A few months ago I decided that this year I wanted my children to have a nativity that was artistic and beautiful, but also durable enough to be touched and played with. I looked around online and found many lovely nativity sets, but they were all upwards of $200-$300! Around the same time I started experimenting with making peg dolls for Zane’s nature table. I thought to myself, wouldn’t these peg dolls make an interesting nativity? One thing I don’t have is tons of cash, but I do have some free time (occasionally) and I love to make things, so I gave it a shot. I didn’t use any patterns; I just created their faces and clothes as I worked on each one. I’m so happy with the finished product, and I hope my children enjoy looking at it and playing with it for years to come. Right now we just have out the shepherds, Mary, Joseph, and the animals because, of course, baby Jesus has not been born yet. The wise men will come on Epiphany (January 6).

[Just a note: I did not make the wooden animals; the peg doll bodies came from ArtDexi.]