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• Grilled Meats - Those who live in a warmer climate can break out the grill for everything from burgers and hot dogs to chicken and steaks.
• Stews and Soups - These are relatively easy to prepare and also keep well if there are leftovers. They can also be prepared in advance and reheated without sacrificing the flavor.
• Quiches and Casseroles - Other foods that can be whipped up easily and adjusted to fit the holiday theme.
• Cheese and Crackers - This is a party staple. Stock your pantry with several kinds of crackers and pre-sliced cheese, and add some pepperoni or salami slices to kick things up.
• Chips & Dip - Having a few types of chips along with dips or salsa makes for good snacking. You can add a vegetable platter as well for a healthier option.
• Cookies - Cookies go well with any holiday, but especially at Christmas. Sugar cookies, gingerbread cookies, peanut butter cookies, chocolate chip cookies, you name it, people will love it!

• Wine and Spirits - Christmas is a good time for these classier drinks. If wine is the main beverage, we recommend getting at least one bottle per expected adult guest.
• Beer - Decide what to buy (light beers, lagers, craft IPAs, etc.) based on who you expect to be there. Feel free to ask in advance what they like if you're not sure.
• Soda - This can be added to mixers or offered as a non-alcoholic option for non-drinkers, designated drivers and children.
• Cider - Whether served hot or cold, a good glass of apple cider always goes down easy.
• Hot Chocolate & Egg Nog - The beauty of these drinks is that they can be served as kid's drinks or made into an adult potable with a shot of rum, vodka or schnapps.
• Coffee and Tea - These are a great choice for more formal affairs as a pick-me-up or post-meal chaser.
• Water - Sometimes, people just need a good glass or bottle of water. This will also reduce the chances of post-party hangovers.

• Holiday-themed paper plates and serving trays
• Cocktail napkins
• Glasses
• Eating utensils (forks, knives, spoons)
• Serving spoons, forks and spatulas
• Ice and an ice bucket (plus tongs or a scoop)
• Grill gas or charcoal/lighter fluid (if grilling)
• Coolers and/or ice tubs to chill beverages
• Condiments - ketchup, mustard, horseradish, etc.
• Cream and sugar (for coffee and tea)
• Salt and pepper
• Bottle openers
• Bar garnishes - olives, lemons, limes, etc.

• Coat racks and extra hangers
• Boot racks
• Umbrella stands
• Candles
• Extra garbage bags and buckets
• Extra toilet paper
• Dish soap and dish racks

• Life-Size Statues - Setting one or two toy soldier statues, nutcracker sculptures or snowmen by the front entrance is a charming way to greet your guests.
• Animal Figures and Sculptures - Reindeer, polar bears, dogs, penguins and other popular winter animals can be staged outdoors or indoors depending on how the figure is constructed.
• Holiday Stars - Hang a new star at the top of your garage as a beacon for guests or on the tree inside to brighten the mood.
• Light Displays - Thanks to the use of modern LED lights, it doesn't cost much to run a colorful light-up wreath or train car all night.
• Tabletop Decorations - If you don't have space or money for larger statues, a few tabletop Santa's, animals or nativity sets can make a good impression throughout the evening.

Our customers want to know what the difference is between the two most common molding materials and which is better.  This article will explain the basic differences between the two processes and the benefits of each.

Fiberglass Construction

Fiberglass begins with threads of glass, which are created when liquid molten glass is forced through a sieve.  These threads of glass are then mixed with liquid plastic resin.  In this liquid state, the material is flexible enough to flow into all the fine details of the mold and create an authentic and attractive product.

Fiberglass is an ideal material for large sculptures because of its strength, its durability even in extremes of temperature, and its light weight.  For example, the hulls of boats are made from fiberglass and can withstand the forces of storms at sea while they are still lightweight and can be designed with dynamic details.

Resin/Stone Mix 

 This construction method usually involves mixing a filler material, such as stone or marble, with the molten plastic resin and forcing it into the mold.  This process can also utilize the fine details of the mold.  For the same size of mold, the pieces produced will tend to be heavier and somewhat more brittle than they would be if made from Fiberglass.  

Polyresin is ideal for smaller figures or products with fine detail.  In larger figures, it would tend to be heavy and less durable, although still able to withstand extremes of temperature and moisture just like fiberglass.

As a website for serious nativity buyers, Christmas Night Inc. receives many calls from church parishioners who are members of, or the head of a committee appointed by the priest or minister or created by concerned church members, Knights of Columbus or Mens Group, to search out alternatives and make a recommendation regarding a new nativity set, manger scene or nativity scene for their church.

