Fontanini Nativity

Fontanini Nativity

Setting Your Scene

Christmas Nativity Sets.

Christmas Nativity scene sets are an important part of Christmas decorations. They tell the story of a baby named Jesus, and his miraculous birth. Setting up the Nativity set is often a cherished event in many homes. There are many ways that the Christmas Nativity scene can be set up. The choice is completely up to you and your traditions. Throughout the world there are different customs and traditions when setting up the Nativity scene. Here are a few customs that vary throughout the world.

Setting Your Scene.

There are a few main pieces that are needed when setting up your Nativity set. The manger and crib, along with baby Jesus are at the center of the Nativity scene. Jesus should always be the center of your scene because he is the whole reason for the Nativity. Then Mary and Joseph should be placed on either side of Jesus. Some put Mary next to Jesus with Joseph set away from the crib looking away from Jesus. There is an old man next to him, meant to represent Satan. The reasoning for this set up is to symbolize doubt in human faith. This is not common practice, but has been portrayed in some Nativity sets. Usually an ox or sheep are placed in the manger as well since they were the only other ones present at the time of Jesus' birth. Now, some people do not place Jesus in the manger until Christmas Eve or Christmas day. This decision is completely up to you.

Additional Nativity Figures.

As for any other Nativity figurines, the shepherds and wise men are usually included. To place the importance of the figures, many people use circles. So Mary, Joseph and Jesus are in the first circle. The shepherds and the kings usually go on the next circle. If you have both shepherds and kings, placing the shepherds closer to Jesus is a more accurate account of Biblical times because the shepherds came before the wise men. One interesting idea I came across was to move the kings slowly across your yard, in an outdoor Nativity set. This shows how the kings slowly made their journey to see the newborn King. Also, not placing the wise men in the scene until January 6th is another tradition that is popular in many Latin communities.

Angels and Nativity Accessories.

One other popular figure is an angel. Placing the angel above the Nativity set is ideal, but if this is not possible, place the angel behind the Holy Family. Placing the angel above the Nativity set signifies the angel looking down from Heaven. With some outdoor Nativities, placing the angel above the manger just is not possible, so behind the scene is good because it shows the angel still looking down on the Holy Family. These are the most popular figures for the Nativity set. How you place them is completely up to you.

Nativity Collectables.

Some people collect Nativity figurines, so they can add a new person each year. Fontanini has a wide variety of characters to add to your Nativity scene. They also have special limited editions every year. These Nativity scenes can be collected over the years and then passed down throughout your family.

About the Author

Katie is employed as a writer for Christmas Decorations and Gifts. Select to view
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Fontanini Nativity Grotto 5 Inch Collection $59.19 Fontanini Nativity Grotto 5 Collection This beautifully crafted Fontanini nativity stable will inspire family traditions for years. It has been skillfully sculpted and handpainted by master Italian artisans. Measures 9 H x 10 W x 6 D and Palm Tree measures 12.5 H. Resin PVC and fabric. Note: Stable ONLY. Nativity figurines are sold separately. Color gift box.

Fontanini 18 Kneeling Angel Nativity Figure #53718 $388 Fontanini Kneeling Angel Nativity FigureBy Roman Inc. Item #: 53718For the Fontanini 18" Masterpiece CollectionNot every angel likes to fly around heaven and earth in diaphanous robes of glittering cloth. Our Fontanini's "Kneeling Angel" religious figure, for instance, proves that angels come with different personalities and style preferences too.Sculpted and hand-painted by skilled Italian artisans. Actual Dimensions: 13"H x 6.5"W x 9.5"LMaterials: virtually unbreakable, child-friendly polymer Type: Collectibles Color: Multi-Color

Fontanini 5 Religious Mossy Nativity Stable #50497 $94.99 For the Fontanini 5" CollectionItem #50497Fontanini has crafted this beautiful nativity stable, inspired to help build family traditionsThis stable skillfully crafted and hand-painted by master, Italian artisansDimensions: 12.2"H x 16.1"L x 7.5"D Material(s): wood/moss/bark Type: Decorations

