12 Days of Christmas Nativity Advent Calendar & Nativity Scene
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!
1SetOlive Wood Nativity Setor any set (links below in notes)
123" x 4" Clear Treat Bags
Cardstock
Twine
Printed Bag ToppersDownload found in blog post.
Printed Scripture CardsDownload 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.
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.