Fun with nativity sets

The war on Christmas has gone up a notch from heated rhetoric to plundering.

It seems that outdoor nativity statues, as well as menorahs, are often stolen. So, I learned in this NPR piece [1], people are taking a defense step, putting GPS on Baby Jesus.

Indoor nativities, thank God, are a bit safer. Here are a couple of fun options:

Three Wiseman in a tub: This rubber ducky nativity set [2] allows you to bring Christmas into every room, including the bathroom. As silly as it is, I think this would be a fun seasonal bath time toy. There’s also Santa Clauses, Scrooge and the Christmas Carol gang, and carolers at The Ducky Depot [3].

Edible angels: You can create a chocolate nativity set [4], or a cookie nativity set [5]. After blogging on them last year, my mom actually bought these for me. I made the chocolate set and while it was fun, nobody wanted to eat the baby Jesus.

Lions and Tigers and a bear nativity set: For the low prices of $1,100, this classic German Mohair teddy bear nativity scene [6] could be yours. Oh my!

Interfaith nativity: What does it mean to put baby Jesus in a Zen garden [7]? I’m not sure, but one customer review says it’s a fun toy for the little ones. I’m sure kids would love the Veggie Tales nativity set [8] as well.

Check out multiple years of the “Cavalcade of Bad Nativities” at goingjesus.com [9]. Some of my favorites include anything that uses fiber optics (see Dec. 8/9, 2004 [9]) or clothing [10]. For the good Irish Catholic on your list, don’t forget the leprechaun in the manger [11].

I truly love nativity sets, both artful ones--especially fair trade ones from different countries--and ones that are a bit odd and make you chuckle. It is a season of joy after all. Please feel free to share your favorites.