DIY Manger Scene

Merry Christmas! Well, almost. It’s been Christmas crazy over here in the First Look office as we gather gifts for you, our partners. (More on that next week – hint, hint.) We are so excited about celebrating Jesus’ birthday! And, this year it’s on Sunday! What? You did know that right? Please tell me you knew that.

As you prepare for December, you will see that we often call for you to have the Little People(R) Nativity. Isn’t it the best?

I mean. Look at that cutie pie playing with baby Jesus.

However, we realize that not all church budgets are equipped to purchase the number of Little People Nativity Sets that you would like to have. So, we’re giving you a Christmas present a little early.

We’re giving you the files so that you can MAKE YOUR OWN NATIVITY sets! That’s right! If you go to the December download page on the matrix, you will now find a bar that says CHRISTMAS PRESENTS. Click that, and you’ll find a PDF entitled “DIY Manger Scene.” That’s it! Download that, print it, and you will have these wonderful pictures so that you can make your own Nativity Set.

If you want to make the one from wooden blocks, you will need to go to your hardware store and purchase some untreated 2x4s. You’ll want them cut into theses lengths. (Yes, they’ll do that for you at the store.):

Two 6” pieces

Two 5” pieces

Six 2.5” pieces

Two 3” pieces

Make sure you buy some sandpaper while you’re at the store because you’re going to want to sand the corners and edges well when you get home. Then, grab your handy bottle of Mod Podge and adhere the pictures to wooden blocks.

If the wooden block idea overwhelms you, there are other ways to use the awesome graphics we’re giving you.

What about adhering the pictures to toilet paper rolls. You can use a roll of tape like we did here, or you could use packaging tape and wrap the pictures around the tubes.

So fun!

And, if toilet paper rolls are not your thing, what about this option?

Laminate the pieces and adhere magnets to the back. (Do not use button magnets for children under three.)

Then, run by the dollar store and grab some cookie trays.

Children will love moving the pieces around on the tray, and you’ll love that they’ll stay in one place (maybe).

You may even have another idea on how to use your Christmas present. If you do, we’d love to hear about it!! Make sure you tell us in the comments.

Now, go over to the download page and grab your present!! What are you waiting for?!

16 Comments

Ellen Dillard on October 26, 2016 at 9:36 pm

This is great! Thank you! Y’all are the best.
Reply
- Kathy Hill on October 26, 2016 at 10:47 pm
  
  Enjoy!
  Reply
  - Shalie Gilson on October 8, 2017 at 8:40 am
    
    Hi I am trying to find the link to this awesome set of clip arts but I can’t find it, can you help me out please?
    Thanks!
    SHalie
    Reply
    - Kathy Hill on October 9, 2017 at 7:38 am
      
      Shalie – This art is available to our First Look subscribers only. If you are a First Look subscriber, go to the December tab on your download matrix and scroll down to the tab that says “Merry Christmas.” It’s the first file there.
      Reply
Angela Tucker on October 26, 2016 at 9:41 pm

I was just wishing I had saved the file from the year we did the magnetic nativity scene! Thanks First Look!
Reply
- Kathy Hill on October 26, 2016 at 10:46 pm
  
  You’re welcome.
  Reply
Kecia Haas on October 26, 2016 at 10:39 pm

We have been doing this since we started using orange 4 yrs ago. The kids love it. My dad just finished cutting the blocks this week. Now to mode podge!
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- Kathy Hill on October 26, 2016 at 10:46 pm
  
  That’s so exciting! Do you give one set to each family?
  Reply
Kim DeVries on October 27, 2016 at 11:23 am

Thank you!!!
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Kathy White on October 27, 2016 at 11:49 am

I love this!!! We are going to send a set home with each family and make a magnet set for each of our classrooms. Thank you!!!!
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- Kathy Hill on October 27, 2016 at 3:34 pm
  
  Wow! That is so great!
  Reply
Debbie on October 27, 2016 at 1:51 pm

I love this! Thank you!
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Katie on November 22, 2016 at 12:33 pm

Love this! Is there any way you can tell me what picture goes on what size block?
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- Barbara Graves on November 29, 2016 at 10:12 am
  
  I saw that you had your question answered on the FB page! – Barbara
  Reply
Emily on December 6, 2018 at 2:05 pm

Are your nativity files still available. The nativity with the 2x4s is so awesome. Perfect for young children
Reply
- Kathy Hill on December 7, 2018 at 9:29 am
  
  Hi Emily. If you are a current subscriber to the First Look curriculum, you can find these files in the “Christmas Extras” folder in your December download.
  Reply