The Christmas Nativity Scene deserves a place of honor in every Christian home. We call them by different names and honor the Birth of Our Lord with traditions as diverse as the world of Catholicism.
In large Cathedrals and parishes - and even in some Catholic homes - there are elaborate displays called Presepios. These are displays, usually at a side altar, featuring realistic scenery that includes rocks and shrubbery. This odd sounding word comes from the Latin word praesepire (to enclose, to fence) that now means manger or crib. The mean came, perhaps, from Saint Mary Major Basilica in Rome, called Sancta Maria ad praesepe since the 7th Century, since traditions holds that the relics of the Infant Jesus' Crib are housed there.
The oldest existing presepio is in the Basilica of Saint Mary Major where, until 1870, many of the Popes celebrated Christmas Mass. Made of marble, it is attributed to the artist Arnolfo di Cambio ca. 1289. In 2005 the 700 year old pieces were restored and seen by the general public. Previously, they were only viewed on Christmas Eve.
In many homes, a much more modest display is called a crèche. This French word comes from the Latin word cripia, meaning manger. From it we find the words used in various languages for the little bed of Our Lord's Nativity: crib, krippe, krubba, szopka, and wertep.
The earliest known depiction of the Nativity was found in the catacombs of Saint Priscilla of 2 A.D. and is in the form of a frieze showing the Madonna and Child, Saint Joseph, three wise men, and another figure that may be the prophet Isaiah with an eight pointed star above. Later images dating up until 5 A.D. include a fresco in the catacomb of Saint Sebastian with a manger with animals, but lacking Mary and Joseph.
Saint Bonaventure tells us that in 1223 Saint Francis of Assisi introduced a living nativity scene, taking an ox and ass and tying them to a manger and engaging a crowd of people from all over the countryside to attend Mass before the crib.
As we fast forward to the 19th century, we find that the presepio became much simpler and it's use spread to all of the social classes and became part of the domestic ritual for the season of Christmas. Pop up lithographed nativities like the one below were popular beginning in the 1890s, although the one shown below is somewhat more recent.
The trend continued into the 20th century with die cut cardboard
You can still find a few of these on eBay every year
In the late 1800's, more and more nativity scenes found their way into the Catholic home with the introduction of inexpensive figures in clay, plaster or papier-mâché, and in Germany, carved wood.
Perhaps you own your mother's or grandmother's nativity set like the one below. These popular Nativity sets were within reach of the workingman's budget and could be found at low budget chain stores like Woolworth. The manger was made of cardboard and more often than not, fitted with a panorama scene in the back. An opening in the rear allowed a single bulb, perhaps from a low hanging branch of the tree, to be inserted to illuminate the scene.
The figures were either paper mache or plaster. Most came from Italy, but many originated in Germany. A treasured few, made of soapstone, hail from France.
If you go to estate sales, these are easy enough to find in the summertime, but as Christmas nears, the best place to look is on eBay. See what's on eBay now
You'll also be able to locate replacement pieces. Camels and lambs routinely break their legs, and every now and then Mary or Joseph will prematurely go into hiding in Egypt (aka a dusty corner of your attic)
On the slightly higher end of popular market nativities were the Italian crèches made of wood. These, like their cardboard counterparts, often had straw glued to the rooftop, but sometimes reed or bamboo was added for definition.
Toward the middle of the 20th century small hard plastic Nativity scenes from Hong Kong became popular. These featured hand painted pieces and glitter details. Often there was a vinyl palm tree to round out the scene. I confess that I have an extensive collection of these and they fill every available nook at Christmastime.
Keep Christ in Christmas Nativity Car Magnet
Every year friends and strangers ask us, "Where did you get that car magnet?" If you are Catholic and you own a car, this is the symbol you need to display.
Olive Wood Nativities from the Holy Land - Many of our readers have asked for these beautiful nativities that are made in Jerusalem. We found a source and now you can order them directly from the artist.
New Nativities For Christmas 2009
Every year we get numerous requests for Thomas Kinkade nativities. So many that I've decided to put his beautiful works first. Thomas Kinkade, known as the artist of light, has created so many well loved Christmas figures. They are destined to become heirlooms to treasure in your Christian home.