Fontanini 5 Arch Christmas Nativity Display #50054 $34.99 For the Fontanini 5" CollectionItem #50054Beautifully detailed and hand-painted by master, Italian artisansArch nativity base is free standingActual dimensions of arch: 10.5"H x 2"W x 9"LMaterial(s): poly-resin Type: Decorations

Fontanini 50 Seated Sheep Nativity Figure #52340 $1255 Fontanini Seated Sheep Nativity Figure By Roman Inc. Item #: 52340For the Fontanini 50" Masterpiece Collections Skillfully sculpted and hand-painted in an old-world style palette by master, Italian artisans.Materials: Marble-Based ResinPlease Note: Figure can be used outdoors, but not in extreme weather and should be placed in a sheltered area. Type: Collectibles Color: Multi-Color

Fontanini 50 Nativity Cradle For Infant Jesus #52300 $1424 Fontanini Nativity Cradle for Infant JesusBy Roman Inc. Item #: 52300For the Fontanini 50" Masterpiece CollectionSkillfully sculpted and hand-painted in a rich old-world style palette by master, Italian artisans.*Note: Infant Jesus figure shown is NOT included. Material(s): Marble-Based ResinPlease Note: Cradle can be used outdoors, but not in extreme weather and should be placed in a sheltered area. Type: Collectibles Color: Multi-Color

Fontanini 18 Seated Donkey Nativity Figure #53733 $343 Fontanini Seated Donkey Nativity Figure By Roman Inc. Item #: 53733For the Fontanini 18" Masterpiece Collection The Italian artisans at Fontanini have paid tribute to the donkey, and the important place they occupied during ancient times. These sturdy animals transported people, and goods long distances. They also helped farmers with many of their daily chores. But surely Fontanini chose to pay homage to the donkey for the most important reason of all. It was a donkey that brought Mary, and Joseph from Egypt to Bethlehem. Also, it has long been believed donkeys were in the stable when Jesus was born. Skillfully hand-painted in a rich, old-world style palette by Italian artisans.Materials: Virtually unbreakable, child-friendly polymerPlease Note: Figure can be used outdoors, but not in extreme weather and should be placed in a sheltered area. Type: Collectibles Color: Multi-Color

Set of 2 Fontanini Opaque White C-7 Nativity Replacement Bulbs #94791 $2.99 Fontanini Opaque C-7 Nativity Replacement BulbsFrom Roman Inc. #947912-Piece SetColor: WhiteBulbs are for use with Fontanini Village BuildingsEach bulb measures 2" long Type: Collectibles Color: Multi-Color

2-Piece Set of Fontanini Transparent Blue C-7 Nativity Replacement Bulbs #94783 $1.99 Fontanini Transparent C-7 Nativity Replacement BulbsFrom Roman Inc. #947832-Piece SetColor: BlueBulbs are for use with Fontanini Item #50720Each bulb measures 2.25" long Type: Lights Color: Multi-Color

Fontanini 7.5 Joseph Nativity Figure #72811 $45.5 For the Fontanini 7.5" CollectionBy Roman Inc. Item #72811Joseph the father of the new-born savior is a must have for any nativity scene!Made from virtually unbreakable, child-friendly polymer.Figure includes a story card based on historical facts that will help you understand the joys & challenges of everyday life for Joseph in Jesus' time.Hand painted & made in Italy by Italian artisans. Type: Collectibles Color: Pink

Set of 2 Fontanini Religious Nativity Stories Books #50320 $69 Set of 2 Fontanini Nativity Stories BooksBy Roman Inc. Item #50320For the Fontanini Accessories CollectionBooks feature a collection of all the stories of Fontanini figures. From the Holy Family, to the Three Kings, Shepherds and all the villagers who were touched by the story of the new born King.Material(s): PaperSet includes 2 of the book shownPlease Note: Figures shown are NOT included. Type: Decorations Color: Multi-Color

