Nativity Sets"Nativity" is an old English word for birth. In contemporary North America, it has come to mean a collection of figurines and accessories that represent the setting and events of Jesus' birth. Some Americans also call it a "the Creche," the "Manger," or the "Crib." (My German ancestors called it a "Putz.") During the English Reformation, Nativity scenes were outlawed because the figurines looked too much like religious statues to the Puritans. Even today, there are people who believe that Nativity scenes should have little or no public exposure. But in many families, including my own, there is a tradition of displaying Nativity scenes that goes back centuries. Traditional nativities are devotional in nature; that is they are intended to make you think seriously about the nature of Jesus' birth, as recorded in the New Testament accounts. Modern nativities may represent other ideas. For example, we have been given at least two nativities that show children dressed up as the Bible characters - so it seems that those nativities commemorate, not only the birth of Jesus, but the joy of children celebrating that birth. We also have a little set of bears dressed up as the Bible characters - I'm not certain what that represents, but it is cute. More information about nativities is provided on the "About Nativities" page. The following nativity sets and collections were chosen because we recognized the value they can add to your family Christmas celebrations. Again, some of the collectibles listed below come and go pretty quickly, so we have chosen to use the manufacturer's descriptions in order to get these listed in a timely manner. The "Buy" button under each description actually takes you to the manufacturer's web site, where you can see bigger photos and more information, so don't be hesitant to click that button - you won't have to make any decision until the next page. Note: Most of the sets on this page are actually collections that you can "subscribe" to like you subscribe to a magazine. Each issue of a collection is a limited edition, numbered, heirloom-quality collectible. After you buy the first "issue," you will receive the next item in about four weeks. So if you want enough of your new collection to display by Christmas, it's a good idea to get started in September. As always, Collectibles Today offers a 365-day satisfaction warranty, so if you decide this isn't what you wanted, and you've kept the packaging and certificate, you can return it for a complete refund. That said, these almost never come back - instead our readers tend to be so delighted that when the first collection they order is complete, they start a new collection. Update for June, 2008 - Since we started this page, about June, 2007, not one but four of the ten heirloom-quality nativity collections we posted on the original page have become unavailable. Unfortunately, we don't know ahead of time which sets may become unavailable next, so if we feature a set that you really think should have a place in your home, please don't wait too long.  
In the meantime, whether you're reading this a week or eleven months before Christmas, please have a great family Christmas this year, and let us know what we can do to help. Paul and Shelia Race To return to the Family Christmas Online™ Home Page, click here.
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