One of our Christmas Traditions each Christmas Eve is to read the Nativity story found in Luke chapter 2. Some years we act it out. Some years we just read it, but each year it brings such an amazing spirit of reverence and love in our home. This year, we are participating in the Mix Countdown house which has both scriptures and activities spread throughout the month so we will read the nativity story from all over the New Testament this year in detail and then again on Christmas Eve. This year, I wanted my kids to really get into knowing the story. I made them each a nativity set so they can follow along as we read and can reenact the story as it unfolds. In my experience, reading the scriptures is a good, but having a hands on activity to go with it, keeps them involved and alert. I want that same spirit of reverence and love to fill our home throughout the season…and help my kids remember the true meaning of Christmas. That is the reason I designed this really fun set. Let me tell you about it!
The set comes with SO many fun things.
You can see the 3 backgrounds (desert for the wisemen, fields for the shepherds, and manger scene), Mary, Joseph, Baby Jesus, the 3 wise men, 2 shepherds, an angel, 5 big sheep, 5 little sheep, 3 cows, 3 camel, a donkey and a manger.
Your kids can take Joseph, Mary and the donkey to Bethlehem…
Into the fields with the shepherds and their flock…
The angel can visit…
The wise men can come from the East following the star…
Until they all find the babe lying in a manger…
Everyone will be there and best of all? So will your kids. They can play and play and play and if a piece breaks? Just print a new one and they are all set again!
DIRECTIONS ON PUTTING THE NATIVITY TOGETHER:
I printed my nativity out on a heavy cardstock to give it extra weight!
1- Cut out all of your pieces.
2-Cut 1/2″x4″ strips of paper and fold them in fourths. Glue them into a triangle, overlapping 2 sides. (See pics below to see what they will look like)
3-Glue triangle as base to people and animals. I put 2 on the manger. (see pics below)
4-For each scene, score a line 1 ” in on each side of the scene. Fold and it will now be free standing. You could also glue felt on the back and put it on a felt board.
5-See pics below to make manger. A-cut a small rectangle out of paper that fits on the back of the manger. glue 3 sides (so top is open) and place on back of manger. B- this makes it so the baby can slip right in the slot and looks like it is lying in a manger!
AND that is it! So fun, right?!
I have the Paper Tots Nativity set now in my digital shop.
For the 5 pages of printables that can be reprinted as many times as you need, it is just $5! Just buy once and use for children, grandchildren, or anyone you can think of!
You will be emailed the files within 24 hours, many times much sooner! As with all my printables, files are for personal use only and cannot be resold or redistributed!
So what do you think? Will your kids be playing with the Nativity set this year?