The very first live nativity scene, it is said, was created by St. Francis of Assisi, who staged a reenactment of the birth of Jesus Christ in 1223, using a doll as the newborn Jesus and a few live animals to gather around townspeople playing Mary and Joseph.

Today, there’s a chapel at that site in Italy, with a painting that depicts the familiar scene, which is ubiquitous this time of year, showing up not only at churches and homes, but in nativity merch, to include chocolate , pajamas and even a “Peanuts” themed nativity set with the bird Woodstock in the manger.

It’s unclear if Charles Schulz would appreciate Woodstock in the manger, since the “Peanuts” creator was a devoted Christian who famously preached “the true meaning of Christmas” in the Charlie Brown Christmas special.

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