Page 3 of 29 SANTA VERSION

Grandpas Nativity Story

n.b. This script includes reference to Santa, his sleigh and his reindeer Rudolf. However, I am aware that not all countries have the same Christmas traditions, so a St Nichlas alternative for pages 3, 4, 11 & 12 is included (pages 26 to 29), with or without sleigh and/or Rudolf the reindeer, and includes appropriate alternative lines as required. Starts with a child/ children in pyjamas, sat up in bed, centre stage. All of the childrens parts can be combined to be said by just 1 child talking to the audience if preferred or divided differently for 2, 3, 4 or ultimately 5 children as I have written it. Alternatively, a narrator can use the italics to tell the story while the children just act to it. Notes Narrator Hello, and welcome to you all today. We hope you enjoy our nativity play. It starts as the children are sat up in bed (When Santa wants all of them sleeping instead!) Its the night before Christmas and we should be snoring (I / they) Normally we would, because bedtime is boring! (I/ they) But how can we sleep when we know, way up high, (I/ they) (I/ they) That Santa is riding his sleigh in the sky? How can I sleep when Im waiting to see (they) (theyre) If Santa has got any presents for me? (If Santas left anything under the tree.) Mum told me I shouldnt get overexcited (them they) But how can I help it, when Santas invited?! (they) Santa is coming, Wey hey! Wey hoo! (and Rudolf too) I think I can hear his sleigh bellsCan you? Shhh. Listen, I think I hear Santa you know Im sure I can hear a Ho Ho Ho..

Child 1 (to audience)

Use italics if you only have 1 child, or they if you would prefer the narrator to say this

Child 2 (to audience)

Use italics if you would prefer the narrator to say this

Child 3 (to audience)

Use italics if you would prefer the narrator to say this

Getting excitable

Child 4 (excitedly to other children) (use italic if preferred) Child 5 (more quietly, and cupping ear)

Jingle some bells quietly Everyone quietens down

Rudolf comes on to centre stage pulling a sleigh. (A decorated cardboard box will be fine, with some reins at the front for Rudolf to pull and some at the back for Santa to hold.) It could have a chair behind it for Santa to sit on, or Santa could just stand behind it. Santa comes on carrying a sack and saying Ho, Ho, Ho, then puts it in the sleigh, sits/stands behind sleigh and picks up the reins. Everyone sings the Ho Ho Ho song with Santa

Grandpas Nativity Story Copyright Angela Yardy 2011 Buy from www.bestchildrensnativity.com

Page 4 of 29

Ho Ho Ho (Santas Song)
Chorus Ho, ho, ho. Ho, ho, ho, Santas on his way.Ho, ho, ho. Ho, ho, ho. Riding on his sleigh! Ho, ho, ho. Ho, ho, ho, Rudolfs nose is bright..Ho, ho, ho. Ho, ho, ho, guiding through the night. I really love this time of year, I love to bring some happy cheer, To all the children far and near I LOVE THIS TIME OF YEAR Chorus The sleigh is filled with lots of toys To take to all the girls and boys Im sure theyll make a happy noise I LOVE THIS TIME OF YEAR Chorus Santa and Rudolf disappear out of sight and the children get back to being excited in the bedroom. Notes Narrator Now, back to the bedroom, where no-one is sleeping While, climbing the stairs, their Grandpa is creeping. He bursts through the door and in a stern voice Shouts What are you doing, whats all of this noise? All of a sudden the children sit down (child sits) And Grandpa looks cross with a terrible frown But Santa is coming, were sorry, its just: (Im) We cant settle down, but we know that we must (I) (I) (I) (But Santa is coming, they said in a mutter We cant settle down, were all of a flutter) Ill tell you what children, Ill do my best (sweetheart/childs name) To help you calm down and get some rest Now get back in bed and Ill read you a story That tells you, at Christmas, who should get the glory. The children all settled, and while Grandpa read (the child settled down) or (childs name settled down) They pulled up their blankets and sat up in bed (she/he) (her/his) And this is the story that Grandpa Joe told; The Christmas Nativity Story of old..

Grandpa Narrator Use italics if you only have 1 child Children (or child)

(Alternative lines for narrator) Grandpa

Narrator Use italics if you only have 1 child

Grandpas Nativity Story Copyright Angela Yardy 2011 Buy from www.bestchildrensnativity.com

Page 5 of 29

Grandpa, (Opens the book and reads)

The story starts a long time ago, in a far away place, when a Roman Emperor called Caesar Augustus was ruling over all the people. He didnt care how poor the people were, he was determined to make sure that no-one escaped his taxes, so he sent his soldiers to make a special announcement.

