There can only be ONE Holy Family

I love nativity sets, and I've collected a few over the years.  Some of them I didn't get out this year because they are beautiful and fragile and I'd probably forget that my children are also beautiful and fragile; if by (likely) chance one of them forgot to look only with their eyes and not with their fingers.  Just not worth it this time.

But I do have some that are kid-friendly.  And the kids have enjoyed playing with them.  I have loved watching them - I wish I had videos, but I'm not sneaky enough when I get out my camera, so they always stop playing.  All of the following scenarios were instigated by child #3 (aka the one who never stops talking.)

The first day Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs came to visit the baby Jesus on a field trip in the school bus. Poor Snow White, she somehow lost the use of her legs, and has to ride in a wheel chair now. (The "Little People School Bus" is handicapped accessible.)  The dwarfs were very considerate of her.





The next day the two Marys were nose to nose.  Their argument went something like this:
"MY baby Jesus is more powerful than YOUR baby Jesus."
"No! MY baby Jesus could defeat YOUR baby Jesus!
"No! Mine is bigger!"


And the Josephs started shoving each other:
"I get to protect Mary and Jesus!"
"No! I do!"

And of course, the wise men all wanted to give the baby their presents first.

Then one of the Marys learned how to fly, so she ferried everyone to whichever shelf they liked the best.

They've reached a sort-of peace now.  They manage to share the one un-broken stable without much fuss.  I'm actually worried that Joseph may have developed a thing for the wrong Mary. They keep sneaking off together and I find them hidden around corners and under tables.

Even the Holy Family becomes dysfunctional when you bring them into our house.