Do you have a Nativity Scene under your Christmas Tree?

In the Christian tradition, a nativity scene (also known as a manger scene, crib, crèche (/krɛʃ/or /kreɪʃ/), or in Italian presepio or presepe, or Bethlehem) is the special exhibition, particularly during the Christmas season, of art objects representing the birth of Jesus.[1][2] While the term "nativity scene" may be used of any representation of the very common subject of the Nativity of Jesus in art, it has a more specialized sense referring to seasonal displays, either using model figures in a setting or reenactments called "living nativity scenes" (tableau vivant) in which real humans and animals participate. Nativity scenes exhibit figures representing the infant Jesus, his mother, Mary, and her husband, Joseph.
Other characters from the nativity story, such as shepherds, sheep, and angels may be displayed near the manger in a barn (or cave) intended to accommodate farm animals, as described in the Gospel of Luke. A donkey and an ox are typically depicted in the scene, and the Magi and their camels, described in the Gospel of Matthew, are also included. Many also include a representation of the Star of Bethlehem. Several cultures add other characters and objects that may or may not be Biblical.

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American crèche traditions started in the 18th century with a small group of Protestant immigrants who brought their Christmas customs to their new homeland in the New World.

The United Brethren from Herrnhut, commonly called the Moravians, was founded in Bohemia during the 15th century (in what is now the Czech Republic). On Christmas Eve in 1741 a group of Moravians founded the town of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. These immigrants and others who came after them brought their crèches and their crèche traditions to Bethlehem. Neighbors began to copy their traditions, and before long, they spread to other communities.

The Moravians call the crèche a “putz,” which comes from the German word putzen, meaning, “to decorate.” The putz includes the manger and the Holy Family as well as numerous figures and details of German village life, including people, animals, landscapes, and homes set among fresh moss, buildings, and water.

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not any more now​

WarriorAngel said:

Normally I have a big one on a coffee table because it's bigger than my tree. That said, this year I am using a smaller Nativity and my antique tree.
[Or very very vintage] and I'm decorating simple this year and used a coffee [card] table to set it on.

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atpollard said:

The question was worded a bit strangely ...

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FaithT said:

We have 3. One’s on a table and two are on the fireplace mantle.

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