How to Set Up an Outdoor Nativity Scene

Here's how to present your outdoor nativity scene in the best light.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Mangers
• Outdoor Joseph Figure
• Outdoor Mary Figure
• Outdoor Baby Jesus Figure
• Outdoor Wise Men Figures
• Plastic Animals
• Yard Lighting

1. Decide where your nativity scene will be best appreciated - by the front walk? in the corner of your yard?

2. Make sure that your extension cord is made for outdoor use and that it will reach from the electrical outlet to your display.

3. Set up the core of the scene with the Mary and Joseph figures flanking the manger.

4. Add the wise men figures to one side and the animal figures to the other.

5. Make sure none of the additional figures obstruct the view of the manger piece, which is the focus of the scene.

6. Use sandbags for ballast if you live in a particularly windy climate.

Tips & Warnings

• If the manger scene is the type in which the figures contain lights, be sure to use only bulbs rated for those sockets. The information should be on the socket itself.

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[MsStaysFly]

on 10/12/2009 Good Article...

[MsStaysFly]

on 10/12/2009 Good Article...

[kyrie]

on 12/6/2006 A neat way to anticipate Christmas is have your three wise men start on the other side of the yard and make their journey gradually over the season (move them toward the nativity scene every couple of days or once a week). If you want to be really literal, have them arrive on the Feast of Epiphany (January 6).

on 12/12/2005 Just reminding everyone that the three wise men were not at the stable.

on 11/22/2005 Do not put the Baby Jesus out in view until Christmas day. Many people set the scene up, and have Jesus in view too early. Also, a good touch is to use wooden pallets (the older the better) to make the manger with straw on the ground.