Roman Soldier (For a smaller cast Grandpa could read this)

Hear ye, hear ye; listen to me Caesar Augustus has made a decree All of his people, thats everyone here And all of the empire, far and near. Must go to be registered where they were born So all of you, get packed, and set off at dawn!

Notes Soldier, shouting bossily and reading from a scroll

Grandpa, (Reading from a book)

So, a couple named Mary and Joseph set off from Nazareth where they lived, to travel to Bethlehem where Joseph had been born. Mary was expecting a very special baby, who an angel had told her was Gods son, and should be named Jesus

Mary and Joseph set off on their journey to Bethlehem (with donkey if possible) while all the children sing the next song (Bethlehem, Bethlehem) to the tune of Oranges and Lemons:

Bethlehem, Bethlehem (So Far Away)

Bethlehem, Bethlehem, so far away. I hope when we get there, theres somewhere to stay. I hope we can find a place to unwind. How long must we be so tired and weary? Bethlehem, Bethlehem, so far away. I hope when we get there, theres somewhere to stay. I hope by Gods grace that we find a place. How long must we be so tired and weary?

EtcAnother 2 verses are sung during which Mary and Joseph arrive in Bethlehem. The next page continues with simple rhyming couplet dialogues between Joseph and up to 4 innkeepers until they arrive at the stable. The preview then continues at page 6 when the angel tells the shepherds of the birth of baby Jesus

Grandpas Nativity Story Copyright Angela Yardy 2011 Buy from www.bestchildrensnativity.com

Page 7 of 29 (Shepherds walk out to centre stage)

Grandpa (reading the book)

Meanwhile, out in the fields, some shepherds were watching over their sheep, to keep them safe from dangerous wild animals. All of a sudden, a dazzling bright light appeared in the sky and the shepherds were terrified. Whats that in the sky, an incredible light? Yes, what could it be at this time of night? (Oh) The lights moving closer, what could it be? Its so bright Im finding it hard now to see. Cover your eyes and get down on the ground There could be some serious danger around!

Notes Shepherd 1 Shepherd 2 (Alternatively

shepherd 1 could say everything to audience)

Shepherd 3 (or shepherd 1 if you dont have 3)

(Shepherd(s) cover eyes and crouch down) Notes

Angel walks out to centre stage to join shepherd(s) Angel (Talking to shepherd(s) Do not be afraid, I bring news of a birth Gods son has been sent as a baby to earth. Youll find Him in Bethlehem, laid in His bed But not in a palace: a stable instead!

Grandpa (reading the book)

Then, all of a sudden a whole host of angels came from all around and the whole place was filled with beautiful music as they sang praises to God

Angels Hallelujah song starts playing. Alternative ideas for direction are as follows A host of angels can walk on to the introduction and then start singing to the hallelujahs as they walk on. Angels make graceful dance moves as they walk, twirl, raise arms etc. Angels other than Gabriel can be imagined and all of the children sing

Children could sing individual lines separately from different places in the room. As each child sings they raise their arms on the word Hallelujah to visually represent being surrounded by angels

Angels Hallelujah
(Sung twice to the tune of Children of Jerusalem) Intro. Hallelujah the Lord is king Hallelujah, praise the Lord. Hallelujah, praise His name. Hallelujah, praises sing. Hallelujah, praise the king.
Refrain

Listen now, while angel voices sing. x2 (Cup ears as if listening) Hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah the Lord is king. Angels drift off singing during the final refrain, so that the final hallelujahs fade into the background. Grandpas Nativity Story Copyright Angela Yardy 2011 Buy from www.bestchildrensnativity.com

Page 8 of 29 If required can just have 1 shepherd actor, representative of the shepherds and using italics, while talking to the audience Notes Shepherd 1 Lets go to Bethlehem, search for this king (Ill) Shepherd 2 But what shall we take as a gift to Him? (I) Im just a shepherd; thats all I am! Shepherd 3 (or shepherd 2) Then why dont we take Him our very best lamb. (So) (I) (my) Grandpa (reading the book)

So the shepherds set off to Bethlehem to find the special baby.

Shepherd(s) walk to the stable scene as all children sing the 2nd verse of In Bethlehem a Babe was born, to the tune of O Christmas Tree

In Bethlehem a Babe Was Born (to the tune of O Christmas Tree):

To Bethlehem the shepherds came to see the baby Jesus To Bethlehem the shepherds came to see the baby Jesus And for a gift they brought a lamb, and gave it to the Son of Man To Bethlehem the shepherds came to see the baby Jesus. Shepherd 1 Shepherd 2
(Alternatively shepherd 1 can use italics to say everything) (Shepherds walk across to manger scene.)

