Explaining the Nativity to Kids

Telling the story in simple words

Start with the story, before any explaining. It only takes a few sentences, and kids often ask to hear it again every year:

That’s exactly what the nativity scene shows. Every figure has a place in the story, and a child can retell it by pointing to each one. For the Bible passages themselves, see the Gospel accounts of the Nativity.

By age

Ages 3 to 5

Name the figures, count the sheep, find who’s missing from the stable. Give them a small nativity set of their own, with sturdy figures, so they can act out the story. Coloring pages keep little hands busy while you tell it.

Ages 6 to 8

Give them one small job each day of Advent: moving Mary and Joseph forward, or moving a shepherd. Explain why the manger stays empty until Christmas Eve.

Ages 9 to 12

Have them read the story in the Bible, sort out what the Gospel says from what tradition added, and let them set up the figures themselves. It’s also a good age to make their first clay figure or build part of the scenery.

Gestures to give them

• On the first Sunday of Advent, set up the village together and leave the manger empty.
• On December 4, if you’d like to try the Provençal custom, plant Saint Barbara’s wheat in three saucers and watch it grow until Christmas.
• Each day of Advent, move the figures a little closer to the stable.
• On Christmas Eve, let the youngest lay the Baby Jesus in the manger.
• From December 25 to Epiphany, move the Wise Men forward each evening until they reach the Child.

The full calendar is on when to put up the nativity.

Their questions, and simple answers

Why was Jesus born in a stable?

Because there was no room anywhere else. And because God chose to come as a poor baby, so he could be close to everyone. See the cave or the stable.

Why is there an ox and a donkey?

The Gospel doesn’t mention them, but the prophet Isaiah wrote that the ox and the donkey know their master. So we put them right next to Jesus, keeping him warm. See the ox and the donkey.

Who are the Wise Men?

Learned men from far away, who followed a star to find Jesus. People say there were three of them, because they brought three gifts.

Why is the angel up in the air?

Because he comes from heaven to bring the good news to the shepherds. He’s usually the only figure that doesn’t stand on the ground. See the angel.

Why do we wait until Christmas Eve to put Jesus in?

Because Advent is a time of waiting: we get his place ready, and we welcome him on the night he was born.

And all the other figures?

They’re the village people, each with a job: some come to see Jesus, others keep on working. See the characters.

Praying with them

For kids, praying at the nativity is often something they do more than something they say: laying the Baby Jesus in the manger, lighting a candle, saying thank you. You’ll find simple ideas for Christmas Eve and every day of the Christmas season on praying before the nativity.

In religious education and at school

CCD and religious education classes and Catholic schools often make their own nativity, or put on a living nativity where every child gets a part. A visit to the nativity at your parish church, with a short reading and a prayer, works well from preschool on; your parish or diocesan religious education office can often suggest a simple plan. To put on a living nativity, see living nativities.

Frequently asked questions