assures Geneviève. Since his childhood, Robert has created the landscape and installed his characters. The tradition continues today within the family, since one of the grandchildren of the Gers couple, aged 18, also sets up his crèche for the end of year celebrations, like many others family members. It was not until the end of January that Geneviève and Robert packed up everything. “It gives people time to come and discover it, it’s a pleasure to welcome them.”

“We can share everything in life”

Around ten days are needed for Robert and Geneviève to install the decor, the little electric train, the waterfall and all the characters that make up their nursery. “Every year, we use the same subjects, but we arrange them differently,” explains Geneviève. “This year, the big novelty lies in our water circuit, with our fisherman.”

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If the construction of this crèche allows the family to perpetuate the Christian tradition, it is also an opportunity for them to maintain social ties. “People spread the word and come to see our crèche,” assures Robert. “I have often been asked to set up a box to collect money, but I don’t want to: if I do it, it’s good heart. The doctors told me, we lose human contact, and it’s very serious.”

A contact that the people of Pessan hope to find again through this temporary installation. “If people call us to let us know, we will be delighted to welcome them around the crèche to chat or simply let them admire the installation,” assures Geneviève. The couple strives to maintain this bond throughout the year, even when the crèche is lying in its boxes. “We make a little garlic, people come, we talk. We can share everything in life.”

Finds from the four corners of Gers

This Christmas nativity scene features all the characters and animals who witnessed the birth of Jesus Christ. And among the Augé, it is a little goat who is the oldest of the installation. “When I was eight years old, we were doing daycare, and I had a little goat that moved its head,” explains Robert. “So I kept it, and it still works!”

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It is Geneviève who collects all these subjects. “Sometimes, I find them at garage sales, especially the one in Simorre,” she remembers. “For some, it was a friend who lent them to me.” A small boat crossing the nursery was also built by a visitor, then given to the couple. Proof, for Robert and Geneviève, that maintaining this “human contact” remains essential.