THE TRADITIONAL FRENCH NATIVITY SCENE

[@Linda-9037]

Phillip has such a thoughtful, caring, good soul. His gift brought tears to my eyes and warmed my heart....Christmas time this year has a perfect start now, because of his perfect gift... Beautiful !

[@kimberlybuman6497]

❤️

[@tinetkkr6041]

❤❤💖

[@carolinejoy00]

Ohh me too.. So thoughtful of him to think of your Father 💙

[@deadendlanecreations2779]

OH! The painter. I'm not crying. Holidays really are about memories of our loved ones, and I couldn't imagine a more perfect gift. Ok. Maybe just a few tears. I love it all!

[@lekkervol]

The moment I saw the painter I was chopping the onions 😭😉

[@deadendlanecreations2779]

@@lekkervol these people bring it all out in me lol. My smile was huge but my face was leaking UGLY. I have a golden retriever that had no idea how to manage Mom. Do I bring her a dirty sock to cheer her up? Do I bring her a squeaky baby to play with and keep her happy? All the above! And a dog blanket. BRING IT ON, LELANDERS! Now I'm ready for tomorrow's advent. 😉😂

[@paigepooler9036]

I mean, this is me right now 😭😭😭😭😭😭. Sweetest, most thoughtful surprise gift. 💗💗💗

[@Marykguise]

Me too

[@lekkervol]

@@deadendlanecreations2779 hahahaha....my 2 little dogs looked at me like what the f is going on mom...they bring me my mommy blanket 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@carolehanrahan]

How wonderful that you have a man in your life who takes the time to think of something so sweet as buying the artist to represent your father in the creche. I love it and I love Philip for thinking of you.

[@docspringer7476]

Philip, as we say here in Texas, "ya done good, cowboy." I was moved to tears by your thoughtfulness and care for Stephanie. How very special! She is one very lucky lady. And Stephanie, I am soooo jealous! LOL My hubby has his own set of skills and capacities, but such sweet thoughtfulness isn't one of them. His idea of thoughtfulness is "hey, I turned the horses out for ya." Which, come to think of it, on a cold winter morning, is rather thoughtful. Love the nativity village! Beautiful!

[@barbibutton9619]

Well, he sounds just as wonderful in his own way. From a newly single woman, I can say, "What a blessing your husband is". Keeper lol. 🌺🌸🌷

[@peggyvick935]

Indeed the gift from your hubby is very thoughtful. ❤️

[@ponyparty28]

Turning the horse out has its uses! 🥰 it’s like giving a bale of hay as a valentines bouquet 💐 💕

[@NoName-sj6bu]

How does one “turn a horse out”?

[@ponyparty28]

@@NoName-sj6bu put it in the paddock and let it go free to graze/eat for the day 😊 as appears to being in the stable

[@ralphjones9903]

This was excellent and Dan's intro is as Epic as his Drone shots 👌 👏 👍

[@Leebearify]

Boy, that is for sure!!! It was gorgeous and inspiring. Super well done Dan !

[@geenagr]

Did anyone else notice the ropes in the front yard? Something is happening there. I wonder what it is, but I THINK we will see that after advent. 2022 front courtyard reveal? Maybe?

[@jennifercampbell7698]

Yes, I loved Dan’s intro! 👏🏻👏🏻😍☃️

[@chrismaraccini8108]

@@geenagr Good eye. I had to go back and look.

[@kathyrogers1703]

Phillip's gift to Stephenie brought tears to my eyes! That was so sweet!

[@carlasinclair1986]

Me too! So thoughtful :-D

[@bridgetcooper176]

Me too! So sweet

[@louisealbrecht3066]

Very interesting to learn all about the Nativities that this family has created for decades! What a lovely Premiere of your Advent Calendar Series! Thank you for all your effort to make it so fabulous! Bless you all this Holiday Season! Bravi!

[@kellyhawes8901]

The hand craft is totally amazing! So beautiful!

[@mypioneergirl]

I have so many wonderful things I could say about this but Philip, the gift for Stephanie was so thoughtful and really touched my heart. You get points in my book. So looking forward to the rest of the month. Thanks

[@shannonvans]

Phillip, that was the most thoughtful gift. The whole nativity was fantastic as well as the history and tour of the studio where they are made. I try to collect Nativities from places we travel so i have an Igloo Nativity from Alaska, a gourd Nativity from Trinidad, and a clay set from Mexico.

