The nativity scene is one of those elements of Christmas decoration that cannot be missing in many households. And although there are a variety of models available to buy, you can also take an afternoon off and make a beautiful nativity scene for Christmas with your children. Depending on the age of the children, a wide variety of materials such as paper, felt or wood can be used. And while you are making the nativity scene and the nativity figures, you can also explain the religious meaning of Christmas to the little ones. Do you feel like making a nativity scene with your children? Then choose one of the following instructions, gather the necessary materials and get started!
Making a nativity scene with wooden figures: instructions
You can easily find such wooden figures in the craft store. They have the shape of game figures, like those used in the game “Dude, don't get angry” and can be painted and designed in any way you like. You need 7 large (approx. 7.5 cm) figures, two approx. 5 cm tall figures and one even smaller one, although the latter can also have a straighter shape, but does not have to. You will also need one large (approx. 3.8 cm) and two smaller wooden balls (2.5 cm), as well as a small wooden bowl and cardboard. Also gather toothpicks, chopsticks, acrylic paints, white felt, a brown paper bag, sandpaper, and hot glue.
First prepare the different figures that you will make from the wooden figures. You can sketch the face and hands with a pencil. Grind the balls a little straight on one side so that they can stand firmly and not constantly roll away later. Then paint the figures in any colors you like. You are welcome to use this as a template.
Cut the tips of the chopsticks and glue them to the wooden bowl to make a cradle. You can also paint the feet of the cradle white. You can leave the cradle itself as it is or design it with a beautiful pattern. The same applies to the characters. You have free choice. The balls are again designed in the shape of animals. Some colors may need to be repeated again after drying to achieve better coverage. There are only a few final elements left when making this nativity scene with children.
Finally, you have to build or craft the nativity stable yourself. To do this, use the cardboard that you cut out as shown. Design a roof and a window and don't forget the star! After all, the Magi would not have found Jesus without him. You can make the star quickly and easily using toothpicks. Finally you need two white wings for the angel made of felt and some straw for the cradle made from scraps from the paper bag. You can now set up the Christmas nativity scene with the figures.
Painting stones
This variant is particularly easy and fun to make. If you want to get creative with children and build such a nativity scene yourself, start by collecting stones while taking a walk. Alternatively, you can also find suitable models in any size at the hardware store. And then the stones are simply painted. Acrylic paint and a Sharpie are well suited. You can decide for yourself which figures you design exactly. Finally, just put the stones together correctly and you're done.
Building an edible nativity scene as a Christmas craft
Just like you aBuild a gingerbread houseyou can also make an edible nativity scene yourself. If you want to make this type of nativity scene with children, you can use any candy. For the stable, use large cookies or crispbread or whatever else you have on hand. The individual elements are glued together with peanut butter or the classic icing as desired.
Maybe you can find another option! You are sure to find the animals ready in the store. If not, you can easily bake them yourself when the time comes for the Christmas cookies.
Build your own Christmas nativity scene using Lego bricks
ThatLego can be used in many different ways, you probably already know. This means that the popular building blocks can also be used wonderfully if you want to make a Christmas nativity scene. In the picture above you can see which stones you have to assemble in which way to get the homemade decoration. You are also welcome to add additional figures.
Ideas with paper
There are also a few cut-out nativity figures to match this model, which you can simply print out. You can find the link to this at the end of the article. After cutting out, just glue the figures together in the designated place and you will get cones. In addition, you can also make a stable out of cardboard, wood or whatever else you have available. If you would like to make a quick nativity scene with children out of paper, this is great.
The children can also draw the characters themselves. To do this, they are simply painted on a white sheet of paper. Of course, the little ones decide for themselves whether to use a black pen or in color. However, you will most likely still have to tell the children what figures and animals are needed. The drawn figures are then roughly cut out. A small cardboard box can then serve as a stable. The figures are glued into it. You can also do this idea with small children.
Christmas decorations are for Christmas crafts with childrenvery popular. So you can also use the Christmas nativity scene as a theme. If you want to make a nativity scene with children, you can also use popsicle sticks. These are glued together in the shape of a triangle or square as desired and then decorated with the baby Jesus and a star. You can make the child from a simple piece of fabric or you can use wooden figures like in the example above. Lay the child on some straw. If you want to make a nativity scene out of branches, you can simply replace the stems with them. In general, it's a good idea to make crafts with natural materials for Christmas to create a pleasant atmosphere.
Make a Christmas nativity scene out of paper – template to print out here.