Thomas Kinkade Illuminated Nativity Tabletop Tree: Glory To The Newborn King
An amazingly beautiful piece featuring over 40 handcrafted figures. Lights up at the touch of a switch and plays Silent Night. Stands 16" tall.
This beautiful display comes in six issues. Beautifully handcrafted and hand-painted, every issue in this Christian home decor collection is truly a work of inspirational art. Thirteen fully sculpted figures, each inspired by the Christmas story, add warm and drama. Rich accents of 22K gold shimmer in the glow of the illuminated Nativity and over 60 holiday lights. At about 4 feet long, this reverent indoor Christmas decoration will add dramatic beauty and meaning to your Christmas.
Thomas Kinkade Elegant Blessing Nativity Figurines
Each figurine in the collection is handcrafted of artist's resin in a rustic style that recalls the simple beauty of chiseled wood. For a sophisticated touch, the hand-painted figurines are elegantly elongated with flowing robes that are an ideal "canvas" for raised-relief scenes depicting the story of the Nativity.
Thomas Kinkade Blessed and Holy Night Nativity Figurine Collection
Each figurine in this inspiring collection is an exquisite, three-dimensional sculpture, handcrafted of artist's resin and hand-painted in the same jewel-like tones found in Mr. Kinkade's world-renowned paintings.
Over 2,000 years ago, a baby was born in Bethlehem who would bring hope into the world forever. Celebrate the light of that promise with a Thomas Kinkade Nativity sculpture collection.
Thomas Kinkade Indoor or Outdoor Nativity Set with Free Spotlight
Picture the night Jesus was born in Bethlehem, the way the air must have been infused with the light of hope and the promise of God's love fulfilled! Now, for the first time ever, The acclaimed Painter of Light™ interprets the peace and glory of the Nativity in a very special collection of Thomas Kinkade outdoor Nativity decorations. Learn More
Thomas Kinkade Light Up Nativity Wreath
Most nativity scenes only offer a view of the manger scene, where Mary and Joseph lovingly tend to baby Jesus as angels and stable animals watch over Him. Now, you can envision what Bethlehem residents and the Magi might have been doing on this holy night in an exquisite Thomas Kinkade nativity wreath that showcases six lighted buildings and more than 25 figures. Learn More
Thomas Kinkade Nativity Christmas Tree Collection
These pieces are not only beautiful reminders of the miracle of Christ's Birth, but they will also become treasured heirlooms.
Thomas Kinkade Star of Hope Illuminated Nativity Scene
When Jesus was born in Bethlehem, the light of hope infused the air and the world rejoiced in the promise of God's love fulfilled. Now, the peace and glory of this blessed story is interpreted in a beautiful new way. Learn More
Thomas Kinkade Story of the Nativity
For the first time ever, Thomas Kinkade takes you through all the wonders and joys of Jesus' birth as he narrates the miraculous story of the Nativity. Watch - and listen - as each part of this Thomas Kinkade tabletop Nativity scene lights up as the story unfolds and the stirring melody of "Silent Night" plays.
A unique addition to your Christmas celebration. Each Pat Olson-designed piece is crafted of resin and hand painted. Set of 10. Largest piece (stable), 7 3³4" x 6 1³4".
Fontanini Since 1908, the House of Fontanini has created magnificent old-world sculptures treasured by collectors and evered by worshippers all over the world. Today, Emanuele, Alessandro, Luca, Marco, and Stefano Fontanini are the fourth generation to lead the celebrated House of Fontanini in the village of Bagni di Lucca, Italy, where it was founded nearly a century ago.
The six-piece set comes with an Italian style stable (15 3/4"). Each figure includes a story car to provide memory-making opportunities for a cherished family tradition.
This beautiful Nativity scene depicts the holy cave of Christ's birth. As with the other sets, this one includes story cards for each figure. Stable, 11 1/2" wide.
