Make Your Own Outdoor Nativity Scene

Making an outdoor nativity scene is fun but challenging. Because it is outside the scene must be prepared for inclement weather and safety must always be kept in mind. A major factor is the definition of outside? People who live in apartments or condominiums may only have a balcony or limited private outdoor space with which to make the nativity scene.

People without their own yard may contribute to a community outdoor nativity scene. In that case, these suggestions still may be relevant and helpful if the person is involved in the planning and construction of the nativity scene.

General things to watch out for are connected to safety. Any and all electrical equipment used must be out door rated. It is very dangerous to use under qualified, non rated electrical extension cords. Failure to use the correct electrical connections can lead to electrocution. In the last two years it has become possible to consider the use of solar powered accent lighting for outdoor decorations. These require no wiring what so ever, are becoming very competitive in price and provide basically free electricity.

There are a number of plans on the internet if you are actually building a nativity scene. You can use most any type of wood, hardboard or other type of material. Another option is to have real people and a few real animals for making a living nativity scene.

Regardless of the material you use there are only a few basic characters you need to plan on. Those of course are Joseph, Mary, baby Jesus, Three wise men and a few shepherds to be with the sheep. A few farm animals are normally present as well. There does need to be a manger which could be a low rocking type but was actually just the head part of the stall where the food was placed for the cows. The low rocking type is much easier to arrange.

The key to the good nativity scene is the layout of the characters. The layout of people or constructed characters must all funnel attention into the center where Mary and baby Jesus are located. The three wise men are usually on the left side of center. The shepherds and farm animals on the right and stagger back at an angle.