Six years ago I created the puppets for the Nativity story that are featured in the post below. It has been one of the most visited posts of the Past Times website since its existence. In 2020, during the first Christmas season of the Pandemic the puppets were used by schools, families and church groups in nine different countries to share the story online (view a compilation of the films in Nativity Puppets in Quarantine ).
Puppets attached with velcro to board covered with felt
My daughter Sara and have written a story-and-craft activity book that includes the patterns with instructions, which will hopefully be out for the Christmas 2025 season. The puppets of Mary, Jesus, Joseph, and the angel, however, are already available in the Printable Library. Other characters can be created from the mix-and-match patterns in the category Bible Stories.
The Nativity story in twelve scenes
Joseph and Mary are traveling to Bethlehem to register for the census. Mary is expecting her baby soon.
Mary is taking a break to stretch her legs. They are nearing Bethlehem.Mary feels that the baby is coming. But the only room left in Bethlehem is in a stable. Before Mary can give birth Joseph first has to get the ox outside.The angel Gabriel, who helped with the delivery, shows Jesus to the ox and the donkey before flying off to tell the shepherds.The shepherds are very excited to hear the news.They adore the baby.Far away three wise men see a star that tells them that a special child is born.The ox and donkey nibble some hay while keeping Jesus warm.The wise men have started their journey to follow the star, bringing gifts for the child.Soon Mary and Joseph are able to take their baby home.For the wise men it is a long journey. But they do not give up until they find the child announced by the star.When they finally find Jesus they offer their gifts and give thanks.