Fontanini 12 Standing Camel Nativity Figure #52944 $239.99 Fontanini Standing Camel Nativity Figure By Roman Inc. Item #: 52944For the Fontanini 12" Collection The Camel- created by God with the desert in mind. He knew man would need such an animal to carry them, and their possessions for long distances without water. Villages and the occasional oasis were few and far between, and man would need something sturdy, and dependable, the camel.Merchants used them to carry goods across exotic trade routes. Many believe camels brought the Magi to visit baby Jesus.Figure is intricately hand-painted by Italian artisans.Materials: Virtually unbreakable, child-friendly polymer Type: Collectibles Color: Multi-Color

Fontanini Holy Family Christmas Nativity Ornament #56321 $11.99 From the Fontanini Ornaments CollectionBy Roman Inc. Item #56321Features a wonderful depiction of the Holy Family, inside of the nativity stable, with a village background, done in a rich copperSculpted and hand-painted in an old-world style palette by skilled Italian artisansActual dimensions: 4.25"H x 5"W x 1.25"D Material(s): resin/copper Ornament comes ready-to-hang on a gold cord Comes gift boxed Type: Collectibles Color: Bronze

Fontanini 12 Kneeling Angel Nativity Figure #52918 $156 For the Fontanini 12" CollectionBy Roman Inc. Item #52918Not every angel likes to fly around heaven and earth in diaphanous robes of glittering cloth. Our Fontanini's "Kneeling Angel" religious figure, for instance, proves that angels come with different personalities and style preferences too.Sculpted and hand-painted by skilled Italian artisans. Materials: virtually unbreakable, child-friendly polymer Type: Collectibles Color: Multi-Color

Set of 2 Fontanini 5 Religious Christmas Nativity Village Stables #50474 $68.99 For the Fontanini 5" CollectionBy Roman Inc. Item #50474Fontanini has crafted these beautiful nativity stables, inspired to help build family Christmas traditions The highly skilled Italian artisans at Fontanini hand-painted these intricately detailed piecesEach comes gift boxed Actual dimensions: 8.5"H x 9"W x 4.5"DMaterial(s): resinSet includes 2 of the stable shown Type: Collectibles Color: Brown

18.5 Christmas Ornament Stand for Fontanini Nativity Village Star $4.99 For The Fontanini 5" CollectionItem #56569Tall metal stand for hanging the shining star ornament over the Holy Family in a nativity setLoop at top of stand for ornament to hang fromDimensions: 18"H x 5"WMaterial(s): metal/wireNote: star ornament shown is not included, can be purchased separately and is Item #56560 Type: Decorations

Fontanini 7.5 Mossy Italian Style Christmas Nativity Stable #50840 $105 For the Fontanini 7.5" CollectionItem #50840Fontanini has crafted this mossy Italian nativity stable, inspired to help build family traditionsThis stable is skillfully crafted and hand-painted by master, Italian artisansComes gift boxedDimensions: 13.77"H x 16.5"W x 8.5"D Material(s): wood/moss/bark Type: Decorations

Fontanini 7.5 Italian Religious Christmas Nativity Stable #50841 $115 For the Fontanini 7.5" CollectionItem #50841Fontanini has crafted this rustic Italian nativity stable, inspired to help build family traditionsThis stable is skillfully crafted and hand-painted by master, Italian artisansComes gift boxedDimensions: 12.5"H x 20"W x 10"D Material(s): wood/moss/bark Type: Decorations

Fontanini 5 Primitive Religious Italian Christmas Nativity Stable #50498 $65 For the Fontanini 5" CollectionItem #50498Fontanini has crafted this modest nativity stable, inspired to help build family traditionsThis stable is skillfully crafted and hand-painted by master, Italian artisansComes gift boxedDimensions: 10"H x 12.5"W x 5.75"D Material(s): wood/moss/bark Type: Decorations

