This fun tradition will help your family feel the spirit of Christmas! These 12 Days of Christmas Nativity Countdown Printables are free and make it easy for you to celebrate the Nativity story! Do this activity for your family or gift it to other families!
Countdown to Christmas with this Nativity Advent!
Hey friends! One of our family traditions each Christmas is to do our version of the 12 Days of Christmas! We order a nativity, print the bag toppers and scripture cards, add them to a clear treat bag, and then give them to a neighbor or friend! Read below to see more details on the 12 Days of Christmas Nativity Countdown!
We always buy three sets of this Olive Wood Children’s Nativity Set
on Amazon. I wanted one that wouldn’t break, so the kids could touch it. I also wanted one that was small and had 12 pieces. That way each of my kids can choose a family to do the 12 days Christmas countdown tradition for!
Items Needed for this 12 Days of Christmas Nativity Printable
Here are the items needed and instructions for putting together this fun 12 Days of Christmas activity!
- Nativity – we always choose this one!
- 3″x4″ Clear Treat Bags
- Home Printer
- Cardstock
- Paper Cutter (optional)
- Stapler
- Hole Punch
- Twine
- Printable Bag Toppers (found below)
- Printable Scripture Cards (found below)
How to Make the 12 Days of Christmas Printable
1. Download the bag topper and printable scripture cards at the bottom of this post.
2. Print them on your Home Printer on Cardstock. They are available completed and also blank. I am offering them 2 ways, so that if you purchase a different Nativity set than I used, you can create different bag toppers for them!
3. Cut: Use your Paper Cutter or scissors and cut out the bag toppers and scriptures!
4. Match the bag topper to the appropriate scripture and nativity piece.
5. Attach: Take your 3″x4″ Clear Treat Bags and put the Nativity pieces in them and staple the bag topper to the bag.
Make sure that you are putting the correct bag topper over the bag with the coordinating piece of the nativity.
6. Punch: Then take a hole puncher and punch a hole in the corner of the bag topper. Do the same to the scripture card that goes with the piece. Use some twine to attach the scripture card to the bag.
After assembling all the bags, we traditionally place them in a narrow wicker basket in the order they’ll be delivered. We leave the basket on our front entry way table! Over the years, readers have shared some fun display ideas with me too!
Countdown to Christmas Advent Display Ideas
Christmas Tree Branches: If you have a smaller Christmas tree or even just a decorative tree branch, consider hanging each bag with decorative ribbon or twine. It not only looks festive but also serves as a daily reminder of the ongoing tradition.
Wall Garland: Create a garland using twine, ribbon, or fairy lights. Stretch it across a wall or drape it over a fireplace mantel. Attach each bag with clothespins or decorative clips for a festive touch.
Decorative Ladder: Repurpose a wooden ladder by hanging the bags from its steps with twine. Enhance the look by wrapping the ladder in fairy lights or adorning it with green garlands.”
Further down in the post, there is a picture of the assembled bags in the basket! It may be worth moving that picture placement in the post to be near this text!
Christmas Nativity Advent Calendar & Printable FAQS
Can I just use the scripture cards and not the bag toppers?
Absolutely! Many have mentioned they use the printables simply to keep the scripture cards accessible, which is fantastic. Some even gift the entire Nativity set with the scripture cards organized on a ring. Both ideas are wonderful! Please feel free to use my printable sets in the way that suits you best.
What days should you give the Nativity pieces?
The decision is entirely personal. I choose to have my kids present the pieces during the 12 days leading up to Christmas, culminating on Christmas morning. It’s worth noting, however, that the traditional “12 Days of Christmas” actually start on December 26th and lead up to the Epiphany on January 6th. This day, also known as Three King’s Day, commemorates the wise men presenting gifts to baby Jesus. Thus, the 12 days “of” Christmas are celebrated after Jesus’s birth, not before. The days leading up to Christmas are commonly marked with an advent calendar. Regardless, our family tradition focuses on the 12 days before Christmas, but there’s no definitive right or wrong approach.
What font is used on the bag toppers?
The font I used on the bag toppers is called Bombshell. I found it for free, but I do see some sites are charging for it too. So, make sure to look around for a free version of it.
What if my Nativity set doesn’t match your bag toppers perfectly?