Notes The angel was right, this is just as he (she) said The baby is laid in a poor manger bed. Please can we see Him? Hes special, thats clear. (I) Weve brought you a lamb; shall we just leave it here? (Ive) (I) Please can I get close to kneel at His feet? (we) Ahh, look at the babyisnt he sweet.

Shepherd 3 (Or 1 &/or 2 together if no 3rd shepherd)

The shepherd(s) kneel to Jesus, and then stay sat in the stable scene So the shepherds stayed to worship the baby Jesus. How amazing! Nobody liked shepherds in those days, and yet they were the first people to hear about the birth of Gods son; and from an angel as well! That must have made them feel so special. But, some more people were on their way to see baby Jesus; some very important people. They were wise men, respected by everyone, because they knew so much. They studied the stars and found a new star which was so bright that they knew it meant something very special: that the baby who was going to be King of the Jews had been born..

Grandpa (reading from book)

The script continues through the next page with speaking parts for the star and wise men etc. The preview then continues at page 10 with the Herod pantomime villain. Grandpas Nativity Story Copyright Angela Yardy 2011 Buy from www.bestchildrensnativity.com

Page 10 of 29

Grandpa (reading from book)

Well, Herod had a plan. He didnt like the idea of a new king being more important than him, so he was very jealous, and he planned to find out where the baby was, and he would have him killed.

King Herod (to the audience)

If all that theyve said turns out to be true Hell be more important than me; THAT WONT DO!! When they all get back with the news of the boy Ill send out my soldiers and have him DESTROYED!! Ha Ha Ha!

Notes (Villainous pantomime laugh at the end of his speech, rubbing hands)

Grandpa (reading from book)

But dont worry, God warned them in a dream not to go back to King Herod, so he never did find out who the baby was who would be the King of the Jews..

Herod

I think Ive been tricked, those three wise men Are not coming back from Bethlehem! This is not fairI will not rest Till everyone says that HERODS THE BEST!! HA HA HA!

Notes (hands on hips etc. Villainous laugh at end)

Grandpa (reading from book)

But Herod and his horrible, jealous behaviour..well, thats another story. Lets get back to the three wise men, who were on their way to Bethlehem

While the wise men come back on stage and walk to the stable, the children all sing verse 3 of

In Bethlehem a Babe Was Born (to the tune of O Christmas Tree)

The preview now skips to show the character list and how the lines are allocated. Hopefully it will also give an idea of how parts can be adapted, omitted or added to suit your own personal requirements and cast size. Grandpas Nativity Story Copyright Angela Yardy 2011 Buy from www.bestchildrensnativity.com

Page 15 of 29 Casting List The script is deliberately adaptable so that you can miss out characters and some lines without spoiling the flow, so if you need to reduce it, or any individuals lines, you will find that you are able to omit some blocks of script entirely as you choose. Everything is written in rhyming couplets which need to be maintained, so wherever there are variables according to cast size or gender or reductions to the script I have offered alternatives to rhyming couplets that would be affected, and these are in italics throughout. (By all means contact me if you need any other options and I will try to assist) Therefore, the casting list below is complete for anyone who chooses to use the script exactly as it is written, but each of the characters that can be omitted by choice are in italics and would reduce the cast accordingly. No. of rhyming Name of child Notes lines if actor unchanged 13 + 6 Narrator Grandpa Joe (Good reader 5 +4 required, could be adult.) Use page Plus reading 2 as a cover sheet for the story book nativity story that Grandpa reads from, ie his script! from book 4 +2+2+4+2 Child 1 (Entirely adaptable to reduce 2+2+4 Child 2 or cut out, or share lines 2 Child 3 differently between more or less children as required, or 2 Child 4 just act to narration) 2 Child 5 none Santa (St Nichlas) none Rudolf 6 Roman Soldier None Mary 2 (repeated 4 Joseph times) + 3 2 Innkeeper 1 2 Innkeeper 2 2 Innkeeper 3 5 Innkeeper 4 4 Angel 1+1+2 Shepherd 1 3+2+2 Shepherd 2 (shepherd 1 can say all 2+1+2 Shepherd 3 shepherds lines if reqd) 2+4 Wise man 1 2+2 Wise man 2 2+2 Wise man 3 2+4+4 King Herod (preferable not to omit) 4 Star None Dancing angels In summary, the ideal cast would consist of Grandpa Joe (large part), narrator (split if preferred), 20 small speaking parts, 3 none speaking parts, and some dancing angels, plus or including a choir of singers, and any other walk on parts you choose to include (ie, donkey, more shepherds, guests in inns etc). The italics show that the cast can be effectively reduced to 10 as required and still create a tableau scene by the end. Generally speaking, alternative lines are suggested for the narrator for a smaller cast so the time taken should be almost the same, unless Herod is omitted. Grandpas reading of the story means that the flow of the story is complete regardless of reductions in the speaking parts. Grandpas Nativity Story Copyright Angela Yardy 2011 Buy from www.bestchildrensnativity.com Character name

