- 1). Draw on a piece of paper how you want the nativity scene to look. For example, you can place the box on one of its longer sides, allowing you to paint a background on the bottom of the box. Alternatively, you can place the nativity on the bottom of the box and allow viewers to gaze on the scene from above.
- 2). Buy or create the characters for your scene. Many stores offer small nativity figurines around Christmas. Alternatively, draw, color and cut out each character, or make your own through painting ceramics or a craft of your choice. You will need: Mary, Joseph, three wise men, a shepherd or two, a star, an angel, baby Jesus and a manger. Sheep and hay are optional.
- 3). Decorate the box. If you lay the box on its side, paint the background and sides brown, as if in a stable. Include a window with the night sky. Paint or lay some hay on the bottom, where the characters stand. If you lay the box normally, paint the sides brown to symbolize the walls of the stable. Paint or lay hay on the bottom.
- 4). Measure the width and length of the top if you lay your box on its side. Skip to Step 5 otherwise. Cut out two pieces of cardboard that match the width of the box and exceed the length by 3 inches. Tape them together to create the roof in the shape of a “V.” Set it on top of the box and glue where it touches on the left and right side.
- 5). Place your characters in the box. Place baby Jesus and the manger in the center. Put the angel and star on the highest part of the box. If your box sits on the ground, put the angel and star behind the characters as high up as possible. Use glue or tape. Place Mary and Joseph closest to Jesus. Arrange the other characters as you see fit.
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