No worries at all! I recommend downloading both sets of printables. From there, you can customize bag toppers to suit the unique pieces of your nativity. Platforms like Canva, Photoshop, or other free online editing sites can be handy for this. Alternatively, I’ve seen some simply use blank toppers and handwrite on them!
I hope you enjoy this tradition and 12 Days of Christmas Nativity Countdown Printables as much as my family does!
My kids always look forward to this tradition! It’s about time for them to start planning out the stealth missions that they will have to run when the families will be expecting us!
Which Christmas Nativity Scene to Buy for this Advent Calendar!
If you’re wanting to start this 12 Days of Christmas Nativity Countdown, make sure and purchase the amazing OLIVE WOOD CHILDREN’S NATIVITY!
Or here are some other Nativity options to consider:
- Miniature Kids Nativity (also available not colored here) — this is adorable and would be cute for kids!
- Burton and Burton Nativity Set — if you’re considering doing this for family, this set is more expensive but beautiful!
- Safari LTD Nativity – this set is super fun and colorful!
The 12 Days of Christmas Nativity: Get Your Printable Download Here!
To download your set of the 12 Days of Christmas Nativity Printables, just click the download button below. The completed set will download as a PDF.
The blank set will download as a ZIP file. You will need to uncompress that ZIP file to get the files that you can add words onto the bag toppers.
Please remember, this file is for personal use only. It may not be redistributed or sold. If you want to share the file with someone, please send them the URL for this post for them to download their own copy.
I also am offering the bag toppers blank since you might choose to use another Nativity that doesn’t have the exact same pieces and then you can write the nativity piece name on the tag yourself.
More Favorites from Over the Big Moon
Looking for a printable version of these instructions?
12 Days of Christmas Nativity Advent Calendar & Nativity Scene
Materials
- 1 Set Olive Wood Nativity Set or any set (links below in notes)
- 12 3" x 4" Clear Treat Bags
- Cardstock
- Twine
- Printed Bag Toppers Download found in blog post.
- Printed Scripture Cards Download found in blog post.
Instructions
- Download the bag topper and printable scripture cards at the bottom of this post. Then print them on your Home Printer on Cardstock.
- Use your Paper Cutter or scissors and cut out the bag toppers and scripture cards.
- Match the bag topper to the appropriate scripture and nativity piece.
- Take your 3"x4" Clear Treat Bags and put the Nativity pieces in them and staple the bag topper to the top of the bag. Make sure that you are putting the correct bag topper over the bag with the coordinating piece of the nativity.
- Then take a hole puncher and punch a hole in the corner of the bag topper. Do the same to the scripture card that goes with the piece. Use some twine to attach the scripture card to the bag.
- Repeat for each piece.
Video
Notes
Nativity Options:
- OLIVE WOOD CHILDREN’S NATIVITY– this is hands down my favorite set.
- Miniature Kids Nativity (also available not colored here) — this is adorable and would be cute for kids!
- Burton and Burton Nativity Set — if you’re considering doing this for family, this set is more expensive but beautiful!
- Safari LTD Nativity – this set is super fun and colorful!
Can I just use the scripture cards and not the bag toppers?
Absolutely! Many have mentioned they use the printables simply to keep the scripture cards accessible, which is fantastic. Some even gift the entire Nativity set with the scripture cards organized on a ring. Both ideas are wonderful! Please feel free to use my printable sets in the way that suits you best.
What days should you give the Nativity pieces?
The decision is entirely personal. I choose to have my kids present the pieces during the 12 days leading up to Christmas, culminating on Christmas morning. It’s worth noting, however, that the traditional “12 Days of Christmas” actually start on December 26th and lead up to the Epiphany on January 6th. This day, also known as Three King’s Day, commemorates the wise men presenting gifts to baby Jesus. Thus, the 12 days “of” Christmas are celebrated after Jesus’s birth, not before. The days leading up to Christmas are commonly marked with an advent calendar. Regardless, our family tradition focuses on the 12 days before Christmas, but there’s no definitive right or wrong approach.
What font is used on the bag toppers?
The font I used on the bag toppers is called Bombshell. I found it for free, but I do see some sites are charging for it too. So, make sure to look around for a free version of it.
What if my Nativity set doesn’t match your bag toppers perfectly?