[@peggyvick935]

Fantastic idea to collect a Nativity from vacation locations! So much better than junk no one wants when we pass. 🥴

[@ladycharlotte8693]

Phillip deserves the best boyfriend award! I teared up, it was so sweet……

[@annekecrouse1870]

@@ladycharlotte8693 Me too... :') So thoughtful!

[@ericescher6045]

Thanks Stef for all you do to make this world a better place.

[@rebeccapettifer6553]

Phillip is just the very best boyfriend purchasing the easel and the painter for Stephanie so she can have her daddy in the village. I just about burst into tears. He's wonderful!

[@yeseniafroml.a.8020]

Phillip!!! So sweet of you!! When Stephanie unwrapped the mold of dad painting on the canvas, I busted into happy tears with Stephanie. How special!!! Well done. On point ❤️

[@Leebearify]

Me too !

[@katelanxner278]

Me too.

[@brendapfeil4584]

Heavy with “nostalgie” while watching this tonight. I started collecting santons Fouque in my teens. I have so many of the ones you showed while visiting Aix. My favorites are the lady and man of the Coup de Mistral. I’m an American who grew up in France. My play ground was in a château where my best friend lived. It was the château de St. Albain near Mâcon. We later moved to Montélimar. I came back to the States for university and became a French teacher. I returned often to France with my students and made sure our tours always took us to Aix and a visit to the Fouque shop just so I could add to my collection. Thank you for the time you take to share your château life. It brings back such wonderful vivid memories.

[@jennifercampbell7698]

How wonderful that your French childhood led to your Christmas traditions and career! And that you spread that heritage to your students. That’s amazing! 🥰

[@laurenmorris1111]

I’m not a crier, like at all, but when Philip pulled out dad the painter. Oh my goodness that was so sweet. 😭❤️

[@jomo9862]

Stephanie and Phillip thank you for this episode, I loved it. I had tears in my eyes for the gift to Stephanie, daddy with his paintings. Beautiful idea Phillip, I love your heart.

[@OFP2]

See her eyes They are bright tonight See the stars Coming out tonight See the moon Looking down tonight See how they Light your way tonight See my eyes They are bright tonight See my hands Reaching out tonight What a beautiful lady and such talent

[@birgittvanwijk9646]

Dear Stephanie and Philip, I am so moved by your sweet, thoughtful gift to Stephanie! It makes me so happy that you found and cherish each other. Giving each other so much happiness, love and sharing your joy in each other with us. My heart runneth over for you ❤️

[@jamieleighhostetler1195]

I can't wait for the rest of this year's advent! Last year and the year before were so fantastic! I think my favorite thing were the frankincense and myrrh candles inside the champagne glasses with gold leaf that you and Michael made. I'm a little biased as I am a candle maker myself! But, that's a fantastic idea for gifts. I absolutely LOVE anything diy. It just adds a personal and thoughtful touch!

[@vickster4474]

I actually made those for Christmas presents last year I loved them so

[@lukehartman9386]

Right?! I’ve been given so much inspiration from this channel. I have four trees this year, never before. I’m in love with all the different trees scattered throughout my home. They make me so happy! I have also been able to use all that I have. Fabulous! I have five nativities from my family on both sides. This is the first year I am displaying all of them, inspired by Stephanie! I never thought too put them all out at once. I used to rotate. No longer…just beautiful to see everyday. 💜

[@jillfoster6369]

That is beautiful and to have daddy painting in the village and the nativity displayed in front of his painting is just perfect. Lovely viewing. 🎄🎄

[@sarahburton3110]

Beautiful pieces for the nativity. Advent with Stephanie and Lalande is always an amazing time.

[@OnlyLoveCan38]

I loved the Advent opening! It's so beautiful and it feels like Christmas now. Thank you for bringing so much joy into our lives. That is the true spirit of Christmas. Stephanie you are a blessing upon this earth.

[@ladycharlotte8693]

I think Stephanie is truly the loveliest, kindest, and most gracious person I have ever seen! I wish her every happiness!

