Despite, and perhaps because of, the increasingly secular nature of the Christmas season, more and more Christians are choosing to celebrate the original reason for the holiday by displaying a Nativity set, with or without other symbols such as a Christmas tree. Whether you are buying for your home, church, office, school, or hospital, here are the most important things we think you should consider.

Will It Be Displayed Outside?

If you intend to set up your Nativity outside, the figures should be made of a durable material such as wood, fiberglass-reinforced resin, concrete, or resin filled and reinforced with stone, marble, or sand (usually called polyresin). The paint should be weather-resistant and UV-resistant. Of course, even the most durable finish will fade when exposed to sun and weather over the years; we assume you intend to display your set for the five or six weeks of the Christmas season.

Nativity sets displayed outside should be lighted and should be large enough to be visible to motorists and pedestrians passing by. Browse our outdoor Nativity sets.

How Should I Light My Set?

The hollow “blow mold” plastic Nativity sets that were popular for decades were lit from the inside with bulbs. Today’s solid molded Nativity figures are lit from the outside with spotlights instead. If displayed outside, these spotlights must be designed and approved for outdoor use (look for a UL or similar listing). Follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions carefully, and do not install them in standing water or very damp locations.

The figures can be displayed in and around a wooden Nativity stable, and the lighting can be used to create a dramatic scene.

How Do I Secure My Nativity Set Against Theft and Damage?

Unfortunately, Nativity figures displayed outdoors can be a target for vandalism and theft. Every Christmas season brings reports of a stolen or damaged Christ Child, Nativity animal, or even a King.

No security method, including locks and chains, will stop a determined thief. Nevertheless, you can tether or attach your pieces to your stable or to the ground in a way that deters an easy “snatch and run.” A wood post or steel reinforcing bar driven into the ground behind the figure can be attached to the figure with small-link chain, flexible wire, or even nylon fishing line. When a wood stable is part of the display, metal brackets can be screwed to the stable base and attached to the figure. We do not recommend driving screws into fiberglass or polyresin figures, as they can crack.

Any of these methods will also help prevent figures from being tipped over by vandals or blown over by high winds. Tall figures falling onto hard surfaces or frozen ground are likely to crack. For more ideas, see five ideas to prevent stolen Christmas decorations.

How Long Should My Nativity Set Last?

A modern Nativity set is really a piece of sculpture and should be treated as such. Despite their durable construction, the figures will break or crack if they are dropped or fall onto a hard surface such as frozen ground or a concrete walkway. If the figures sit in water, even if it does not freeze, the paint is likely to chip or flake. Cleaning them with detergents, liquid cleaners, a power washer, or a high-pressure hose may also damage the surface.

At the end of the Christmas season, bring the figures under cover or inside and let them dry. Gently wipe off dirt, bird droppings, or other debris with a slightly damp cloth, and store the figures in a dry area, preferably in their original shipping cartons. For more care tips, see five ways to care for your outdoor Christmas and garden statues.

With a five- or six-week annual display period and proper care, cleaning, and storage, your Nativity set should give you many years of enjoyment.