Page 26 of 29 SAINT NICHOLAS VERSION (Alternative page 3)

Grandpas Nativity Story

The next 2 pages of the preview show how I have adapted the script at the necessary points to refer to Saint Nicholas (pronounced Saint in pyjamas, keep the rhythm), and stage. All of the childrens make to avoid Starts with a child/children Nichlas to sat up in bed centre shows the amendments to parts can be reference to Rudolf the Red-nosed Reindeer or the sleigh. All of these alternative differentlyincluded 4 or combined to be said by just 1 child talking to the audience if preferred or divided pages are for 2, 3, at the end of the document thatIeveryone receives on purchase.a narrator can use the italics to tell the story while ultimately 5 children as have written it. Alternatively, the children just act to it. Nb. The script does make reference to leaving gifts under the tree. n.b. throughout the script St Nicholas is pronounced St Nichlas to fit better with the rhythm. If your tradition does not include the sleigh, or Rudolf the red-nosed reindeer, alternative words are offered in SMALL CAPITAL LETTERS beneath the appropriate lines throughout the script (and the song). The song will still be appropriate as it simply refers to the laughter and giving side of St Nichlas Notes Narrator Hello, and welcome to you all today. We hope you enjoy our nativity play. It starts as the children are sat up in bed (St Nichlas wants all of them sleeping instead!) Child 1 (to audience) Its the night before Christmas and we should be snoring Use italics if you only have 1 (I / they) child, or they if you would Normally we would, because bedtime is boring! prefer the narrator to say this (I/ they) But how can we sleep when we know that meanwhile (I/ they) (I/ they) St Nichlas has presents to make us smile? Child 2 (to audience) How can I sleep when Im waiting to see Use italics if you would (they) (theyre) prefer the narrator to say this If St Nichlas has any presents for me? (If he has left anything under the tree.) Child 3 (to audience) Mum told me I shouldnt get overexcited Getting excitable Use italics if you would (them they) prefer the narrator to say this But how can I help it, when He is invited?! (they) St Nichlas is coming, Wey hey! Wey hoo! Child 4 (excitedly to other children) I think I can hear him laughingCan you? Child 5 (more quietly, Shhh Everyone quietens and cupping ear) Listen, I think thats St Nichlas you know.. down Im sure I can hear a Ho Ho Ho..

Grandpas Nativity Story Copyright Angela Yardy 2011 Buy from www.bestchildrensnativity.com

Page 27 of 29 SAINT NICHOLAS VERSION (Alternative page 4) Ho Ho Ho (Santas Song) Chorus Ho, ho, ho. Ho, ho, ho, St Nichlas is on his way.Ho, ho, ho. Ho, ho, ho. Riding on his sleigh (WITH GIFTS FOR CHRISTMAS DAY!) Ho, ho, ho. Ho, ho, ho, Rudolfs nose is bright..Ho, ho, ho. Ho, ho, ho, guiding through the night. (STARS ARE SHINING) I really love this time of year, I love to bring some happy cheer, To all the children far and near I LOVE THIS TIME OF YEAR Chorus The sleigh is filled with lots of toys (HIS SACK) To take to all the girls and boys Im sure theyll make a happy noise I LOVE THIS TIME OF YEAR Chorus St Nichlas (and Rudolf) disappear out of sight and the children get back to being excited in the bedroom. Notes Narrator Now, back to the bedroom, where no-one is sleeping While, climbing the stairs, their Grandpa is creeping. He bursts through the door and in a stern voice Shouts What are you doing, whats all of this noise? All of a sudden the children sit down (child sits) And Grandpa looks cross with a terrible frown St Nichlas is coming, were sorry, its just: (Im) We cant settle down, but we know that we must (I) (I) (I) (St Nichlas is coming, they said in a mutter We cant settle down, were all of a flutter) Ill tell you what children, Ill do my best (sweetheart/childs name) To help you calm down and get some rest Now get back in bed and Ill read you a story That tells you, at Christmas, who should get the glory. The children all settled, and while Grandpa read (the child settled down) or (childs name settled down) They pulled up their blankets and sat up in bed (she/he) (her/his) And this is the story that Grandpa Joe told The Christmas Nativity Story of old..

Grandpa Narrator Use italics if you only have 1 child Children (or child)

(Alternative lines for narrator) Grandpa

Narrator Use italics if you only have 1 child

Grandpas Nativity Story Copyright Angela Yardy 2011 Buy from www.bestchildrensnativity.com