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Nativity Sets Tips
Miniature Nativity Set
If you don't want to display a Nativity set on a table top or shelf somewhere because you don't have the space or you want to show off other figurines, you may want to consider a Nativity Set that hangs on your tree in the form of Christmas ornaments.
With a 12-piece miniature Nativity ornament set, you get all the essential people involved with the Nativity, in tiny ornament form to hang on your Christmas tree. Ornament sets such as these look like they are made from wood but are actually made from resin. Their wood-like appearance gives them a hand-made look. You can easily complete an entire Nativity set in one easy purchase when purchasing a 12 piece Nativity set. Each ornament is 3/4 of an inch to almost two inches, so the entire set will not take up much room on your Christmas tree if space is important.
If you wanted you could even display this set somewhere other than your tree. Because this Nativity set is so tiny, it is sure to not take up much space anywhere you set it. At only $9, a miniature Nativity set is not only a space saver; it is also easy on your wallet!
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Fontanini Nativity Set
Bronners.com Tip: If you are looking for a gorgeous Nativity set, you may want to consider a Nativity set made by Fontanini. Fontanini figurines, which are crafted in Italy, are made with a material that is guaranteed not to break or chip, so they last a lifetime.
Fontanini Nativity sets come individually boxed for each piece purchased. You will also get an Heirloom story card that tells the story about each person a figurine is made for. This is a neat way to refresh your memory about what role each person in the set played during Christ's birth.
For example, if you purchase one of the Three Wise Men, such as Balthazar, a story card will be included in the box telling you about Balthazar. He was one of the Wise Men who brought Myrrh to the baby Jesus and was Prince of Africa and King of Saba at the time of his journey to see the baby Jesus. The 5" Balthazar figurine for the Nativity set, which is the most popular, runs for $16.
If you purchase another of the Wise Men, Gaspar, you will find out on your story card that he was responsible for bringing Jesus the frankincense and was over 100 years old when he went to see the baby Jesus. This 5" figurine will cost $16.
A Fontanini Nativity set is a true family heirloom, an educational one at that. Having a Fontanini in your home or giving a Fontanini Nativity, as a gift at Christmas is a lovely gesture, because these figurines are truly gorgeous.
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Wood or Iron Nativity Set
There are two very classy Nativity sets that people can display in their homes for a more modern touch or an international feel.
One that gives you a more modern feel is an iron Nativity set, even though it has an old appeal to it. A hand made and hand painted 10-piece Nativity set is sure to brighten up your home with its vibrant colors and modern look. For about $80 you can purchase an iron Nativity set on line or look for them elsewhere. A Nativity set such as this can be used either indoors or can be displayed outdoors as well.
An example of a Nativity set that offers the owner an international feel is a Nativity set made of wood. A 13-piece wood carved Russian Nativity set may be the perfect Nativity for a home that wants a more international flare in their home. The wood is hand carved and painted with subtle and lovely colors that will go with just about any decor. The set is actually made in Russia and costs about $300.
Whatever type of Nativity set you choose, whether it be a wood set or an iron set, you will know when you see it if it will be a good fit for your home this Christmas!
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African American Nativity
Bronners.com Tip: Since Christmas and family go hand in hand, many families wish to have a nativity scene that depicts the holy family they can relate to with their own ethnicity and heritage. Bronner’s offers a choice of nativities including various skin tones and artistic styles. Specialized Christmas sites like this have many choices for Nativity sets, Christmas decorations and just about anything Christmas related you could imagine, including an African American Nativity set.
This set features the Three Wise Men, the baby Jesus and Mary and Joseph. You also get an ox, a donkey and a sheep to complete your set, all for only $60. The set is made from ceramic and painted with care for a beautiful ethnic feel.
For many families, especially those of color, it is important to have figurines displayed at Christmas time that represent their culture and ethnic background. Having an African American Nativity set is a wonderful way to do just that!
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Life Size Nativity Scene
Have you thought about putting a life size Nativity set outside on your front lawn at Christmas time? If you weren't sure where to purchase one or if you thought the life size Nativity might look tacky, you can think again. First, you can purchase one on the Internet or in some retail chain stores throughout the country. Second, with nicely made Nativity pieces that are life size, you can have a classy looking display.