Many churches are finding that it is time to replace the beloved thirty, forty or fifty year old outdoor nativity set that can no longer be repaired and/or painted and set up for another Christmas. Others are deciding that a large outdoor or indoor nativity set makes a more public statement of their faith than the smaller indoor nativities that they have been displaying. Still other congregations are deciding that a beautiful, large outdoor nativity scene with the Holy Family, The Magi, the shepherd and sheep and all the other animals, spotlighted in a unique stable makes their church stand out from others in their town or village.

Whatever the reason for these folks contacting us, we suggest that they proceed as follows:

1. Visit our website www.christmasnightinc.com and note all of the various nativity sets that you feel might meet the needs of your church. As "The Ultimate Source for the Serious Nativity Buyer" Christmas Night offers a selection of medium, large, life size and giant nativity sets unmatched anywhere. These sets include Holy Families, Angels, camels, Wise men and the full array of nativity set animals including the donkey, ox (or cow) and  Shepherds and a variety of sheep.
2. Call us toll free at 888-900 2073 and discuss your list and needs with our product specialists. We will listen carefully to your thoughts and budget and we may suggest alternatives based upon our wide experience in specifying nativity scenes for all sizes of churches.
3. With your list of possible nativity sets and your mail address, we will mail you a package of full color 8 inch by 10 inch glossy photos of each of the nativity sets you requested. This package will also include the dimensions of the set and information on our shipping service and its cost.
4. This presentation package may then be used at the next meeting of your selection committee, presented to your priest or minister or reproduced and used as a central part of a fund raising campaign for the purchase of the recommended nativity set.
5. Again, our product specialists are always available during any part of this process to offer suggestions and advice.
6. Once the final choice has been made, the purchase can be completed with an order through our website shopping basket, confirmed by credit card telephone call to our order desk or a mail order accompanied by a check. In both cases the full amount of the nativity purchase and the delivery service cost must be paid in advance. Beginning in May and until we sell out of stock in early December, most items are in stock in our warehouse in Amsterdam New York (near Albany NY).  Once your order is confirmed we ship within 24 hours.
7. The large sets suitable for churches are usually quite bulky and heavy. They are shipped on wood pallets or what truckers call "skids". Most of our church size nativities are too heavy and bulky to be shipped via UPS or FedEx and therefore are shipped via LTL (less than truckload) specialized trucking companies. These truckers use trucks with a "lift gate" or small elevator platform on the back of the truck so they can lower your skids to the ground outside your delivery destination. The individual boxes containing the set may then be carried by hand indoors for inspection and storage.
8. The larger, more visible church style nativity sets are very popular and, sell out quickly. Please try to get a decision as quickly as possible ( we know how committees can be) to avoid disappointment.

In case this information sheet has not answered all of your questions, please call us at Christmas Night Inc at 888-775-0010 or 888-900-2073.

Congratulations!. In choosing a Nativity Set or Christmas figure from Christmas Night Inc. The Source for Church Nativity Sets and Life Size Christmas Decor

A few points about care of your new set or figure will allow you to enjoy your display for many years to come.

1. Please retain the or figure in the original packing material in which the set  or figure was shipped.  If you have room, try to repack the set at the end of the season and store it in this packaging. This packing material was designed to cushion and protect the set during shipping and will do the same during storage.
2. Before packing the set or figure away for storage, let the pieces dry, then carefully wipe all surfaces of the set with a clean dry cloth. DO NOT USE DETERGENTS, DISH WASHING PRODUCTS OR CLEANING PRODUCTS OF ANY KIND, these may remove the protective coating over the paint and may cause chipping of the paint, either now or in the future. Stains or hard to remove foreign materials such as bird droppings may be removed by the use of a damp cloth and some gentle rubbing... DO NOT USE A HOSE OR PRESSURE WASHER AS THIS MAY DAMAGE THE SURFACE.
3. Most of our Large Nativities and Christmas figures are made of fiberglass and designed for outdoor use. This means they are painted with sunlight resistant paint and finished in the factory with a clear sealer. We do not recommend applying additional sealer to new figures as this may marr the appearance and the affect of the piece. If you decide to apply sealer, after some years of display, be sure to brush on one coat of sealer. Do not use spray sealer.
4. When setting up the statue(s) at the beginning of each Christmas season, we recommend that the figures be secured in some way after they are put in place.. The taller figures can be attached with wire or nylon line to pegs in the ground or a piece of steel rebar can be hammered into the ground behind each figure and secured with nylon line or wire.  This will reduce the possibility of breakage from tipping over as a result of wind, uneven ground or vandalism.  Sand bags may also be used to hold down and stabilize  the bases of  the taller figures. If you are showing some figures in a wood stable, you can attach the pieces to the floor. We do not recommend driving a screw into the figure, even on the bottom as this may cause the resin to crack and/or the paint to chip. The standing fiberglass figures do come with mounting plates.
5. Please be sure not to leave the statues in standing water.  In the event of freezing and thawing temperatures, make sure your statue(s) do not become frozen to the ground.  Keep figures free from pooling water and brush off accumulating snow, as this may cause water to get under the paint and cause the paint to chip or fall off.
6. All of our figures are painted with paint which is resistant to the ultraviolet rays of the sun (UV).  Despite this special paint these figures will eventually fade, although given the relatively short time that they are displayed each year, this fading will occur over quite a long time.

