Putz - This is a shortened version of the word Putzen -which is a German verb (PUTZEN) which means in this context "to decorate or adorn" a church or home.   You will find many people refer to mica decorated paper houses as Putz as well as Manger, Creche, or Nativity scenes with animals in the stables.

From the very beginning the Putz was made from stumps, moss, greens, rocks, clay, tin, paper and figures arranged to depict the Nativity. There were other groupings displayed besides the Nativity scene, such as the Holy Family, the Annunciation, the shepherds in the hills, the three kings, and the flight to Egypt.

Settlers from all over Europe took their customs also in the 19th century. Decorations were not easy to find in the shanty towns of the West, and people began to make their own decorations. Tin was pierced to create lights and lanterns to hold candles which could shine through the holes. Decorations of all kinds were cutout, stitched and glued.  The Paper 'Putz' or Christmas Crib was a popular feature under the tree.

 Now the artful use of electricity, music and narration have added new dimensions and effectiveness to the Christmas Putz. Always one central theme remains - the Birth of Christ.