Family Nativity Play ~ 12 SuperMom Days of Christmas

It's Day 12 in my 12 SuperMom Days of Christmas series where I shared with you 12 ways in which I celebrate the Christmas season with my family through crafts, cooking and creating memories (see all here).  Reenacting the Nativity with my kiddo's and sweet nieces and nephews every year is a everlasting memory that I always look forward to.

In other words, I saved the best for last.

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Putting on a Nativity Play is not a new concept.  In fact it's a tradition among many families to do so.  To reinforce the true meaning of Christmas amidst the shopping, the decorations, the parties and Santa was extremely important to my parents and has trickled down to their 6 kiddo's as well.

That's me (the only girl!) at age 8 with three of my brothers and two cousins.  LOVE the artwork in the background!  Here is the next generation of Shepherds, Kings, Angels and of course, Mary and Joseph.

Every year my mom busts out her Box 'o Nativity Clothes.

And every year we ramble through it putting together outfits for our little actors.  Most everything was purchased at Goodwill.  Scrubs work great and fit all different sizes.  Decorative scarves, window valances as head dresses, ropes and pieces of cloth as belts...you don't have to spend a lot of money for simple costumes.

The top costume on the right works great for Joseph and the Shepherds.  The Kings' clothes are a little more fancy and Mary of course has a baby doll.  Although this year my sweet baby Hunter was honored to play the part of Jesus since he was

fast asleep anyway  =)

 Ignore the girlie swing...his twin sister was busy backstage jumping in her saucer.  Gather any stuffed animals that would be fitting for a stable as well!  Enter Joseph and Mary...always the prized parts.

Two Angles and a little Shepherd wait 'backstage' in the playroom as Grandma reads the narrative.

Please ignore the red-punch mustaches all over every child's face.  We ate our potluck dinner before the Nativity Play!  The Shepherds ranged in size this year.  The sweet 2 year old above as well as ages 5 and 11.  Oh, and we had a real-life sheep (who wasn't too happy) thanks to a Halloween costume!

The Three Kings were very excited to finally join the other kids when 

bringing baby Jesus their gifts.

We sing different songs between scenes like Away in a Manger and Silent Night, off key and all.  This year my brother commented that it was like paparazzi were in the house with all the flashes, but all us proud SuperMom's kept clicking our cameras anyway!  At the end we have each child stand up in front of the audience and say their name and age which is wonderful to watch years later on video.  

Sure, we have lots of kids to fill all the major parts.  But even if you only have one child or just a few, having them act out a part of the Nativity while the birth story of our Savior is read aloud, resonates deep within everyone present.  That warm feeling that will wash over you, sticks.  You and your children will remember that peaceful feeling of love and joy.  It's a memory you will cherish now as a mother, later as a grandmother, and forever as a family.

Merry Christmas!