Few decorations create such an impression of holiday spirit and adoration as a nativity scene under the Christmas tree, and while some sets are larger than others, this short guide will break down the essential figurines you need to create a stunning DIY nativity scene under your tree this Christmas this year.
The Stable
Most nativity scenes will come with a stable, but you can also improvise one with some wooden blocks or a wide variety of different craft materials if you're feeling creative. The stable helps set the backdrop of the scene, although it is not always absolutely necessary, especially if the scene is nestled under the low-hanging branches of a Christmas tree.
The Manger and Baby Jesus
A manger is a small trough in which animals were fed, which served as the cradle for the baby Jesus, who is, in all nativity scenes, the centerpiece and focus.
The Holy Family
In addition to the baby Jesus, the remainder of the Holy Family, being Joseph and Mary, are always included even in the smallest nativity sets. Joseph and Mary should be positioned the closest to the baby Jesus in the scene. The Holy Family should be the central focus of the nativity scene, whether you create your own or purchase a set.
The Wise Men
According to scripture, three wise men from the East came to visit the baby Jesus to bring him gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. Many nativity sets contain the three wise men, which traditionally are positioned the farthest away from the baby Jesus in the scene to symbolize the long journey they had to take to visit him.
The Angel
Many nativity sets traditionally contain an Angel of the Lord, typically interpreted as Gabriel. The angel should be positioned over the roof of the stable, or floating above the baby Jesus otherwise.
A Shepherd
If your nativity scene contains a shepherd (or shepherds) and a flock, these should be positioned closer to the manger than the wise men, since they arrived earlier and from locally. Though not necessarily the center of the nativity scene, the shepherd can represent the poor, the needy, the marginalized and the hopeful, and the gift of salvation that the scene represents.
The Attendant Animals
Many nativity sets also contain attendant animals such as oxen, sheep, camels and donkeys, all of whom were said traditionally to kneel when the baby Jesus was born. The ox and donkey should be placed behind or at the sides of the baby Jesus, facing towards him. Sheep should be placed alongside their shepherds, and the camels, upon whom the wise men arrived, should be placed at the outside of the scene, closest to the wise men. The distance here also symbolizes the long journey they took.
The Star
Many nativity sets also contain a star, the Star of Bethlehem, also known as The Christmas Star, which was the light in heaven that guided the wise men on their journey to adore the newborn king. If your set contains a star, place it above the stable.
Optional: A Light
You may also choose to hang a light above the top of the manger in the scene, to illuminate the baby Jesus. While not completely necessary, a light will create a warm glow that will highlight the manger as the focal point of the scene.
Or Just Get a Nativity Set
While you can purchase pieces for a nativity scene separately so you can create your own scene, you also have the option of buying a nativity set, which will contain most of not all of the parts and pieces mentioned here!
How Many Pieces Should a Nativity Scene Contain?
A nativity scene (or set) can contain a number of different pieces. The smallest nativity sets contain only the Holy Family, being the baby Jesus, Joseph and Mary. Larger sets will contain upwards of 20 pieces, including the Wise Men, an angel, a shepherd, and a number of animals.
No Room for a Nativity Scene? Just Hang Some Nativity Ornaments
If the area under your tree is too full of presents to make room for a nativity scene, consider adding some nativity ornaments to your tree if you’d still like to create a warm and reverent impression.
Explore our collection of nativity ornaments which also includes religious Christmas ornaments, crosses, Holy Family ornaments, and more, all of which can be used to create a traditional aesthetic for your tree and for your Christmas decorations in general.
Shop Christmas Decorations Here
Whether you just want a few nativity ornaments to add to your Christmas tree or want an entire nativity scene to arrange under your tree this Christmas season, we have a wealth of Christmas decorations for you to explore here at Decorator's Warehouse! Shop our collection and find something unique for your home, and once you’ve finished decorating, share your vision on your socials and tag us with #dwchristmas for a chance to be featured.