Jim Shore, a self-taught artist, grew up in rural South Carolina, the son of artistic parents who instilled a love of the traditional values expressed in American folk art. His grandmother was a master quilter who taught him an appreciation for the patience and skill required to bring intricate designs to life. Appreciative of immigrant design concepts from German quilts to Scandinavian decorative paintings to English appliqué, Jim drew inspiration from these roots.
Jim Shore offers this unique design for his Heartwood Creek collection. Nine figurines are crafted of stone resin and hand painted. Matching creche is wood with resin detail. Figurines, 4 1/4" - 9". Creche, 14 1/2" x 12 1/2".
Jim Shore's newest nativity pieces capture the simple splendor of the events that took place in a humble stable. Each hand-painted stone resin figurine incorporates a traditional quilt pattern that serves as a reflection of the individual's role that holy night. Ten-piece set includes a stable (11" x 12 1/8" x 4 7/8") and nine figurines (3 7/8" x 6 3/4".
Thirty years ago, Sam Butcher, a Christian man of deep, personal faith, joined his friend in an undertaking that would become wildly popular throughout the world. They named their company, Precious Moments. Today these charming childlike figures still tug at the heartstrings of many and are popular for Christmas Nativity figures.
Precious Moments Holy Family Figurines
Set of three porcelain bisque figures can be displayed with other Precious Moments® Nativity pieces (sold separately). Tallest, 5".
Nine pieces includes adorable designs of the Holy Family, two shepherds, four sheep. 1 1/2" - 5 1/4". Buy Now
Willow Tree is an intimate, personal line of figurative sculptures representing qualities and sentiments that help us feel close to others, heal wounds, or treasure relationships to living things. Artist Susan Lordi hand-carves each original piece with this thought in mind. Her figures continue to evolve as she identifies emotions so important for us to convey, and renders them in simple, pure gestures.
The Christmas Story
Artist Susan Lordi's subtle designs adapt beautifully to any holiday décor--and make a welcome gift hat can be enjoyed year after year. Collectible is crafted of resin to give the illusion of hand carved wood. Two pieces--tallest, 14 1/2" high.
Willow Tree 10 Piece Nativity Set Create a family Christmas tradition with this exceptional nativity set. The handsome collection is crafted of resin to look hand-carved. A wonderful gift, the set includes nine figurines (Mary and the Christ Child, Joseph, a shepherd, 2 lambs, a donkey and 3 Wisemen); plus, a weathered metal star backdrop. Largest figurine is 9 1/2" high; star backdrop, 6 1/2" x 13 1/2" x 2".
Nativity Sets for Children Children are fascinated quite naturally with Nativity sets. Many families place child friendly sets around the house so little ones can learn to love Our Little Lord. Please be careful with pieces and don't let children play with sets that are too tiny for them.
My Pocket Nativity
A sweet little nativity that will bring joy to a child's heart throughout the season. The five-piece set features finger puppet Mary, Joseph, Baby Jesus, an angel and a cow and comes in its own carrying pouch
Child's First Nativity Set
Give your special little one a nativity set he or she can enjoy without the danger of breaking! The 12-piece set is made of hand carved painted wood. 10 1/2".
A delightful teaching aid to help children understand what the REAL gift of Christmas is! Looks like a gift package, but opens up to reveal a musical Nativity Scene!
Use them to create clay or salt dough ornaments. Great projects for religious ed classes or for fund raisers. The set features 12 metal cookie cutters and includes a booklet with devotional notes and Scripture verses.
The lesson of the nativity is right at your child's fingertips! Polyester fleece gloves feature felt depictions of those present on that First Holy Night. From Roman, Inc. Recommended for ages six and older.
Includes everything (except ingredients) needed to create a delicious rendition of the nativity! Kit contains: reusable metal cutters, forms, icing bag, coupling, two tips and a set of recipes, instructions and decorating ideas
The set of three features Joseph, Mary and Baby Jesus in beautiful porcelain with 22K gold accents. Designed for use with stable and lamb set. Tallest figurine, 6".
