How to Set Up an Inside Nativity Set

Setting up an inside nativity scene requires organizing your inside space so that the scene can shine in its location. Dust and clutter aren't great backdrops for the birth of baby Jesus.

Use these tips to create a nativity scene in your home that you can enjoy for the entire season.

Before setting up your nativity scene, dust off each piece or go over them with cleaning wipes. Clean not only the nativity figures, but the inside and outside of the nativity stable or creche structure.

Also, make some room somewhere in your home to set the display, such as on a sideboard or buffet in the dining room, or atop a mantel or highly visible piece of furniture near the Christmas tree.

The place where you set the nativity scene should be in an area where it won't get bumped into or knocked over. Clean off that area as well, and remove any items that don't relate to the nativity story. Since this is for indoor use and not outside, there's no need to secure the pieces so they don't blow or fall over. Outdoor nativity sets are generally more durable, and design-wise, aren't as fine and detailed as the indoor type, so they shouldn't be used indoors.

Place the nativity stable or structure somewhere near the center of the table or display area, but towards the back. This allows ample room to place the Christ child in his manger, as well as all of the nativity figures. Step back and view the stable from at least a few feet away to ensure you're happy with its location, and how it looks with any other Christmas decorations that are within view.

The Christmas crib or manger belongs front and center, but within the area covered by the roof of the nativity stable. Set the baby Jesus Christ within the manger at this time if you like. In some traditions, the nativity scene is also used to mark the birth of Christ and the baby figurine isn't put in the manger until after Christmas Eve, when it officially becomes Christmas Day.

Mary and Joseph, the parents of baby Jesus, are the most important figures besides baby Jesus. Together, the three make the Holy Family. Add Mary next to the manger so she's looking down at the Christ Child, or the manger where he belongs. Joseph's figurine traditionally goes on the other side of the manger. If he is looking down, place him close to the manger as well, but if he's looking off into the distance, position him next to the manger or slightly farther away, but still closer than anyone not in the Holy Family.

Though you're free to set the remaining nativity figures anywhere you'd like, the shepherds are often positioned somewhat near the Holy Family, yet generally outside of the stable. Group them somewhat together and off to one side or the other in a manner that looks natural. If your nativity set includes animals, place the sheep somewhat behind or alongside the shepherd figures.

The Magi, also known as the three wise men or the three kings, also belong outside the stable, off to one side. Position them to the side opposite of where the shepherds stand for visual balance with your nativity scene. If your nativity scene includes camels, these animals belong with the wise men.

Your nativity scene is complete. Stand back and enjoy your work, and rearrange the figurines if you feel the need. If young children admire the scene, let them move the animals around a little from day to day for added enjoyment.