Fontanini 5 Detailed Religious Christmas Nativity Stable #50479 $90 For the Fontanini 5" CollectionItem #50479Fontanini has crafted this meticulously detailed nativity stable, inspired to help build family traditionsThis stable is skillfully sculpted and hand-painted by master, Italian artisansComes gift boxedDimensions: 9"H x 13"W x 5.25"DMaterial(s): resin Type: Decorations

Fontanini 12 Mossy Italian Style Religious Christmas Nativity Stable #50909 $195 For the Fontanini 12" CollectionItem #50909Fontanini has crafted this mossy Italian nativity stable, inspired to help build family traditions This stable is skillfully crafted and hand-painted by master, Italian artisansDimensions: 21.25"H x 24.5"W x 10.6"D Material(s): wood/moss/bark Type: Decorations

Fontanini 50 Gowned Infant Jesus Religious Nativity Figure #52203 $1205 Fontanini Gowned Infant Jesus Nativity FigureBy Roman Inc. Item #: 52203For the Fontanini 50" Masterpiece CollectionSculpted and hand-painted in a rich old-world style palette by skilled Italian artisans.*Note: Crib shown is NOT included.*Materials: Resin/Stone mixPlease Note: Figure can be used outdoors, but not in extreme weather and should be placed in a sheltered area. Type: Collectibles Color: Multi-Color

Fontanini 18 Religious Masterpiece Collection Wooden Nativity Stable #53700 $549.99 For the Fontanini 18" Masterpiece CollectionBy Roman Inc. Item #53700Each Fontanini piece is skillfully sculpted and hand-painted in a rich, old-world style palette by master, Italian artisans, and this Nativity stable is no exception.Actual dimensions: 20"H x 24"W x 38"DMaterial(s): wood/moss/barkPlease Note: Stable ONLY. Figures and accessories shown are NOT included. Type: Collectibles Color: Brown

Fontanini 5 LED Lighted Nativity Star Christmas Ornament $12.99 For the Fontanini 5" CollectionItem #56560Complete your Nativity display with this filigree style ornament that are exclusive to Fontanini. The old time tradition of including a star in one's Nativity, has been taken to a new level with this dazzling, star. Fontanini has combined modern technology, by adding LED lights, to a classic star design. The result is this beautiful, intricately detailed, brilliant, brass toned ornament.Batteries included (Calculator/Electronics Batteries)Ornament hanger NOT includedActual Dimensions: 3.5"H x 6.5"L x 1.5"DMaterial(s): Metal/Brass Type: Decorations Color: Yellow

3-Piece Fontanini Religious Christmas Nativity Triptych Set #54660 $42.5 Fontanini Nativity Triptych SetItem #546603-piece setFeatures an intricate, hand-painted, 3-dimensional nativity scene1 piece holds the Three Kings (Wisemen) each with their gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh, with palm trees in the backgroundAnother piece holds shepherd Gabriel with a lamb and palm trees in the backgroundThe last piece features the Holy Family - Mary, Joseph and Baby Jesus, with a stable and the Star of Bethlehem behind themComes gift boxedDimensions: 6"H x 4"W x 3"DMaterial(s): resin/fabric Type: Decorations

Fontanini 5 Nativity Village Shepherd's Tent #54310 $53 For the Fontanini 5" CollectionBy Roman Inc. Item #54310Skillfully sculpted and hand-painted by master, Italian artisansActual Dimensions: 7.75"H x 9"W x 6.75"D Material(s): Resin/FabricComes gift boxed Please Note: The background items, Gabriel and the sheep are NOT included! Type: Collectibles Color: Brown

