How to Act Out the Nativity With Costumes

Lights, camera, action! One of the most beloved traditions of Christmas is acting out the nativity story. It is a chance for the family to draw close together, have fun dress ups, and remember the true spirit of Christmas. Here are some ideas to help your family have a successful reenactment of the nativity story.

First, you need to decide on the script. The Biblical verses in Luke are standard for most scripts, and if this is what you decide to use, make sure to get familiar with the story and get the participating children familiar with the language used as well. When younger children are involved, it may be good idea to simplify the script and bring it closer to their understanding. Toddlers may not even want a script, the may just want to put on unique costumes and play pretend! However you decide to act it out, decide early what type of script, if any, you are going to use.

Next, you need to create the costumes. The nativity story provides many opportunities for unique costumes, many of which can be made from home. Sheets and bathrobes can be used for the robes of Mary, Joseph, and the Shepherds. White sweats with black noses for the sheep, and the angel just needs a halo from golden tinsel and a sash to match. These unique costumes not only provide fun dress ups, but they provide an opportunity for the children's imagination to explore while they play pretend. So let the kids help come up with the costumes! Broom handles can be used for the shepherd's staff and baby dolls for the baby Jesus. Your children may have toys that would work well in the play, like stuffed animals for the manger. Ask them, and improvise-great, unique costumes can be found with much cost!

Once the costumes are set and assigned and the script decided, take a quick run through. While it may not be practical to run through the entire skit before the performance, since a 2 year old sheep can loose interest in being a sheep relatively quickly, at least do a verbal run through to make sure people know where they are supposed to be when. With young tots, you may just want to dress them up and let them play.

And, action! Make sure a "stage" (or large area vacant of breakable objects) is set, and let the play begin! Children love to act and play pretend to an audience, so make sure that there are a few watching the nativity story. Since the large majority of the people will be either participating in the acting or helping little ones to find there places, make sure there is someone who is the designated cameraman who gets the entire thing on footage. A few pictures wouldn't hurt either!

After everyone has cleaned up, sit down and watch it together with some popcorn. This will help bring the sense of bonding close to everyone, and it will help the children see that they have done! Acting out the nativity story is not only a time for fun dress up, it is a time to unite as a family and feel love and bonding with those around us. It is important to document and review such memories so that they are preserved and fresh. Good luck, and Merry Christmas!