The Nativity Made Easy!

The nativity is one of the best-loved traditions during the festive period. Reminding us of the true meaning of Christmas as they leave all those involved and all those who watch with a heart full of happiness.

Before each performance, or just because your little ones like to dress up, there is often a request for costumes  - some traditional and some not! (Remember the lobster in festive film hit Love Actually?!)

So, if you are poised with cardboard, poster paints, tea towels and sewing box, ready to deal with whatever request becomes you, we share a few tips for creating a costume that will go down in history, for all the right reasons.

Keep it simple

Whilst the temptation may be there to make sure your costume blow the proverbial socks of everyone else’s, it is important to remember that this is most probably for one night only! So, embrace your creative side, have a look in the garage and old clothes charity bag and you never know what you may be able to repurpose into the perfect angel costume or nativity donkey.

A little Miller Magic! - After chatting with our team we have found that over the years pillowcases make great Mary and Joseph tunics, a man’s old waistcoat great for a shepherd or innkeeper, bedsheets for angels and the possibilities with a crisp box are endless!

Search, search, search!

Use technology and search the internet. There are so many ideas that have been tried and tested. We particularly love the ones from The School Run which cover the traditional ones whilst the more ambitious parents can enjoy searching for three dimensional Christmas tree outfits or alternative festive ideas if your school is choosing to perform a contemporary slant on the story.

Wonderful wings

Let’s face it the angel is probably the one that every adult hopes for! A white bed sheet forms the basis for this and should be folded in half with holes cut for the head and arms. No angel is complete without wings and these can be made from cardboard and covered with either feather or cotton wool depending on time. Finally, a halo can be made from cardboard or an old headband, again covered with feather or cotton wool that can be glued on. White pipe cleaners can be linked together too to make wing outlines that can be embellished if desired. If you need a little inspiration to get you started this video shows you how.

Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh

Now we know the three Kings form an important part in the traditional nativity but where to start if your child plays the part of one. Fear not, it is easier than you think. There is oodles of gold spray paint and glitter around at the moment so it is possible to cover an old outfit or make a box to fit around the torso and cover with plenty of gold. This can be adapted for Frankincense and Myrrh too and great success can be achieved by creating one dimensional cardboard shapes and brown clothes can be purchased to form the basis of the outfit.

A little Miller Magic ! – Remember that if you are struggling to find a plain top in a particular colour but can find a patterned one, you could simply turn it inside out and cut off any laundry tags!

Sparkle and Shine

Watching the original film ‘The Nativity’, will provide some great inspiration for lots of costumes and will definitely get you and your family into the Christmas spirit.

But if it’s your little ones that need to sparkle and shine because they have been chosen to be a star then here is a simple way to achieve that.

Dressing them all in black can represent the night sky and a star shape can be formed from cardboard and made into either a one dimensional or two dimensional tunic. Glitter can be your best friend here, or tin foil can work to great effect too either smoothed over or scrunched up and glued on.

Making memories

Let’s not forget that festive concerts and performances by children are all about making memories. It’s an iconic part of growing up, a part of their childhood that will fly by all too fast. We know that you want them to look the part but it’s more important that they enjoy taking part, know that trying their best and having fun is all we want them to do.

We hope you feel suitably inspired to tackle whatever challenge comes your way however, should the lobster request come your way we’ll leave that to your own imagination!