Kneeling Santa Figures The Kneeling Santa brings together the most popular symbols of Christmas – the Christ Child and Santa Clause or St. Nicholas. Inspired by the Scripture verse, "...at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, of those in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord..." (Philippians 2:10-1), the Kneeling Santa beautifully blends the religious and secular aspects of Christmas. It refocuses our celebrations on the manger and God's greatest gift to us - His Son, Jesus. In the presence of such love we are all brought to our knees. The Kneeling Santa also reminds us of the original St. Nicholas and his mission to live Christ's love by sharing his gifts with those in need. We've featured a few of these figures below, but you can find more here
Kneeling Santa
Made of resin, cloth and paper mache, this figure is 10" tall and reflects the true meaning of Christmas.
Jolly Santa holds a nativity in a heartwarming figurine just right for celebrating the spirit of the season. Resin with a Clothique™ stiffened fabric outfit. From Dept. 56®. 11"
Jim Shore's Heartwood Creek collection presents a loving tribute to the Real Meaning of Christmas. Figurine is crafted of stone resin and beautifully hand painted. Gift boxed. 6 1/2" x 7 3/4".
Nativity Figurines Perfect for accents or when you don't have a lot of room
A Quiet Moment
One of the best loved depictions of the Holy Family by a modern artist. It speaks volumes of the tenderness and unending love of the Holy Family and provides an image to contemplate all year round. This piece will bring joy to your heart each time you see it. Designed of a resin/stone mix. 6" x 9".
Nativity Centerpiece Beautiful from any angle - though only the front and back are shown here. All-in-one Nativity from Kim Lawrence features 360 degrees detailing and inlaid crystal accent in cross. Features scripture from Isaiah 9:6: "for unto us a child is born. Unto us a son is given, and His name will be called wonderful, counselor, mighty God, ever-lasting Father, Prince of Peace." Measures 6" x 6" x 10 3/4"
An animal audience is as captivated by an image of the Blessed Family as you'll be by this gorgeous stained glass hanging! Handcrafted and hand painted in brilliant shades, the hanging is framed in metal. Attached chain hanger. Measures 6 1/2" x 9".
An animal audience is captivated by an image of the Blessed Family. The riveting scene is featured on this gorgeous hand-painted stained glass piece. Full-size window panel is framed in aluminum and measures 13" x 23".
Other Nativity Sets A world of Nativity items to explore and they all benefit the Benedictine Monastery at St. Meinrad
Gold Cloisonné Nativity Set
It's a nativity set worthy of a most special spot in any home. Sized perfectly for smaller spaces, the pieces are crafted of porcelain with gold cloisonné detail. Set of nine pieces. From Roman, Inc. Stable, 4 1/2" x 6 1/2"; tallest figurine, 4 1/4". Learn More or Purchase
O Holy Night Musical Nativity Box
Deeply symbolic of the wonder of the Christmas season, this music box features 14 hand-painted resin figures nestled within a wood box with a rich mahogany finish. Adolfo Simone's breathtaking artwork of the Holy Family is displayed beneath the lid. Plays the melody of "Silent Night." 7 1/4" x 4 3/4" x 6 1/4".
Let this gorgeous set enhance your Christmas decorating -- and remind all of the true reason for the season. Eight-piece set includes the Holy Family, Wise Men and Creche with Angel. Tallest figurine, 8" high; crèche, 12" x 12". Learn More or Purchase
Nativity Table Runner
The beauty of that first Holy Night is rendered by Sally Eckman Roberts on a cotton/poly blend table runner with decorative tassel ends. Measures 72" x 13". Learn More or Purchase
Nativity Mantle Scarf
Many people display nativity scenes on their mantels. The nativity mantle scarf is colorfully detailed with beautiful lace insets.
The Christmas Nativity Scene deserves a place of honor in every Christian home. We call them by different names and honor the Birth of Our Lord with traditions as diverse as the world of Catholicism. 
The oldest existing presepio is in the Basilica of Saint Mary Major where, until 1870, many of the Popes celebrated Christmas Mass. Made of marble, it is attributed to the artist Arnolfo di Cambio ca. 1289. In 2005 the 700 year old pieces were restored and seen by the general public. Previously, they were only viewed on Christmas Eve.
