Happy December!
It is hard to believe we are so close to celebrating Christmas again. I anticipate this being a busy month for my blog, and I am excited to share some of my family’s favorite Christmas recipes and traditions with you all.
Over the next few weeks, I plan to feature some simple Christmas crafts, fun homeschool activities, seasonal thrifted decorations, and of course- English Christmas recipes. In order to fit it all in, some weeks I plan to post two times during the week… instead of just on my regular Friday schedule. This will depend upon my responsibilities at home with my children, but… seeing as my “little shadows” enjoy doing hands on activities with me, I am hopeful we can accomplish much in the next few weeks.
Today, I am happy to share with you some creative ways to transform a nativity set into something new- without spending money. I shall call this… nativity, five ways.
Please join me and my family as we prepare our home for Christmas.
~Early Nativity Sets~
Did you know that nativity sets date back hundreds of years. Nativity sets create a scene that beholds the birth of the savior, Jesus. They are a reminder of the true meaning of Christmas.
Now, I am no history buff… so I won’t bore you with any concrete details, but I can tell you the children and I have learned a few new things about nativities this week. (Again, learning can come in all shapes and forms, and everything is a lesson at Happy Hawks Homeschool).
Nativities are often made of carved wood, glass, or ceramic, but some nativities feature real live animals and people. Today, nativity sets can be purchased at many retail stores. However, as time has passed, some of the materials the nativity sets are made from- have been cheapened. Therefore, finding a quality set at a thrift store can be a challenge. However, if you ever come across a vintage nativity set, this can be a rewarding treasure.
~Forage for Free~
Let me add a little side note here: my top tip for decorating a nativity is to use some natural products. Obviously, hay is a good option, but there are many other free materials to explore.
Materials such as pine straw, evergreen plants, holly leaves, moss, cranberries. Again, the sky is the limit.
Before a “yard forage”, if you will, I like to gather my trusty supplies. I first grab a sharp pair of scissors. Then, I take my thrifted flower basket- down from its perch. And finally, I call my children, and we venture out into the yard.
My children enjoy helping me gather supplies to decorate our home. I am a firm believer of using things you have, or using resources that are natural, free gifts from God. First, we have a good look around the yard and decide on our best wintery plants. We snip, snip, snip- and place the clippings in our basket.
Once our bounty has been collected, we head back inside to decorate our nativity sets and place a few fresh sprigs of evergreen in some of our thrifted, milk-glass vases. You don’t have to spend money on winter flowers, for evergreen foliage is beautiful in a vintage vase.
Oh, the little joys.
~Thrifted Nativity Sets~
Now for the stars of the show: the thrifted nativity sets. Thrift stores often have a plethora of nativity sets (although these are popular items to snag… so you will have to move quickly).
My top tip for buying a thrifted nativity set is to look at the details. If they are a set, make sure all the pieces are present and not broken. Also, remembering to look at the quality of the nativity set. As well as paying attention to the details. If the nativity figures are hand painted, are the faces of Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, Jesus, the wise men, the angel… neat and tidy? Are the pupils of the eyes centered? If so, you may be onto a good set.
Now, I realize sometimes treasure seekers cannot always be choosers, but you can find some quality nativity sets if you are patient and picky.
All that being said, there is also a time to buy a set that is not necessarily the best quality…but you like it. I do this often, you cannot always explain why you are drawn to a vintage item, but sometimes those items do beckon you closer.
Currently, I have two thrifted nativity sets that I have been drawn to over the years, each purchased at different times. Using these thrifted nativity sets, I will feature both in a few different ways below. Let me introduce the nativity sets to you now.
~How to Transform a Thrifted Nativity Set into Something New~
Recently, I came across a vintage, hand painted nativity set. Upon closer inspection, I noted that all the pieces were present and were still wrapped in their original bubble wrap packaging. I did not take each item out, but for a few dollars…. I thought the set was worth bringing home. And it was!
This particular nativity set is not posh or expensive. It originally came from the Dollar General (I would guess around 1980). Brand new the nativity cost five dollars.
Immediately, I was drawn to the soft colors. I love pink- so I was thrilled to see lovely touches of pink throughout the set. I also noted that the faces of each character where well painted. All the eyes had the pupils in the center of the eyeball for a start. The charming shepherd character was interesting and unique.
Even though the 11-piece set was complete and perfect, it was missing a stable. I considered buying one from Hobby Lobby or trying to find one at another thrift store. In the end, I decided against another car ride with four little people, and instead I looked around my home for inspiration.
