Remember the Mandatory Christmas Pageant?
I remember being in productions of simple Christmas story displays as a small child and the annual Christmas play skits and pageants with my own children. It is a traditional part of the Christmas season. Christmas play photo Robes for “Bible”..
Mary and Joseph costume photo
I remember being in productions of simple Christmas story displays as a small child and the annual Christmas play skits and pageants with my own children. It is a traditional part of the Christmas season.
Christmas Plays
Robes for “Bible” era costumes with a towel or pillowcase held by a band made-do for the shepherds, with similar types of costumes to represent characters of another time and place. How easy it would be now to choose some of the easily available costumes online, or using a simple pattern, sew up some very impressive costumes for the Christmas play.
Besides the usual Nativity play, another well known theme for Christmas is inspired by Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” and the Christmas Carolers of the Victorian time period. Every year a local church presents a production of “Scrooge”, a modern rendition, with its uplifting Christmas message.
…A bit of off-key singing, a few forgotten or miffed lines…some things never change, but making Christmas dress-up as fun as can be with a few well thought out costumes could be a highlight of the season for many to remember.
“It came to pass, in those days…”
Little Shepherd Boy via jenniferslittleworld.com
- Christmas Plays bring to life the true meaning of Christmas
- Like the little drummer boy, a child wishes to offer others his part in making the season special.
- Grandparents and parents love to see their children shine.
- The important messages are given lights, action, music and more. It makes wonderful memories.
Outfit the whole cast of the Nativity play.
It Is Easy To Be An Angel
– With These Feathery Angel Wings
Shepherds, Wise Men, and The Innkeeper
Try some wigs and beards for a “Bible Times” look. Men of Bible times wore beards, so you might want to replicate the look for your Christmas play characters. I have seen it “drawn” on with face paint, but taking some time to create a beard, even from yarn glued to a lower facemask or cotton balls stuck on with eyelash glue might work if you don’t have time to run to a costume shop.A set of costumes and props is a great investment for a Church that puts on Christmas Nativity plays (and Easter, too) each year.
Little Shepherds
Of course, you can DIY without too much trouble. We used to use an old child’s robe with colorful stripes, a kitchen towel or a pillowcase using a tied headband to create a head-dress. A toddler costume created from a pillow case looks cute, too.
A step-up from throwing together the old towel and robe routine is a purchased costume or one sewn for the occasion.Simplicity patterns had a set of costumes which could be sewn up quickly for those with sewing machine skills.
Simple robe, mantle, and staff. Completed with reasonable facsimile of a head dress.
A pair of sandals and this shepherds costume makes a very convincing shepherd boy -cute, too!
Community Notes
Thought of a costume exchange? Different churches in the community may be willing to cooperate and share the store of Christmas pageant costumes.
Shop the local thrift store for belts, canes, jewels, and costume materials.
Shepherd’s Crook For A Realistic Touch
Child size Large (12-14) is made of lightweight polyester, the shepherds crook is sold separately, but very affordable.
Fun Express – Toddler Shepherd’s Crook for Christmas – Apparel Accessories – Costume Accessories – Costume Props – Christmas – 1 Piece
Joseph and Mary Costuming for the Play
Traditional colors for Mary are always blue and white. A white robe-like dress and a blue mantle and head dress. Usually, Joseph wears rustic brown, often holding a staff and wearing a beard. Less likely to have the head covering, but it isn’t unusual either way.
Christmas Play Costumes
A Wise Choice For Magi
Turbanned Wise man
2nd Wise man
Sew Your Own – All it takes is a sewing machine, patterns, and material
Christmas may be the time to buy your sewing machine, if you don’t have one already.
Simplicity 4797 Historical and Biblical Costume for Boys and Girls by Andrea Schewe, Sizes A (S-L)
Costuming For the Talented Seamstress
Why make your own costumes for the Christmas play? You will find it to be a fun, creative experience. The key is to be prepared and leave enough time so it isn’t just another addition to the mad, headlong dash into Christmas day.
What about Christmas Carolers?
Another favorite portrayal at Christmas time has to be the Victorian outfits of Charles Dickens time, when re-enacting the Scrooge story from “A Christmas Carol” or the merry carolers of the time. All of these fashions are elaborate in comparison to the humble Nativity play.
From the fabrics to the wide skirts and waistcoats, bonnets and top hats, it is time consuming to create your own, so start far earlier than the Christmas season. Thankfully, there are costumes of this type for purchase.
Festive Carolers from Dickens Time
Victorian Pageantry in a Dickens’ Christmas Carol
Capes and Costumes
Victorian lady in rich holiday green.
Dickens Era Character Costuming – A Christmas Carol Costumes
Nothing is as festive as Victorian Carolers, and the Dickens era costumes are wonderful.
Pick your crafts, activities, and shopping lists with the view of enjoying the process. This is a time to celebrate the holidays and share the best of ourselves with others. Not a race to see who drops from exhaustion first.
Put the peace and joy back into your holiday, center on the central theme of God’s gift to you. That really is the best gift of all.
- Etsy has some selections of patterns for Carolers, here is one example.
- Free Sewing Patterns
- Sheep Costume:Sheep earsMake animal hoof
The Christmas Spirit
- Free Christmas Plays for Children
If you are looking for a Christmas program for children, then browse this listing of church Christmas pageants and plays – includes short programs for small choirs. - Christmas Skits for Kids – Short Christmas Plays for Children from the Children’s Book Christmas Ent
A collection of Christmas Plays, Dramas and Recitals from the Children’s Book Christmas Entertainments – A holiday book of skits for kids - Children’s Christmas musicals
Children’s Christmas musicals and children’s Christmas plays like A Mouse Christmas are a smash hit! If you’re looking for great new children’s Christmas musicals, children’s Christmas plays, children’s plays, Christian Christmas plays or children’s - Christmas Plays For Children – 10 Rules For Success
Christmas plays for children can be very challenging, even for an experienced director. Here are 10 rules to get you through this year’s Christmas pageant unscathed!
Have Fun!