No worries at all! I recommend downloading both sets of printables. From there, you can customize bag toppers to suit the unique pieces of your nativity. Platforms like Canva, Photoshop, or other free online editing sites can be handy for this. Alternatively, I’ve seen some simply use blank toppers and handwrite on them! Please remember, this file is for personal use only. It may not be redistributed or sold. If you want to share the file with someone, please send them the URL for this post for them to download their own copy.
Ideas for Christmas Traditions
Looking for some other fun traditions? Check these out:
- Elf on the Shelf — our Elf Jasper is a huge part of our Christmas! He isn’t naughty — just silly and fun. I’ve got TONS of Elf printables to help make your Elf season easy and enjoyable!
- Peppermint Candy Cane Sugar Cookies – My kids favorite Christmas treat is this yummy and festive Peppermint Candy Cane Sugar Cookie! We oftentimes make them for Santa even!
- Copycat Cinnabon Cinnamon Rolls – I make these Cinnamon Rolls every Christmas Eve morning and we eat them on Christmas! They are beyond delicious!
Have a great holiday season friends!
Please remember, this file is for personal use only. It may not be redistributed or sold. If you want to share the file with someone, please send them the URL for this post for them to download their own copy.
*This post was originally posted in 2014 and has been updated with new pictures and more information!
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Lyndsey
I love this idea so much! I am in charge of our children at my church and I am actually going to use it as a gift for the families at church who have young children. I can’t wait to gift them! I have to purchase a different nativity for cost purposes, but I can’t seem to figure out how to edit the blank toppers. Canva won’t let me upload a pdf file. I think I have finally found something that will edit the pdf, but I would love to use your same font and can’t figure out how to get THAT part of it now, haha. Any tips!? I appreciate your time!
Pam Dana
I’m not super familiar with programs/sites, because I use Photoshop. But, I’ve had readers tell me they use EasePDF and GoogleDocs to edit PDF’s. As for the font, download the free font called Bombshell and install in on your computer and then you should be able to use it! THANKS! So glad you love this idea!
Melissa
Hello, Ms. Pam! It’s been a few yrs since I saved this Nativity set idea, and I’m no longer able to download your PDF ideas! May I request it be emailed to me if the descriptions are still available? Thank you so much in advance!
Pam Dana
Hey! I just checked and the download link is working. It must be accessed from a computer and not your phone, as it’s a PDF. But I am happy to email it to you too. Just email me the request at pam (at) overthebigmoon (dot) com. Thanks!
Marni
Love this! Exactly what I was looking for. Except I can’t click the link for the printables. Does the link only work on a computer?
Pam Dana
Possibly! It depends on the phone, but the file is multiple page PDF. So, I would for sure say try it on the computer!
Wendy Connelly
Thank you so much for this idea and printouts. I’m doing this for my married kids and their families. I’m so excited to give it to them (and it’s not even November yet). I have it all ready to go. You are so generous to do this for us readers. Thanks again, Wendy
Jennifer Lambrigger
Hi!
Can you please tell me the font you used on the toppers? Thank you so much!
Jennifer
miryam
i would like to know which Escriptires dou you use for rhese 12 days. How do you use rje animals to explain the born of Jesus. This is teaching porpuse to my son he is six yeas old. Thank you.
Kaylee
Such an amazing activity to calm the chaos and focus on the reason for the season! Do you recall where you got the basket? Or perhaps the measurements of the basket? Thank you!
Sally
Wondering what font you used on the toppers, wanted to change out 1 of the sheep for an angel as the scripture fits well and we only have 1 sheep in the nativity I found. So wanted to use the blank card and add Angel but would love all of the cards to look the same.
Thanks loving this idea and using it for our Activity Day Girls gift to use with their families.
Paula Koch
Thank you so much for sharing this idea. Your instructions were so detailed it was very easy for me to replicate. I am using them for the children in my Sunday School. I made a set for each child (or family if 5here was more than one child). It was a bit time consuming but definetly not difficult. The nativity I used had 2 different pieces than the one you used. It was easy to just print enough blank ones to substitute for the ones that were different.
Amy D Burbidge
Thanks for putting this together! I ordered a cute little nativity and I will be sending it to my sister missionary. She is going to love it!
