The Fontanini Small Italian Stable
is approximately 9.5 inches tall, 12.5 inches wide and 6.5 inches deep. It is constructed of wood, with a straw covered roof. This Italian Stable has a loft filled with straw that sits under the roof. There is a small wooden ladder leading up to the loft. the loft has a log railing to hold in the straw. On the right hand side there is a decorative bark piece covering the side wall. There is a large wood support beam supporting the left roof and loft. The is a decorative peice of wood that also supports the middle of the roof. The back wall is a plaster style structure. This Fontanini Stable is a beautiful start for your nativity scene decorations.
Select this link to the impressive selection of Nativity Figurines. Select to view all of our wonderful Christmas Decorations Ideas for the holidays. Select to add other special Nativity Accessories to your unique Nativity collection.

The Christmas Crib
In the year 1220 St, Francis of Assissi visited Bethlehem. He liked the way the Christmas was celebrated there so much, that he asked the Pope for permission to recreate it in his own Italian village. Click to look at more Christian Gift Ideas for your holiday gift giving.
He built a manger in a cave. In it he placed a stone image of the baby Jesus. He surrounded the manger with real animals. Then he said a Mass (communion). The people found it so moving that they said it was possible to believe you were there at the actual birth of Jesus. Click to see all of our rustic Nativity Creches For Nativity Sets.
Before long, wooden nativity scenes were displayed in churches and homes across Europe. Today they continue to be popular as a way of reminding us of what Christmas is really about, the birth of Jesus. Click to check out our unique Christmas Nativity Scene Sets.
The tradition was brought into Spain from Naples during the reign of Charles III of Spain. In Catalonia, a figure is included that represents a Catalan peasant. In Provence, in the South of France, nativity scenes are sometimes made up of hundreds of small painted clay figurines called Santon. They represent all the traditional trades and professions of old Provence. Because of their cultural value the Santons are often collected as art or craft objects, regardless of their possible use in a nativity scene.
A Christmas Nativity Scene, also called a crib or crèche, generally depicts the birth or birthplace of Jesus. Nativity scenes, in two dimensions or three, usually show Jesus in a manger, with Joseph, and Mary in a barn intended for the housing of animals. A mule, ox, sheep, and sometimes other barnyard animals, surround them. The scene sometimes includes three wise men, shepherds, angels and the Star of Bethlehem. Select if you would like to hang Nativity Ornaments on your Artifical Prelit Christmas Trees.