I have a lot of nativities around my home- but it’s not nearly enough;). I love Christmas, and I love decorating for Christmas, and one thing I try to have in every room is some sort of nativity. I like to have a constant reminder of why we are celebrating this season- why Christmas is such a joyous time of year. Here are some creative ways you can bring the nativity scene to your home and help your loved ones remember the true reason for the season:

*It’s always fun to count down the days to Christmas- why not do it using a nativity set up? This is a great way to create a daily reminder of the Savior.

* When I think of nativities, I usually think of little figurines, but a picture can send the same message; and chances are you’ll have an easier time finding wall space than table space. It could be a simple silhouette of Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus, or it could be a more elaborate painting of the classic nativity scene.

* If you have kids or grandkids around, print out a couple different nativity coloring pages. You can talk to your kids about the nativity story as they color, and when they are finished you can put it on the fridge or even pin it on their bedroom wall as another visual reminder of Christ’s birth. If you have a flannel board, you could buy little felt nativity characters as another way to give kids a hands-on nativity experience.

*Music is another powerful reminder of the first Christmas story. It’s fun to listen to songs like Jingle Bells and Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town, but make sure you teach your kids the words to beautiful hymns such as Silent Night or the First Noel- these can be a great way to teach them about the birth of our Savior, and putting it to music helps them to remember it even better.

*There are some really creative people out there who like to have fun with food around the holidays- along with creating cute little marshmallow snowmen or green grape Grinches, create a nativity scene. Look at these cute pictures of various ways you can create a nativity snack for your little ones. This is another thing you could do with the kids to give them a hands-on experience with the nativity.

Whatever you do this Christmas, find ways to remember our Savior, and to teach your children why Christmas is such a happy, hopeful holiday. There is such a Spirit of peace and hope that surrounds Christmas. I am so grateful for that tiny baby that was born so long ago, and for the hope that He brings to my life every day. May you all have a wonderful Christmas!

    Camille Hoffmann
    Weekly Newsletter Contributor since 2014
    Email the author! camille@dvo.com

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