[@lindavazquez589]

May God continue to bless you all. Thank you for sharing, feeling the Spirit of Christmas for sure.

[@Alicia-kf9lq]

The painter......Philip you made me cry. How beautiful love can be xx

[@janetg1691]

Phillip is so thoughtful buying a figure of daddy painting a canvas.

[@cagarden8808]

Yes, he is so sweet and thoughtful!

[@karlasmit7535]

Made me cry.

[@loismccray5302]

I cried too 😭 he is so lovely

[@KrisanthiaMum]

Phillip this made my emotion run rather thick with your gift to Stephanie. I miss my Daddy everyday. Blessings to you all.

[@debbierudolph9489]

Loved Dan's introduction, so perfectly done. Great start to the advent series.

[@jfs59nj]

I confess to tears at “It’s Daddy!” So so lovely

[@ulrikaholmquist140]

Warning, DON’T put the nightlights straight on top of the wooden sideboard/chest it will leave a mark on the wooden surface when they get all melted and hot, I ruined a fabulous table like that. It looks great though! X

[@nikkicat71]

I love Christmas just as much as you do Stephanie. I teared up watching you at the nativity scene. I always will remember my Christmasses at my grandparents each year, with old holiday traditions. For me... Bing Crosby 'White Christmas' always needs to be playing in the background. ❤🎅

[@michaeldriebeekvanderven]

I am not ashamed to say… I was quite moved by Philip’s gift 💝 bringing daddy into the nativity scene. Now my eyes are wet and my heart is glowing 🧡 Happy Advent, dear LaLanders ☺️

[@squidpuppies]

Philip’s gift made me tear up a bit- how wonderfully thoughtful and touching

[@Leebearify]

This was absolutely fabulous! I honestly had never seen a creche in a city form nor done as beautifully as this!! I am with Michael, now I want one. Philip you knocked it out of the park with your gift to Steph. Well done, absolutely well done ! It could not have been better.

[@lisakilmer2667]

The Italians do this, too. Along the Amalfi coast some of the villages leave the settings and village people set up all year.

[@LittleMissSquirrel]

Every time I finish one of your videos I find myself having the biggest smile on my face. Thank you so much for all the joy!

[@cwatson3495]

Yes! Advent has begun! I’ve been looking forward to this since last year. LOVE THE NEW INTRODUCTION. Love the history, the nativity and the fun building.

[@arvalenz5314]

Great job on the intro. Loved it. Great job Dan the film maker. 🎥📹

[@annpopham7642]

Such a lovely and precious gift from Phillip, it brought tears to my eyes.

[@eileenworth7862]

Nativities were always my favorite too! You began advent prep in August? Wow! Thank you so much! 💜💜💜

[@jaynegrunnill3705]

Love the intro,well done Dan.Lovely Christmassey start.Thank you.x

[@normamarkey643]

Absolutely wonderful, I have been waiting impatiently. Daddy painting at the front, had me in tears with emotion. Xxx

[@ursulahubley8148]

I loved this episode so much! It is so beautiful and watching you set it all up really filled my heart to the brim! When we moved to Bulgaria, I had to leave behind my Christmas village (Department 56) and I miss it so much. But it is waiting for me in storage, and when we retire, I will cherish it all the more! I relived many Christmas memories of setting up my village from so long ago! Thanks.

[@TheasChristmasVillages]

I hear you, I had a four year hiatus, and when I starting building again, everything seemed new to me!

[@albertpeckham8708]

What a wonderful craft and the family is so dedicated to continuing that tradition. Merci mille fois!

[@danielaalmeida2735]

Philip is so sweet. I absolutely loved this video, the intro is just amazing and the little crib/village is adorable. Looking forward to see day 2. Lots of love for all the Lalanders.

[@sylviawolff433]

I love how you make us all fantasize again!🥰

[@valorabock6325]

Loved the sweet surprise at the end.

[@annramundo5137]

I am so thrilled that the Advent Diaries have started! Thank you Steph and Philip for all your hard work on these. Philip’s gift touched my heart- so sweet❤️

[@Theteresamaria]

Oh this us so exciting!!! This is my fave every year!!! Thank you Stephanie and all La Landers for making everything so joyful!!🥰

[@healthrecord508]

Christmas.... the very humble birth of the King of Kings... makes me teary too Stephanie.

