Pennsylvania-Based Small Biz Shares Joy of Christmas, Globally

In Other News #7 // Uplifting, politics-free feature stories.

From Germany, a Marolin nativity set

For many families, the true spirit of Christmas means displaying a nativity scene—figures representing baby Jesus in a manger, with Mary, Joseph, shepherds, angels, wise men and animals such as sheep and camels. A nativity scene brings the story of Jesus’ birth to life.

Yonder Star, a small business based near Gettysburg, Pa., has cultivated relationships with artisans and manufacturers of nativity scenes located around the world for nearly 25 years.

Owned by husband and wife Brett and Cindy Snyder, Yonder Star is keeping the Christmas tradition of the nativity alive—using today’s online technology. Instead of a brick-and-mortar location, the family-owned and operated business has built a loyal customer base via their online store.

What a contrast, considering the tradition of the Christmas nativity is about 1,000 years old.

And the Snyders intertwine many other time-honored traditions into their business—including giving away a portion of their profits to help others.