A Christmas Putz is a traditional, miniature Christmas village or nativity scene that originated with the Moravian church. The name comes from the German word "putzen," meaning "to decorate," and the displays can range from a simple nativity scene to an elaborate display of a town or winter landscape. Early putzes used natural materials like rocks, moss, and twigs, while later versions, particularly the well-known glittered houses, were mass-produced from cardboard. 

Traditional and historical context

Origin: The tradition was brought to America by Moravian settlers in the 18th century, who built elaborate displays in their communities in Pennsylvania and North Carolina.

Purpose: The original putzes were designed to make the story of the Nativity real for children and were a way of sharing their faith.

Evolution: Over time, putzes expanded beyond the stable scene to include more secular elements, such as entire villages, farms, and animated features like trains or working mills. 

Common features of a Putz

Materials: Traditional putzes are made from simple, natural materials like moss, rocks, and twigs.

Modern and vintage houses: Many people are familiar with vintage "putz houses," which are small, cardboard buildings often covered in glitter, made in Japan and exported worldwide, especially to the United States.

Display: Putzes are often displayed under the Christmas tree, on shelves, or as a central part of a holiday display.

Parties: In the past, "putz parties" were held where families would compete to create the most elaborate scenes.

AKA: "loofah," "lufa" "Lou Faugh." The spelling hasn't been agreed upon. It's a sort of Southeast Asian gourd/vegetable that looks like a large zucchini while growing, are edible when small, but are mainly valued for the tough, fiberous skeletons they leave behind - prized for their talent and durability as a bath scrubbing pad.  In the 1950s and 1960s, these Loofahs were cut, dyed and made to look like Christmas trees and bushes