The second nativity, I purchased from a thrift store last year. This nativity is a smaller set and is made of clear glass. The set came with a mirror -that the figures stand upon. However, this year, we decided to display them in a few new ways. I also enjoy placing a candle or light behind this particular nativity set, as the lights shine through the glass figures and create a magical glow.
Using two nativity sets, these are the “new” scenes I created.
~Old Made New~
~The Glass Nativity is Given a New Home~
By using fresh moss from the yard, and a few leftover cranberries from my cranberry spice cake, I created a new bed for my figures to rest upon.
The glass cloche normally sits upon a painted plate, but I decided to use it to create a little observatory. A nativity cloche is not completely my idea… as I have seen similar things done over the years. I have also seen these ideas in retail stores, often with the addition of some battery powered twinkle lights. Indeed, I even remember something similar, when I was a child.
As I have said before, inspiration comes from many sources. Don’t let your inspiration stop there- as these glass cloches make lovely Christmas displays filled with ornaments and treats.
~My Painted Nativity is Given a Basket Bottom~
As I looked around my home, I spotted this wicker tray (that my husband and I had purchased from an antique store). Actually, I have showcased this basket tray before- in my post on English muffins (you can read that here). Normally, I use this on top of an English basket, and it is filled with books, and trinkets. However, I thought this would make for a perfect nativity display.
This simple transformation only took me a few minutes to create. Again, I used the plants I had gathered from my yard forage to give the nativity figures a soft base to perch upon.
Mind you, the figures will not stay in these spots as curious little fingers will soon rearrange them- especially the baby Jesus.
~A Vintage Box for a Charming Crèche~
I first found this box at a thrift store. Click here to see how I first used the box (and to learn how to make tiger bread and a refreshing pub drink). Boxes can be used in a myriad of ways in the home space. The fact that the interior of this vintage thrifted box is covered in red felt, only helped to aid in the Christmas ambiance.
~An Antique Book Sets the Stage~
If you are a regular reader, you know I love vintage and antique books. They are a lovely addition to a home, and they can provide warmth to a Christmas scene. By simply opening this antique book up, I was able to create a stage for the baby Jesus to rest upon. I staged this nativity on the hearth- as the bricks helped to hold up the back book cover. The brick background only lent itself to the cause.
How charming to see the handwritten inscription from a previous owner. Look closely…
~A Bear's Suitcase is Found Suitable~
During our time living in England, my daughter received a thoughtful gift. A family friend named Jill, gave our daughter a Steiff bear when she was born. The teddy bear was housed in this sweet little suitcase. Naturally, we thought this would be another good place to showcase our glass nativity.
With the simple addition of some yard foliage and a crimson bow, we had another lovely scene to grace our entryway with a reminder of Jesus’s love.
~Lastly, a Vintage Plate from England- Proves a Perfect Mate~
England is synonymous for its beautiful castles. This thrift find brings me much joy as it is a plate in the shape of a heart.
If you know me at all, you will know how I love and appreciate hearts.
Further to this, the plate features a lovely English castle. Anytime, I can incorporate vintage plates (or just lovely plates) into my decor, I do. Plates can be a charming addition to more rooms than just a kitchen or dining room.
Personally, I like to fill my home with lovely, ordinary items (no matter how small) that bring me happiness to be around.
Therefore, I chose this vintage red plate to serve as a place to display our nativity. For Jesus was not born in a castle, but He came into this world in a humble fashion, born in a stable. Heavenly Royalty born into a humble space- the truth of Christmas.
~Christmas Does Not Have to be Commercialized~
Remember this Christmas season that spending more does not mean more care or more love is given. There are so many ways to make Christmas special for your loved ones without spending much money.
Thrift stores are great places to find Christmas treasures. With a dash of creativity, and a splash of imagination, many Christmas items can be remade into something beautiful. Nature can be a free source of energizing embellishment and delightful decorations.
~Until Next Time~
I hope this nativity set post has given you all a few new ideas to use in your own homes. Shop your closets and cupboards-thrift- and craft- to make a lovely, warm, home space this season.
Stay tuned for my next post featuring a delicious English, Christmas recipe. Also, remember to check in with my Cotswold Kitchen Mom Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576612642003 where I am showcasing one of my favorite thrifted/sentimental Christmas items each day. The English ducks below are part of that Facebook post.
Who knows, maybe you might even feel up to sharing some of your favorite Christmas traditions there too.
As always, feel free to subscribe and share my post. I hope to see you all soon. And as my two-year-old daughter would say, “See soon, see soon!”
~Elizabeth~
