The following photos, originally posted during the 2018 Christmas season, tell the story of the Nativity, from the journey of Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem to the arrival of the three magi. Although the photos are taken from the inside of a desktop shadow theater, the puppets can be used for performances in different formats.
I am planning to publish the patterns of the puppets in a story-and-craft activity book, so the templates are not posted in the Printable Library. During the pandemic, however, I am making the patterns available to congregations, groups, and families if they are willing to share their experiences with me in return, which will help me to make the necessary adjustments for the book. Please contact me if you are interested.
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.
Helene is the founder of Past Times and a crafter, archivist, and children’s book author. Her passion is bringing history to life for children, classrooms, and families through imagination and play.
Thank you so much and congrats on your work: such an inspiration!
I am a primary class teacher in Italy and I have a special love for shadow theatre and puppets…
I will try and do the nativity story this year, I was also wondering if you could post it…
Hello Sandra, Thank you for your interest! As I wrote in my blog I am hoping to put a story-and-craft book together using the templates for commercial use, which is why I am not putting the patterns in my library of free printables. But I am making the patterns available to churches, schools, and families who want to use the patterns during the pandemic on condition that they do not share the patterns without my permission and they will provide feedback that will be helpful for the book. I will contact you directly.
Will nativity puppets be available again?
Dianna: I have sent you a message and updated the blog post. Please contact me.
Thank you so much and congrats on your work: such an inspiration!
I am a primary class teacher in Italy and I have a special love for shadow theatre and puppets…
I will try and do the nativity story this year, I was also wondering if you could post it…
Hello Sandra, Thank you for your interest! As I wrote in my blog I am hoping to put a story-and-craft book together using the templates for commercial use, which is why I am not putting the patterns in my library of free printables. But I am making the patterns available to churches, schools, and families who want to use the patterns during the pandemic on condition that they do not share the patterns without my permission and they will provide feedback that will be helpful for the book. I will contact you directly.