One of the great themes running through this entire lineup is the creative process behind the Simpich Character Dolls— the challenges, the breakthroughs, and the unpredictable, non-linear path from idea to masterpiece. Few pieces capture that journey more clearly than Mary and the Baby Jesus.

Collectors familiar with the Simpich depiction of Mary will immediately notice something different about this particular piece: the Baby Jesus rests in the manger rather than in Mary’s arms.

Bob and Jan Simpich were initially intimidated by the idea of creating a full Nativity Scene. The task of depicting such a sacred moment — the birth of Christ — carried both artistic and spiritual weight. Yet, encouraged by friends, family, and longtime collectors who believed they were uniquely suited to the challenge, they took the leap.

As always, they began with the heart of the story — the Holy Family. Robert undertook the figure of Joseph, while Jan devoted herself to Mary and the Baby Jesus. Together, they wrestled with dozens of creative questions: Should the manger stand separately? Should there be a full stable? What should their garments look like? What materials could best convey the sacred simplicity of the scene?

By the mid-1980s, after months of experimentation, Bob and Jan presented their finished designs to their department directors, beginning the careful process of translating those prototypes into production. One creative decision, however, remained unsettled — should the Baby Jesus lie in the manger or be cradled in Mary’s arms?

Though the final production version depicted Mary holding her child, Jan’s original concept had placed the Baby Jesus in the manger itself — emphasizing the humble birthplace and the stillness of that holy night. Years later, when a very early 1986 Mary arrived in David Simpich’s workshop with paint damage, a broken foot, and detached from her stand, he saw a rare opportunity.

In restoring the piece, David chose to honor his mother’s original design, placing the Baby Jesus once again in the manger — as Jan had first envisioned nearly four decades earlier. The result is both a faithful restoration and a tribute to Jan Simpich’s creative process, a tangible reminder of how each Simpich piece carries not just craftsmanship, but a story — of inspiration, persistence, and love.

On a personal note, I’ve noticed that Jan Simpich’s personal collection included a Mary with the Baby Jesus in the manger. I think this reflects that perhaps the question was never completely settled in her mind — even decades later.