Set of 2 Fontanini Musical Holy Family Christmas Nativity Glitterdomes #66148 $50.99 From the Fontanini Glitterdome CollectionBy Roman Inc. Item #66148These exquisite glitterdomes depict a Nativity scene with the Holy Family - Mary, Joseph and Baby Jesus insideCreated, sculpted, and hand-painted by Fontanini's talented artisansWinds up to play the tune: "O'Holy Night"Actual dimensions: 5"H x 3.75"W (80mm)Material(s): wood/glass/resinEach globe comes individually gift boxedSet includes 2 of the item shown Type: Decorations Color: Brown

Fontanini 5 Religious Christmas Nativity Italian Style Stable #50490 $89.99 For the Fontanini 5" CollectionBy Roman Inc. Item #50490Fontanini has crafted this beautiful nativity stable, inspired to help build family traditions. It has been skillfully sculpted and hand-painted by master, Italian artisansActual dimensions: 11.5"H x 16.75"W x 8.5"DMaterial(s): wood/moss/barkComes gift boxedPlease note: Stable ONLY. Figurines and animals shown are NOT included Type: Collectibles Color: Brown

Fontanini 3.5 Nativity Vignette with Town Well, Kings & Shepherds Tents #55050 $77.5 For the Fontanini 3.5" CollectionItem #55050Skillfully sculpted and hand-painted by master, Italian artisans, this authentic style vignette pulls the Nativity scene together, with all sides designed to display figurinesVignette includes the town well surrounded by a regal Kings' tent and shepherds' tentComes gift boxedActual dimensions: 10"H x 19.3"W x 11.5"D Material(s): resin/wood/fabric Type: Collectibles

6.5 Fontanini Musical Lighted Rotating Religious Christmas Nativity Music Box $71 Fontanini Nativity Music BoxItem #66013Richly detailed, sculpted and hand-painted in an old-world palette by master Italian artisansThree Kings rotate around the Holy Family while music playsPlays the tune: "Away in the Manger"Requires 3 "AAA" batteries (not included)Comes gift boxedDimensions: 6.5"H x 6.5"W x 6.25"DMaterial(s): resin/acrylic Type: Decorations

Fontanini 5 Religious Triptych Christmas Nativity Scene Decoration #54659 $44.5 For the Fontanini 5" CollectionItem #54659Triptych features 3 panels, which open to reveal an intricate, hand-painted 3-dimensional nativity scene inside, with the Holy Family - Mary, Joseph and Baby Jesus, the Three Kings, a sheep and shepherd GabrielComes gift boxedDimensions: 5.5"H x 4.75"W x 5"DMaterial(s): resin Type: Decorations

Fontanini 7.5 Religious 3-Piece Christmas Nativity Starter Set with Stable $239.99 For the Fontanini 7.5" Collection Item #54840The Holy Family is the centerpiece of any Nativity sceneThese beautiful figurines and stable are the perfect pieces to start a treasured, heirloom traditionEach piece is richly detailed and hand-painted by skilled master Italian artisansFigure dimensions: fit a 7.5" scaleStable dimensions: 13.77"H X 16.5"W x 8.5"DMaterials: wood/moss/bark/virtually unbreakable, child-friendly polymer Type: Decorations

6-Piece Fontanini 3.5 Religious Christmas Nativity Set with Stable #55048 $80 For the Fontanini 3.5" CollectionItem #550486-piece setFontanini has crafted this beautiful nativity set, inspired to help build family traditionsEach piece is skillfully sculpted and hand-painted by master, Italian artisans Set includes the Holy Family, a seated donkey, seated ox and an Italian style stable Baby Jesus is not removable from the cribComes gift boxed and includes a story cardStable dimensions: 8"H x 12"WMaterial(s): wood/moss/bark/virtually unbreakable, child-friendly polymer Type: Decorations

