I do not like nativity plays

[ZippyPeer]

Went to my first one to watch my daughter, huge discovery that I do not like them. My view:
The play wasn't funny or an interesting story.
An irritating number of sexist stereotypes in the reimagined story - innkeepers wife fgs.
A few kids clearly actively hated being involved - not enjoyable to see them suffering.
Lots of the kids looking exceedingly bored or like they didn't really want to be there.
Reminded me of when I had to perform in them as a child and the literal hours of waiting around doing nothing during rehearsals and on the day and being told to shush and sit still - so boring.
Nice to see my daughter doing her bit and some of the other kids I know, and see the differences in the way the kids were on stage, but like, no where near enough to offset the other stuff...

Probably I won't go again and will leave it to the enthusiasts, but are there other people who feel this way?

Am absolutely bemused by the number of people who seem to love them.

Yabu - do you have no soul, the nativity is delightful
Yabu - it's a pain in the arse we all have to endure

Youngest Gdc’s Nativity the other night was delightful. 👏👏 to the teachers for getting them all involved, all dressed up as something, and teaching them several traditional carols/songs, with actions. All the children (Y1 and 2) evidently enjoyed it very much.

I'm just trying to get this right in my head...you went to your child's first nativity (so I'm guessing she's 4/5?) and were disappointed that it was not great theatre? What story exactly were you expecting, considering that the exact same story (which, as it's around 2000 years old is lacking in 2025 political nuance) has been done by every Reception class for generations?

No-one is heading to a Nativity expecting to be riveted or left deep in thought about the outstanding talking points around feminism, or the deep dedication of the actors. We enjoy them because for most of the children, despite the rehearsal process being a little boring, they are proud of what they've achieved and we are proud of them for having the confidence to get up on stage and do it. It's about parenting, not about a great cultural experience. And for those that do get upset, we want to be there to comfort them and remind them that they tried something hard, even if it didn't work out. We're still proud that they challenged themselves.

WTF?? Grinch of the day award!

Ooh, haven't seen this version! Where's it on? Id love to get this added to my Navity Notebook.

I'll be the envy of my fellow Nativitists the Nativity Enthusiast Club!!!

Just knew you guys would have a secret club! 😁 Bet there are handshakes as well as really nice stationery

This post is hilarious. What an absolute failure in the parenting department.

Children that age don’t constantly need to be in a classroom learning, it’s ok for them to do different activities.

As someone who should protect her child it’s very odd behaviour you’d sit there and watch him be uncomfortable.

I didn’t sit there and do nothing.

i spoke to the head and he now doesn’t do them!

Of course I love I good nativity play, it’s a great way to get kids to understand what Christmas is all about and learn the Christmas story. It’s a fantastic tradition in early years/primary education

Tbh I can’t believe your post has been written in a non-ironic way..

This year ours was some weird mashup of Bethlehem and the Great British Bake Off. I wasn't too sure what was going on, but the songs were quite catchy and it was lovely seeing the children throwing themselves into it. I wouldn't call myself an enthusiast, but you're not going for you, are you? You're going to support your child/ grandchild and see their proud, smiling face that you're there to watch their big moment. Meant a lot to me this year because dd is autistic and has a lot of anxiety which has prevented her from wanting to be in the limelight. She had her first speaking part as a narrator and spoke beautifully - so clear and loud - no sign of nerves whatsoever. I'd sit through a thousand nativities to see that smile on her face from her achievement.

My DD was the Midwife one year. Which was the lead character.

They’re shit tbh. I’d much rather they were learning in a classroom rather than having weeks of rehearsals.
There is far more than classroom learning, by taking part in a Nativity, or any other type pf performance, teaches many things not found in text books, it also lets parents see their off spring as an semi-independent person, working with other children and managing without their parents. It can be a shock and a sign of the apron strings being loosened.

The innkeepers wife is there to add an extra speaking character. Every child needs a role:

"Now, my Wise Men here, please! Billy, Peter and George. And George, Wise Men never do that... Now my Kings, please. Of course, Mrs Binton, we know that by tradition the Wise Men and the Kings are one and the same, but we did want everyone in our Nursery School Nativity Play to have a chance, so we have taken a few liberties, and I don't think any one will mind, Now Kings: Sidney, Neville, Cliff and Nikolas Anoniodes. Four Kings, I'm afraid. We happen to have four lovely crowns, so it seemed a pity not to use them."

Me too. I think children are not ready yet for that at the age of 7-8 old. What the point pushing them so hard to take part in entertaining parents? We are not religious either. May be short rhymes and Santa would be work better. Our child hyperactive and autistic. Was not able to sit or following instructions. Its more hard for parents in the evening with persuading them to repeat or learn. Its more for school or religion itself to be proud of Nativity or other goals as charity. Because we dont think that all children would enjoy it. We dont like any wine or sweets on parents gatherings either. So, yes, this year we quit Nativity as I had not power to run after my child. Until we had rest and peace - we let other parents to be proud of their children.