Many of the life size Nativity pieces light up with the use of a C7 light bulb that is included with the Nativity piece. You can purchase a life size baby Jesus for about $24. The Three Wise Men are plastic and made with beautiful colors and need three 60-watt light bulbs. These men range in size from 40 to 61 inches and will make a beautiful display in your front lawn come Christmas time for about $45.
Of course, you will also need Mary and Joseph and a manager for baby Jesus. The life size Mary and Joseph also light up and are quite lovely. With the manager in which you can lay your life sized baby Jesus. Your life sized Nativity set will be sure to impress neighbors for an additional $15. Don't forget to add the necessary animals and your collection will be complete!
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Driftwood Nativity Set
People looking for a more natural looking Nativity set without a lot of color and bright paint, may want to look into a driftwood Nativity set. These Nativity sets are made from ceramic but have driftwood accents that are painted in neutral, soft colors for a natural look.
Many driftwood Nativity sets come with 11 pieces including the Holy Family, the Three Wise Men, a donkey, a cow and a camel is sure to add a decorative, yet tasteful touch to any home decor. For about $120 online you can purchase this well made Nativity set for your home.
Driftwood Nativity sets are a quality way to display the Nativity. When shopping for a Nativity set, keep a driftwood Nativity in mind for an understated appeal.
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History of the Nativity Set
Many people display Nativity sets during the Christmas season as a representation the birth of Christ. But do you know where the actual idea of a Nativity set came from?
The original Nativity set was actually a live scene with people playing the parts of Mary, Joseph, Jesus and the Three Wise Men. Real animals were even used in the barn where the live scene was taking place thanks to Saint Joseph of Assisi. His idea soon spread to Germany in the 1600's. Most often these live Nativity displays occurred in front of a church or other houses of worship. As these live Nativity scenes grew in popularity, artists began carving what they saw in the display into wood, stone or ivory.
In 1741 when Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, came to be in the United States, the people that settled there from overseas, brought with them these carved nativity scenes. This is how people in the United States came to discover Nativity sets. For many people today, displaying a Nativity set is a sign of Christmas spirit.
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Cool Nativity Christmas Ornaments
As previously mentioned, you can purchase a set of 12 Christmas ornaments that symbolize the Nativity. If you aren't interested in having an entire 12-piece Nativity ornament set, then you shop for some really cool individual Christmas ornaments that have a Nativity scene on them.
One such ornament would be a Nativity silhouette light Christmas ornament. This cool Nativity ornament isn't like your ordinary ornaments. Not only does this Christmas tree ornament have a silhouette of the Nativity on it, it also lights up when you put a small light in the back of it. This light can be one of your Christmas tree lights that are strung around your tree. You simply insert one of the single lights into the back of the ornament and you have a lighted Nativity silhouette.
Another cool Nativity Christmas tree ornament is actually a set of ornaments, but not your typical set that is put on a tree. This 9 piece glass ornament Nativity actually comes with its own gold foiled ornament stands in which you can hang the ornaments from. This saves you space on your tree and makes a really cool decoration anywhere in your home during Christmas. If you are worried about storing these glass ornaments without breaking them, these neat Nativity ornaments come in their own box for safekeeping. An ornament set like this will typically cost about $35.
One last really cool nativity Christmas ornament is a cross ornament that has a Nativity scene with Mary, Joseph and the baby Jesus inside of it. The angels celebrating above the Holy Family are just an added bonus. This $8 Christmas ornament is a cool way to display the Nativity on your Christmas tree.
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Unique Nativity Scenes
If you are looking for a Nativity set that isn't like the average Nativity set, you may be surprised at some of the unique Nativity sets that are available for you to choose from.
One such unique Nativity display is actually a Santa Claus with a painted Nativity scene on it. This is a gorgeous and unique way to display the Nativity. This hand carved and hand painted wooden Santa is made with the best wood possible and has details so intricate, that your guests will be in awe over it. With a price tag of $250, they should be! The artists from G. DeBrekht Artistic Studios have done an amazing job on this figurine.
Another unique Nativity display is a Nativity serving tray. This serving tray is a cool way to decorate with the Nativity, or to serve food at Christmas time. The tray is ceramic and has a beautifully colored Nativity scene on the inside of the tray. It would make a lovely decoration just sitting on a counter or a coffee table, or you can use it for what it is actually for: serving food. Either way, at $25 you are sure to have a great, unique way to display the Nativity at Christmas.