[@s.v.4786]

The way your grandmother did her nativity scene is the way my family has always done it to this day! In the unused fireplace, with the old newspaper to create the mountains 😂

[@johanrahan3189]

Truly magical.... Stephanie the joy you give to us all is simply wonderful and the gift from Philip bought a tear to my eye xxxx

[@mnizourin]

This brings me a lot of joy every year! THank you for all the joy !

[@nadinenicholls8455]

Absolutely brilliant! So looking forward to the next vlogs! Thank you Stephanie & Co xx

[@juliacardiff3339]

Phillip, your gift to Stephanie brought a tear to my eye. It’s so thoughtful.

[@Luzfeliciano]

I love this video, thank you so much, made me cry.

[@cathleenbrashear4676]

What a beautiful nativity!! Philip you are so thoughtful, gifting the painter and easel to Stephanie in honor of her father was the most endearing gesture…so very kind!💜🥰

[@passionatelife2589]

Aww the present made me cry.

[@kimberlymoore9776]

Oh my word I love the intro!!!!! Your videos always make me so very happy!! Praying for everyone to stay safe during the holidays and blessings to all of you!! Hugs from Arkansas ❤️

[@jamunaamara1948]

I’ve been down with a terrible flu since Saturday, today it’s made it’s transformation into laryngitis. Resting for so many days is very hard, but all so sweet when there is a new episode from La Lande. Thank you for cheering me up! Im sure it will convince all illness to let me be soon!

[@mavep2855]

Thank you Stephanie, Philip, Michael and all involved in the production of this amazing Advent 2021 vlog.🎄🙏🏻❤️

[@wildflowerwind6941]

Phillip you made Stephanie very happy. I had tears in my eyes.

[@pieromouton1992]

Can’t wait!!!!! Thank you Stef and All Lalanders for this beautiful advent calendar! This make me feel so happy and joyful. I’m here since the first ever Christmas advent calendar 2 years ago! 💕

[@annaibarra3447]

Same! 🥰

[@karlasmit7535]

Me too

[@anesreadingcorner]

I love the Christmas diaries so much ❤️

[@nancyalford8056]

Years ago when my son was little my Mom started a crèche set for him made by Fontaine. Every year she added new pieces until my son was ten. She did this for each grandchild. As God is still working on my son I have his set. Very special and non breakable 🎄❤️

[@kellygroce40]

The openings is beautifully done, and I loved the glimpse of the tree! (and the nativity too). Thank you for all the work you do!

[@deanyaschempp]

Philip IS SO the perfect man for Stephanie. Just commenting to help the 'rhythm. Happy Advent!

[@kerryharding5587]

Oh my goodness that was amazing!! I’m teary watching the memories made setting up the nativity 💕 in true Stephanie style- we were taken on a fascinating journey. I love businesses that have been in families for decades. To hear the history, passion and care that goes into every piece 🥰Philip - that was a truly beautiful gift- another precious memory.🕊

[@JCB333of]

Yay! Advent videos have begun! Christmas is coming! Loved the miniatures. I want to do the same thing! Soooooo delightful! Thank you!

[@albertpeckham8708]

What an outstanding tree! I'm jealous! Can't wait to see it all done!!!!

[@helenagarofalo5039]

So lovely of Philip to think about your father. Its all georgeus.

[@xXStephanieReginaXx]

Ya'll I know this has nothing to do with the video but I'm just so excited! I passed my Master's level licensing exam today!!!

[@isabellejarvis7805]

Congratulations

[@tropicalmom2468]

Love this! My mother, now passed away, collected nativity scenes and her mother, obviously my grandmother, also passed away, had small Christmas villages. This brings back so many childhood memories for me as well.

[@taunyahenderson5241]

What an amazingly thoughtful gift from Philip, and what a beautiful nativity scene. I love it!

[@americanwoman9880]

I teared up at the end when I saw Philip give you that gift. Hes such a thoughtful man! All Ah

[@JP-bv7bf]

what a beautiful village and such a kind loving gift in memory of your dad. Well done Phillip🇨🇦

[@rhondagoldberg8419]

Beautiful vlog! I love learning about the Nativities and that they are still made today by hand!