On a bit of a budget or not thrilled with wasting energy? Non-electric outdoor decorations are still quite lovely and festive. Lights aren't always necessary!

When you're dealing with lights, there is so much to consider. You mustn't overload your grid and blow circuit breakers, make sure all cords are protected from moisture and take the risk of climbing a ladder, for starters. And even then, there's no guarantee that all of your lights even work. Often, one bad bulb will ruin the whole string and lead to at least an hour of frustration.

Keep in mind your monthly electric budget, too. Older light displays that don't have LED or some other energy-efficient bulb option can add a bit of a surprising uptick in electric usage costs. There's no point in struggling through that month's bill just to have a fancy holiday house. Be sensible and try out some non-electric decorations this year.

For example, a nativity scene will look right at home underneath the stars and moon. Besides firelight, there was no other way to see in the dark than by the guidance of celestial bodies back then. And before Rudolf came along, Santa Claus had no choice but to "dash away all" into the darkness, so know your reindeer will be fine without twinkle lights. Some nativity scenes will come featured with their own lighting, however, and flood lights are available for reasonable prices at any hardware store. 

You don't have to exclusively focus on the nativity or Santa Claus, either. Even simple "winter" decorations can make your season jolly. Line your driveway or walkway with tall candy canes for a sweet entry to your home. Classic sleds can be either left plain or dressed up with garlands and ornaments. Christmas bells, nutcrackers and snowmen all bring out warm holiday feelings despite their winter appearance. Don't forget there are more cold-weather critters out there than just reindeer. Throw a polar bear or penguin into the mix. No one should feel left out on Christmas Day.

If you are a small business owner, then you already know that your office is kind of an extension of your house. Long days spent there turn into nights, and before you know it, Christmastime is upon us once again. But if you're never home, you'll never see the great lights you took all Saturday to put up.

Decorating your place of business, both inside and out, is an easy way for you to enjoy the holidays even when you're at work. Your customers and clients will appreciate it, too. If you can pay special attention to lights and decorations during the holiday, then surely you can pay close attention to them and their needs.

If appropriate, go with a nativity set, but make sure it isn't too large and ostentatious. Restraint is key when decorating a business, keeping in mind that everyone may not share your practices and decorative tastes. Traditional painted statues abound, but if you want, opt for white stone statues that are reminiscent of Roman sculptures or garden art. Angels are also a popular motif that allows you to express your feelings about the season without bringing the entire Holy Family into the picture. Do note that many businesses may want to tend towards non-religious decorations though, as many patrons will be celebrating holidays other than Christmas at this time of year!

So if you want stick with non-religious decor and make your business a Christmas wonderland, line the path approaching the front door with tall fiberglass candy canes. Santa Claus, elves, nutcrackers and toy soldier figures give a luster of whimsy to your business' entryway. Animals like reindeer, penguins, polar bears and more would be adorable additions to somewhere like a veterinarian's practice, or for anyone who loves animals. Imagery like angels and the Start of Bethlehem are subtle ways to slip a bit of religious imagery into your décor without going overboard (or over-sleigh, if you will.)

Keep the light of the holiday season shining bright even after office hours. Light displays and strands of twinkly bulbs can be put on a timer for passersby to enjoy, without burning all night and wasting electricity. Share your season's greetings while being a good neighbor!

NOTE: Businesses 

Outdoor nativity scenes are important holiday displays for homes, churches, and public spaces. Choosing one involves more than just looks; professionals consider location, materials, setup, safety, and long-term value.

Santa’s sleigh is one of the most beloved symbols of Christmas, sparking joy and excitement in children and adults alike. This enchanting vehicle, guided by reindeer, carries Santa Claus on his magical journey across the world on Christmas Eve. But have you ever wondered about the origins of Santa’s sleigh and how you can bring its festive charm into your holiday celebrations? 

As the holiday season wraps up, many families start wondering: how long should we keep our Christmas decorations up? While there’s no hard-and-fast rule, it’s a decision influenced by traditions, personal preferences, and practical factors. Let’s take a cheerful look at the options to help you decide when to pack up the tinsel and lights.

What Tradition Says

For those who love to honor time-honored traditions, the Twelfth Night is a popular milestone. This marks the end of the Twelve Days of Christmas, falling on January 5th or 6th depending on whether Christmas Day is included in the count. Observing this date ties back to Christian customs and signals the close of the holiday season.

