What do you need to make a nativity scene?

Most nativity scenes try to render the event in the most realistic way possible, not just the characters themselves, all of whom are dressed in attire from the time, but the actual animals, and the landscape around them. This is why it is common to see an image of the angel of the annunciation and of the star of Bethlehem over the manger; the Virgin Mary (seating down) and Saint Joseph (standing up) looking at a playful image of the Baby inside the manger; women with baskets, water jugs, feeding animals or washing clothes in a river (the river is made with shiny paper or aluminum foil); boys and girls playing next to their families; shepherds sleeping, carrying lamb on their shoulders, adoring the Baby, etc.; farmer working the land; an ironsmith working; a man fishing by the river; a few animals, such as chickens, pigs or sheep eating; trees and mountains; and other essential elements like houses, windmills, ruins, bridges, etc., and of course, Melchior, Caspar and Balthazar arriving with their presents, along with their three servants and camels.

Needless to say, the figurines in the nativity scene will change depending on the country where we are; in many Latin-American countries, for example, there will be alpacas, indians, and other indigenous figures about the nativity scene.

To give it a snowy look, you can sprinkle some flour to make it more in line with the Christmas season. And then, with some color lights and some Christmas carols playing in the background, the magic of the nativity scene comes to life to be remembered for years to come.

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