The earliest known depiction of the Nativity was found in the catacombs of Saint Priscilla of 2 A.D. and is in the form of a frieze showing the Madonna and Child, Saint Joseph, three wise men, and another figure that may be the prophet Isaiah with an eight pointed star above. Later images dating up until 5 A.D. include a fresco in the catacomb of Saint Sebastian with a manger with animals, but lacking Mary and Joseph. 
Every year we get numerous requests for Thomas Kinkade nativities. So many that I've decided to put his beautiful works first. Thomas Kinkade, known as the artist of light, has created so many well loved Christmas figures. They are destined to become heirlooms to treasure in your Christian home. 
Thomas Kinkade Illuminated Nativity Tabletop Tree: Glory To The Newborn King
Thomas Kinkade Elegant Blessing Nativity Figurines
Thomas Kinkade Blessed and Holy Night Nativity Figurine Collection
Thomas Kinkade Holy Nativity Set
Thomas Kinkade Indoor or Outdoor Nativity Set with Free Spotlight
Thomas Kinkade Light Up Nativity Wreath
Thomas Kinkade Nativity Christmas Tree Collection
Thomas Kinkade Star of Hope Illuminated Nativity Scene
Thomas Kinkade Story of the Nativity
New This Year
Unique Holy Family Nativity Puzzle Fit Set
New This Year
New This Year
New This Year
New This Year
Foundations Holy Family Nativity Set
Stone Resin Nativity Set
Fontanini Bethlehem Village Nativity Display
Fontanini Nativity with Grotto
Fontanini Nativity Set with Wood Stable
Fontanini 17 Piece Nativity Set
Fontanini 9 Piece Nativity Set
Fontanini 6 Piece Nativity Set
Fontanini 24" Nativity Set
Fontanini 10 Inch Nativity Set
Fontanini Lighted Nativity Set
Jim Shore offers this unique design for his Heartwood Creek collection. Nine figurines are crafted of stone resin and hand painted. Matching creche is wood with resin detail. Figurines, 4 1/4" - 9". Creche, 14 1/2" x 12 1/2".
Willow Tree is an intimate, personal line of figurative sculptures representing qualities and sentiments that help us feel close to others, heal wounds, or treasure relationships to living things. Artist Susan Lordi hand-carves each original piece with this thought in mind. Her figures continue to evolve as she identifies emotions so important for us to convey, and renders them in simple, pure gestures.
The Christmas Story
Willow Tree 10 Piece Nativity Set Create a family Christmas tradition with this exceptional nativity set. The handsome collection is crafted of resin to look hand-carved. A wonderful gift, the set includes nine figurines (Mary and the Christ Child, Joseph, a shepherd, 2 lambs, a donkey and 3 Wisemen); plus, a weathered metal star backdrop. Largest figurine is 9 1/2" high; star backdrop, 6 1/2" x 13 1/2" x 2".
My Pocket Nativity
Child's First Nativity Set
The REAL Gift of Christmas
Nativity Story Cookie Cutter Set
Nativity Puppet Gloves
Nativity Bake Set
9 Piece Children's Nativity Set with Farm Animals
Irish Nativity
Kneeling Santa
Tender Blessings Kneeling Santa
O Holy Night Santa
Jim Shore's Heartwood Creek collection presents a loving tribute to the Real Meaning of Christmas. Figurine is crafted of stone resin and beautifully hand painted. Gift boxed. 6 1/2" x 7 3/4".
A Quiet Moment
Nativity Centerpiece Beautiful from any angle - though only the front and back are shown here. All-in-one Nativity from Kim Lawrence features 360 degrees detailing and inlaid crystal accent in cross. Features scripture from Isaiah 9:6: "for unto us a child is born. Unto us a son is given, and His name will be called wonderful, counselor, mighty God, ever-lasting Father, Prince of Peace." Measures 6" x 6" x 10 3/4"
Christmas Gathering Stained Glass Panel
O Holy Night Musical Nativity Box
Hand Painted Nativity Set
Nativity Wall Cross
Nativity Folding Floor Screen