Some traditions stretch the timeline a bit further:

• Epiphany (January 6th): Celebrates the visit of the Magi and is often seen as the true conclusion of Christmas festivities.
• Candlemas (February 2nd): In some Christian traditions, decorations remain up until this day, marking the presentation of Jesus at the temple.

What Works for Your Family

Outside of tradition, many families adapt their timing to what works best for their schedules and lifestyles:

• Mid-January: For many, the first or second weekend after New Year’s is the perfect time to tackle the cleanup without feeling rushed.
• When the tree decides: If you have a real Christmas tree, its condition can dictate the timeline. A dry, needle-shedding tree is a clear sign it’s time to say goodbye.
• Keeping the glow alive: In colder climates, leaving lights up a little longer can brighten those long, dark winter nights, adding a cozy touch to January.

What About Outdoor Decorations?

Outdoor lights and lawn displays, such as a jumbo Santa sleigh with reindeer, can be a bit trickier to remove, especially if you’re dealing with snow, ice, or freezing temperatures. Many people wait for a dry, mild day to safely bring everything in.

However, leaving outdoor decorations up too long could have some drawbacks:

• Weather damage: Prolonged exposure to harsh conditions can wear down your displays.
• Neighborhood harmony: Check any HOA rules or community standards for seasonal decoration timelines to avoid any awkward conversations with neighbors.

Packing Smart for Next Year

Whenever you decide to pack up, a little organization now will save you a lot of hassle next holiday season:

• Sort and label: Group ornaments, garlands, and lights into clearly labeled containers for easy unpacking next year.
• Inspect for damage: Toss broken items or make repairs so everything is ready to use again.
• Store safely: Use padded boxes for fragile items and avoid stacking heavy bins on top of delicate decorations.

The Final Answer? Whatever Brings You Joy

At the end of the day, there’s no “right” time to take down your Christmas decorations. Whether you follow tradition, prioritize convenience, or simply enjoy keeping the holiday spirit alive a little longer, what matters most is what makes you and your family happiest.

So, relax, sip some hot cocoa, and enjoy the twinkle of your lights for as long as you like!

A Fun Look Ahead: Plan Now for the Holidays of Tomorrow

As you’re tidying up this year’s decorations, why not start dreaming about the future? Planning now for the 2025 holiday season may feel far away, but a little early preparation can help you create a truly magical display.

Investing in heritage-quality decorations is a wonderful way to add lasting charm to your celebrations. Handcrafted ornaments, heirloom wreaths, and elegant lighting not only stand the test of time but also turn into cherished family traditions.

Here are some tips for planning ahead:

• Shop smart: Take advantage of off-season sales to snag high-quality decorations at great prices.
• Find unique treasures: Explore artisan shops and vintage markets for one-of-a-kind pieces.
• Start a wish list: Make note of decorations or themes you’d like to try, so you’re ready when the time comes.

By thinking ahead, you’ll have everything you need to create a holiday season that’s not just beautiful, but full of meaning. Start planning now, and the 2025 holidays might just be your most memorable yet!

Amsterdam, NY – Christmas Night Inc., global retailer of nativity scenes and Christmas displays, announced the debut of their 12-foot Christmas Nutcracker king display. As their largest product to date, this decoration is sure to make a huge impression this holiday season.

Made of the most durable, chip resistant fiberglass construction typically used for manufacturing boats, this breathtaking 12-foot Nutcracker is ideal for large spaces including estate houses, bank halls and hotel lobbies. Designed for both indoor and outdoor use, these Nutcrackers are painted in sunlight resistant paint and built to last for years to come.

“Our Nutcrackers are exclusively designed, fully detailed, colorful, expressive, and very beautiful,” said Claire Henderson, co-owner of Christmas Night Inc. “Manufactured in the Philippines, the 12-foot Nutcrackers are then shipped by ocean container to our warehouse in New York.”

Christmas Night Inc. anticipates that large retailers, shopping malls and cities will use the 12-foot Nutcracker for their Christmas displays. However, these Nutcrackers are suitable for both commercial and residential use.

This massive 12-foot Nutcracker king is now available for purchase online at www.christmasnightinc.com/c123/Huge-Nutcracker-King-12-ft-H-p1689.html, or by calling 1-888-900-2073.

About Christmas Night Inc.
Claire and Don Henderson opened Christmas Night Inc. in 1999, to fill a consumer need for complete nativity sets, holy families and large outdoor Christmas figures, including Santa, snowmen, toy soldiers, and nutcrackers. Located in Amsterdam, NY, Christmas Night Inc. is pleased to provide these seasonal items to those who celebrate and enjoy the spirit of Christmas.

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