In case anyone is wanting to make new cards, I downloaded the blank cards and used Photoshop Elements to add the new words. The bombshell font is available for free. I just googled it and it came right up. My nativity has an angel, only one sheep, and the baby Jesus doesn’t come apart from the manger. So I replaced the manger card with a stable card and I changed one of the sheep to an angel. The scriptures work out perfectly!
Raimi Krupp
Thank you so much for sharing this! We have 4 boys and our eldest is out serving his mission. This will be our first Christmas without him and I am printing everything right now so I can assemble and send this to him as part of his Christmas gift. My friend paints the little peg dolls and she released a nativity one, with all of the pieces. I purchase it to go with your cute printable. Thank you for sharing your talents! I am so thankful.
Denise
Where did you find the wooden nativity set?
Pam Dana
There’s a link in the post for the set!!!
Melody
What is the link for the nativity set?
Ari Barber
I love this idea. Thank you for sharing! Do you have a link to the Nativity set you use? Thank you
Tami
Love this! Where can I get the sweet nativity set? I didn’t see a link or source? Thank you!
Pam Dana
The link is in the post! You can get it here: https://amzn.to/2QhgId1 (affiliate link)! Thanks so much!
Cindy
What is the link for the nativity set?
Gail
Where can I purchase the nativity pieces
Amy
I love this! It was so fun to see that another family does this every Christmas. This year I’m making my own nativity ornaments for our secret nativity giveaway mission.
Mel
A sweet count down to Christmas. There is much confusion about when the 12 Days of Christmas begins; and since this post is about using the nativity scene I wanted to share the following: The 12 Days of Christmas begins on December 26; hence “of Christmas”. The 12 days lead up to the Epiphany on January 6. January 6 is also celebrated as the 3 King’s day (i.e. wise men arriving to present gifts to baby Jesus). The 12 days “of” Christmas is celebrated when Christmas, Jesus birth, has occurred; not prior to it.
Pam Dana
Thank you for sharing this information! I was aware of this, but we choose to do it the 12 days leading up to Christmas! That way they have the complete Nativity for Christmas Day. I do think I’ll add this info to the post for others though! Thanks so much for the reminder!
Lynn
You did such a nice job- cute printables. But I’m not sure I get the 12 days idea.
Why not just call it an Advent countdown? Then you won’t have 12 days of Christmas followed immediately by the actual 12 days of Christmas.
Tami
I cannot get these to allow me to type on them. Am I doing something wrong?
Pam Dana
You will need to import the PDF’s into an editing program or website. Such as PicMonkey.com, Canva.com and many others! Good luck!
Sandy Jones
Where did you get the nativity?
Pam Dana
Here ya go: http://amzn.to/2jAxmp3
Amy
I love this. My family has actually been doing this for a few years now. I thought we were the ones that came up with the idea. I love to see that other people are having fun doing it as well. It is such a great way to bring Christ into our celebration more fully.
Tamra West
Hi I was hoping to do this this year. I bought the Nativity Sets but can’t seem to get the printables. Do you still have them?
Pam Dana
Hey Tamra- I’m not sure what happened to the downloads, but I got them all fixed! You can now download them! Have a great Holiday season!
Mellie
A truly lovely idea but doesn’t that confuse the children? The “12 Days Of Christmas” span from December 25 as day 1 to January 5 as day 12 bringing us up to the Epiphany on January 6. The advent calendar is for the preparation of the coming of Christ.
Mel
I agree. It’s important for children to understand the true meaning of the 12 Days “of” Christmas. On the 12th day, the wise men arrived and presented baby Jesus with their gifts. The Epiphany is also known as the Three King’s Day.
Louise
Historians believe Jesus may have been as old as 2 years old when the wise men arrived and presented their gifts. And there were only 3 gifts, not necessarily only 3 wise men.
Lori
Louise,
Yes, but lets just celebrate the birth, and the reason for the giving of gifts. There are many details left out.
Nikki
Thanks for sharing this. I have been using this, this Christmas (2015) with my 26m old. She is loving it and looking forward to the arrival of Jesus.
Admittedly we’re a bit confused about everyone else tipping up before Jesus, but I see what you’ve tried to do here.
Non religious daddy thought Joseph, waiting on his own on day one, was the Inn Keeper! Hehe
I’ve been sharing our progress on my facebook page
http://www.www.Facebook.com/nwphotography and including your link. Hope this is okay.
