Christmas Nativity Sets: 5 Great Examples – Joy To The World!

Oh, Joy! It’s Christmas time!  Jesus is the reason for the season! Which is why I have such an affinity for nativity sets.  And, maybe it’s also because I am from a big Italian family and everyone had a manger scene in their home. Growing up my grandmother had 2 decorations that marked the holiday season – a modest real tree with handmade and vintage ornaments, and a colorful crèche complete with palm trees.  For me, her nativity set was always the centerpiece of the whole thing, and I had a HUGE love for it!  So, that’s why this week I want to share with you some of my favorite Christmas nativity sets that I cherish and love and display throughout the holidays. 

One fun fact is that nativity scenes were actually made popular by St. Francis of Assisi in 1223.  It was called a “presepio” in Italian – meaning “crib.” In a small Italian village he used live animals in a cave setting as a visual aid and retold the story of the birth of Christ. It’s fascinating! There is a lot of history here! And, as I grew older, I began to really enjoy the different types of nativities from different eras…the wide variety of them and the wide variety of materials that they are made out of – from cardboard to papier-mâché to wood to ceramic. And, as my interest grew so did my collection.

#1 Italian Papier-Mâché

My favorite nativity set is inspired by my grandmother.  Over the last several years, I have hunted and searched and put together a pretty full collection of 1950s hand-painted Italian figurines.  I know that some of these are Fontanini, a company that started back in 1908, and is still in business today, and still owned by the same family!  Back in the 1950’s these figurines were made with either papier-mâché or chalk (i.e., plaster). These to me represent the Christmas spirit more than anything else. I love the vintage hand-painted details and my vintage velvet tree. I’m always on the lookout for a perfect palm!  They are super tricky to find in good condition. But, believe it or not, Amazon still sells Fontanini today, like this set and this one – and the new products continue to be quite lovely (paid link).

#2 Classic ceramic

I found this vintage white ceramic nativity set at a church sale a few years ago and I couldn’t believe my eyes! In fact, my parents have a set very similar that was made for them a long time ago. I grew up with it at Christmas time and I LOVED it and always wanted one of my own. My aunt was telling me the story behind these, and it’s quite interesting. 

These ceramic figures were actually made as a craft back in the 1970s and 1980s. People would gather in a studio, and pick out their greenware pieces, prepare them, glaze them, and take them home after they were fired. My set is made from a mold by a company called Holland Mold.  They are dated 1986 by the crafter and signed with the family name Decker.  For me, these are so very beautiful, elegant, and classic. My set has a total of 14 pieces and takes up my whole buffet!

#3 Whimsical wood

Not every manger has to be vintage to catch my eye. For example, I found this set at Target a few years ago. These wonderful whimsical wood figurines are well loved and played with. They have such a cute and colorful look – they make me smile! And unlike the vintage Italian set, these are extremely durable and perfect for kids!  

Peruvian Clay

This is one of my smallest mangers I own….only 3 inches tall. It’s called an alcove nativity and was hand-painted in Peru. Because It was given to me as a gift, I cherish it in all of its tiny splendor.

cute cardboard

I think it’s so important to include children in the Christmas decorating process. I have two nativity sets that are hands-on just for little fingers. This delightful nativity set was found at Target as well. It was part of an Advent calendar and it serves as a great tool to help kids learn about the birth of Jesus and brings cheer to any room!

the Collection ContinueS

It astounds me that manger scenes have been around since the early 1220s! And my fondness for them is still growing along with my collection! In fact, I just ordered a 1950s cardboard crèche which I plan to assemble and display on my mantel this year. I really do think Christmas nativity sets are the perfect decoration to help celebrate the true meaning of Christmas. There are so many wonderful varieties out there – from wood to ceramic to cardboard to clay, there is something for everyone!! Joy to the world the Lord is come!