ILR Information Brochure

Did someone ask, “What else do you do with llamas?” If you live in or near communities that do “Live Nativity” performances the weekends leading up to Christmas, llamas make the most well-behaved, beautiful and cooperative “camels” for the Wise Men to use! They have all the right qualities:

They tolerate the sometimes cold evening performances.
They can be led safely by any of the church members – young or old, who play the parts of the three Wise Man or their helpers.
They stand calmly during strange occurrences (quick movements and loud music at times).
They don’t frighten the mules, burros, goats, sheep, chickens, calves, or any other animals that might already be in the manger stalls.
They tolerate the decorative blankets on their backs and tassels from their halters, if you so choose.
They can be trusted to take part in the “in-church” performances as well as the outdoor ones.
They never seem to be bothered by the flashbulbs going off, being just a few feet away from spectators somewhat in awe of their tolerance, beauty, and seemingly reverence for the event.

Live Nativity performances, that recreate the birth of Jesus in an animal manger, can range from one performance by a church one night prior to Christmas to churches that put on three performances per night for three nights every weekend in December (which could be 24 performances).

In December of 2003 we were involved in both indoor and outdoor performances. The more Nativities we are asked to be a part of, the more llama friends we round up ahead of time to share the experience. That’s the fun of it! The llamas have never failed to make us proud. They seem to know what their role is.

The presence of beautiful llamas before and after Nativity performances provides lots of hands-on ‘contact’ and ‘questions’ from everyone involved . . . that’s even more fun. They bring even more life to this beautiful happening!