How to Make Nativity Costumes

Christmas is a holiday that originally was pagan and then later adapted for the Christian celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. For Christians, Nativity scenes are a regular part of Christmas decorations and celebrations. While many may have miniature Nativity scenes set up in their homes during the Christmas season, others may take part in a life-size Nativity scene and need Nativity costumes.

Things You'll Need

• Solid color button-down sweater vests (three brighter than the rest)
• White and tan top sheets
• Scissors
• Decorative rope
• Solid color sweatsuits
• Farm animal masks or face paint
• Light blue sheet
• Chocolate coins wrapped in gold
• Small wooden box
• Small gold dish
• Costume wings
• Headband
• Gold pipe cleaners
• Hot glue gun
• Small decorative glass bottle
• 3 long walking sticks
• 3 crowns

Instructions

1. Find out how many people will be in the Nativity scene.

2. Determine how many shepherds and animals will be in the Nativity scene, based on the number of people left on your list after the roles of Mary, Joseph, the angel and the three wise men have been assigned.

3. Fold a white sheet in half, and cut a hole in the middle of the fold for the head to come through. Give the costume wings and make a halo by hot-gluing gold pipe cleaners, formed into a circle, to a headband.

4. Find a loose-fitting full-length white dress or robe that will fit the person playing Mary. Drape a light blue sheet over one of her shoulders like a sash.

5. Swaddle a baby or baby doll in a white sheet to represent baby Jesus.

6. Fold white or tan sheets in half, and cut a hole in the middle of the fold for the head to come through to dress Joseph and any shepherds. Tie a decorative rope around the waist of each of the men, and add a solid color sweater vest.

7. Dress the three wise men in the same manner as Joseph and the shepherds, but their vests should be brighter and they should have crowns and walking sticks to make them stand out from the rest of the men. Also, one should carry a small glass bottle, another the gold dish, and another should have the gold wrapped coins in a small wooden box to represent the gifts that were presented to Jesus.

8. Dress those playing the farm animals in solid sweatsuits appropriately colored for the animal they are playing, and use animal masks or face paint to finish off their costumes.