Many thanks again.
Sherrie McKinney
what are the missions your boys did with the nativity pieces? I wanted to look into it more and kind of get an idea of how this worked but I seem to missing that detail.
Sherrie McKinney
what are the missions your boys did with the nativity pieces? I wanted to look into it more and kind of get an idea of how this worked but I seem to missing that detail.
Pam from Over the Big Moon
Hey Sherrie – they just each took a piece to the family they chose each night leading up to Christmas without that family catching them. They knocked and the family found the piece on their doorstep.
Pam from Over the Big Moon
Hey Sherrie – they just each took a piece to the family they chose each night leading up to Christmas without that family catching them. They knocked and the family found the piece on their doorstep.
Martine
I was unable to download the blank tags. I just needed to divide one scripture into 2 for 2 of the figurines and I have a different figurine to add with another scripture.
Thanks
Martine
I was unable to download the blank tags. I just needed to divide one scripture into 2 for 2 of the figurines and I have a different figurine to add with another scripture.
Thanks
Pam from Over the Big Moon
Hey Martine- I just tested the link and it’s working. They’ll download as a ZIP file and the you need to uncompress them and then you will be able print them! Good luck!
Heather
I love this idea so much! Thank you for your generosity in sharing the bag toppers and scriptures. I too, would love to know the font you used, since I’d like to spell it “shepherd” instead of “shepard”. If you have a second to send me the name I’d be so grateful. Just read your post on canceling Christmas and wanted to tell you how I admire your family. Your children will remember the good feelings generated from this brave decision.
Heather
I love this idea so much! Thank you for your generosity in sharing the bag toppers and scriptures. I too, would love to know the font you used, since I’d like to spell it “shepherd” instead of “shepard”. If you have a second to send me the name I’d be so grateful. Just read your post on canceling Christmas and wanted to tell you how I admire your family. Your children will remember the good feelings generated from this brave decision.
Pam from Over the Big Moon
Heather- we just caught that yesterday! I will be correcting the printable and uploading a new version within the next 24 hours! Check back!
Pam from Over the Big Moon
Heather- we just caught that yesterday! I will be correcting the printable and uploading a new version within the next 24 hours! Check back!
Pam from Over the Big Moon
Hey Heather- the spelling has been corrected. You can re download the files for the corrected tag! Thanks so much! have a great Holiday season!
Stacie
What font did you use for the tags? I LOVE it!
Stacie
What font did you use for the tags? I LOVE it!
Pam from Over the Big Moon
It’s a font called Bombshell. I believe it’s one I purchased.
Pam from Over the Big Moon
It’s a font called Bombshell. I believe it’s one I purchased.
Christi Williams
Thank you, I am going to send this to my Sister Missionary for Christmas.
Christi Williams
Thank you, I am going to send this to my Sister Missionary for Christmas.
Pam from Over the Big Moon
Such a fun idea! Thanks for sharing Christi!
Tom-in-Rome-Italy
I had a class mate in high school whose father was a church minister, and the family never exchanged Christmas gifts amongst themselves. Their reason was that the stress and worry of buying the “right” gift for others and wondering what one would receive took away from the meaning of Christmas — i.e., the celebration of the humble birth of the Christ child in a smelly, dirty stable. (It would not have passed any of the modern day health or sanitation standards, that’s for sure!) I have no children, but I think you are doing the right thing for your boys by keeping Christmas simple and putting the focus where it should be. If you read history, you can tell that the advent of a rotund Santa Claus, and the emphasis on presents, presents, PRESENTS!! came about only in the latter half of the 20th century. (My mother who grew up during the Great Depression once told me fondly about receiving an orange for Christmas and what a treat it was.) Bravo to you and your husband, and may you have a joyous Christmas!!
Justi Lundeberg
I’m having the same problem with the non-blank cards. Do you mind sharing your scripture cards as well? I would love to use them. Thanks so much.
Lisa
It should be fixed. If you cant get it, email me [email protected]
kelly thompson
awesome- thanks again!
kelly thompson
having trouble getting the non blank cards- says i must log in?
johnlisa02
Sorry about that! Pam will be home in about an hour and can fix it for you!