The Birth of Jesus Advent Calendar and Nativity Scene: 4 (Agostino Traini Pop-Ups)

I ordered this before checking with my husband, the pastor of our church, whether or not it would be a good portrayal for his "Children's Messages". After it came, I realized that it does not strictly confine its display to the original Christmas (you probably have not heard about a pizza delivered to the stable, right? LOL). However, my husband told the kids that each person gave a different gift according to that person's vocation, so the pizza delivery was a fitting gift given by someone who makes pizzas. The espresso was a fitting gift from a barista- their vocation is to serve others by making coffee, and we joked that Mary & Joseph may very well have needed coffee at that time. So, while you should not depend on this version to show the original Christmas, it may still teach values that would please our Lord.

This is a great idea, very colorful and interesting figures. BUT it is hard for children to fit the figures into the slots AND when you put in a new one, the old ones fall over. Frustrating. Not worth the cost. Disappointing.

This Advent calendar is sturdy enough to keep. The pieces will stand up using slots on the board. The box opens up and stands without any problem. My younger grandsons like it a lot.