Fontanini 7.5 Standing Camel Nativity Figurine #52744 $50 For the Fontanini 7.5" CollectionBy Roman Inc. Item #52744The Camel- created by God with the desert in mind. He knew man would need such an animal to carry them, and their possessions for long distances without water. Villages and the occasional oasis were few and far between, and man would need something sturdy, and dependable, the camel.Merchants used them to carry goods across exotic trade routes. Many believe camels brought the Magi to visit baby Jesus.Actual Dimensions: 7"H x 8.5"W x 2.25"D Material(s): Virtually unbreakable, child-friendly polymerComes beautifully gift boxed and includes a story card. Type: Collectibles Color: Multi-Color

Fontanini 2.5 Musical Nativity Scene with Stable #50038 $52 For the Fontanini 2.5" CollectionBy Roman Inc. Item #50038This nicely, detailed manger scene has a lot going on for its diminutive size. The Holy Family is nestled into the straw roofed stable, between a donkey, and an ox. Moss and straw cover the ground. Gloria Angel hovers above, signaling the Messiah's arrival.Master artisans have expertly crafted, and meticulously hand-painted this touching scene.No set up required. The figurines are permanently attached, so the stable will be ready for placement in your home.Plays the tune: "O Holy Night".Actual Dimensions: Stable 6"H x 8"W x 3.25"D, Figures 2"H (tallest-Joseph) Material(s): Resin/RaffiaComes gift boxed Type: Collectibles Color: Multi-Color

7-Piece Fontanini 5 Christmas Nativity Set with Stable #54473 $140 For the Fontanini 5" CollectionBy Roman Inc. Item #544737-piece setFontanini has crafted this beautiful nativity set, inspired to help build family traditions with these specially designed gift sets. Each piece has been skillfully sculpted and hand-painted by master, Italian artisansSet includes Mary, Joseph, Baby Jesus laying in his manger and a sheep family of three. Also included is the realistic, stone finish stable Stable Dimensions: 9"H x 11.5"W x 6"DMaterial(s): Resin/Virtually unbreakable, child-friendly polymerComes gift boxed and includes story cards Type: Collectibles Color: Brown

Fontanini 12 Seated Ox Christmas Nativity Figure #52934 $160 For the Fontanini 12" Collection By Roman Inc. Item #52934During the time of Jesus, oxen were very valuable animals. They provided the strength, and endurance, farmers, during ancient times, needed for all their heavy farm work. They pulled plows, operated water wheels, and helped clear land.Fontanini's artisans sculpted, and hand-painted a very detailed tribute to the ox. Be sure to include them in your village, and you'll see just how much a variety of animals can add to a Nativity's biblical authenticity.Actual Dimensions: 5.75"H x 10"W x 5.5"DMaterials: Virtually unbreakable, child-friendly polymer Type: Collectibles Color: Multi-Color

Set of 4 Fontanini 5 Trumpeting Angel Christmas Nativity Figurines #51503 $92.99 For The Fontanini 5" CollectionBy Roman Inc. Item #51503Fontanini makes angels like no other, and these angels are no exception. Beautifully sculpted and hand-painted by skilled, Italian artisans, their quality reflects the many generations of talent behind the Fontanini nameTheir size and the small hanger attached to the back of these angels make them ideal to hang on the front of your Nativity scene, or to use as cherished keepsake ornaments on your treeActual Dimensions: 5"H x 3"WMaterial(s): virtually unbreakable, child-friendly polymer Each set comes gift boxed and includes a story cardSet includes (2) of each figurine shown Type: Collectibles Color: Blue

18 Fontanini Seated Ox Nativity Figurine #53734 $340 This spectacular 18" scale "Seated Ox" figure ranks high on the list of most favored animals sought by churches and organizations. But these days many of us have large homes and setting a lavish scene has become a popular way to pay homage to Baby Jesus. Because they take a bit longer to craft our oversized nativity figurines are eagerly awaited when they arrive at last! Material(s): Polymer This is part of the 18 inch collection Type: Collectibles Color: Multi-Color