[@bernicebabe4154]

Oh wow. Those stunning Nativity scenes are very much like the roadside ones along the Amalfi Coast.

[@kathleenmurphy3707]

Such a lovely collection of santons. I have a small group I purchased in Provence when I studied there 55 years ago. My children loved placing them and rearranging them each year. Now I leave them on display year round. They are so special.

[@stinki97128]

Ur little crèche is beautiful. How thoughtful Philip, the artist and easel were the perfect gift for Stephanie.

[@debtheguest3109]

I love all the items you bought, it's a beautiful scene, then to top it off with Philip's thoughtful gift - what a guy. Stephanie you always provide us with the history of things you're showcasing and I love that about your vlogs.

[@leesam4029]

My heart....... @ the end Philip, really..... Daddy and his painting❤ So thoughtful.

[@jessicaaprilshepherd5954]

It's the best time fo the year! These videos I look forward to all year long!

[@KittyPieJaja]

Amazing first advent video, thank you so much Steph and friends for all the joy!

[@mrsmurfin9066]

My parents lived in France in the late 50s-early 60s. They brought back a Crèche and it is in a very similar style. I have even more appreciation for it now.!!!

[@adelinefinlay1582]

That was just so emotional….thank you!

[@beeabser]

I’m crying for you all. Merry Advent! What a beautiful way to start the Christmas season! Can’t wait to take my grandkids to Aix de Provence, just like your Granny took you!!!!!

[@caseyjosephine251]

Today I was thinking that I couldn’t believe I didn’t get myself an advent to open everyday. Then this came along and I was so excited to get to open it! Best advent.

[@joyabell4420]

Have been looking forward to this since last year. It looks so beautiful,

[@juliemix3373]

Just caught the last 10 mins. I'll have to see the whole thing on repeat. The Nativiy is looking so beautiful. Cheers

[@lindawentink2725]

Just magical!! Thank you. Love your christmas village especially the painter. How sweet Philip. 🥰

[@jferguscreations]

Just me adding to the clamor of admiration of the advent calendar's intro (nice job Dan!), the tree in the background (GORGEOUS), the historical information on the french nativity scene (I am a sculptor so I LOVED EVERY PART) , and when Philip surprised you with the painter that represented your father, I had tears streaming down my face! This Christmas vlog was Peeerrrfect! ❤❤

[@marmeryside]

What a beautiful intro! Thanks for your visual Christmas gifts☺️

[@theadultpantry7219]

Getting into the Holiday Spirit now !

[@bobh3704]

Dan did a great job with your opening. You and Philip I look forward to the rest of the Advent colander vlogs. Sorry no Cat this year. Maybe Audrick can be used with his beautiful smiling eyes?

[@gracesmith6199]

That was great to see. I liked how you didn't put baby Jesus down, a lot of people put him in the manger when they set it up ! I went to a convent boarding school & the nuns never put him out till Christmas day, it annoys me when people do. I loved everything, I had a tear in my eye when you opened the present from Phillip & you said " it's daddy" , that was really special , love from Scotland 🤗🤗

[@debragonser745]

Phillip! You made me cry! You are so sweet to get the painter (daddy) and easel!

[@brendaduncan9269]

Philips gift made me cry.....so thoughtful 💓

[@normamurray4450]

I all of a sudden got emotional listening to the Christmas music too, especially looking at the beautiful displays. Absolutely lovely!!!!

[@gypsy1588]

Wonderful first day. So lovely seeing Michael a part of this Advent season.

[@sandranokes7443]

My daughter is in her 30's now, but when she was a senior in high school, her French teacher took a group of students to France for their graduation trip. When she got home, my present was a set of the Santon figurines! I've still got them and treasure them. If you have some fabric, you could use it to cover the books and different things to make it look like mountains and grass or snow and set them on that. You have quite the collection. Wonderful!

[@lynnpetti3817]

Wonderful to have these to look forward to every day. Thanks.

[@cjprezzi2900]

Excellent video. The intro is awesome, the content very smart, and the nativity is beautiful! You all do such a great job making is feel like part of your world. ❤