Christmas is coming, and that means it's time to get organised! Kids love fancy dress, and chances are, if they're not already part of the school Nativity, they might like to do it at home anyway. A Joseph costume is one of the easiest costumes to make. Make a plain or stripy tunic (an old striped duvet cover or baggy t-shirt will do) and tie around the waist with a length of rope or a belt.

Plus, if you don't have access to sewing equipment (or you just don't fancy getting out a needle and thread), this DIY Mary Nativity costume is totally no-sew! And it'll save you buying a brand new Mary outfit in the shop or online for a much higher price. To portray Mary, you need a special costume, one that will radiate the gentle courage and beauty of the mother of Jesus. There’s no need to cut it, no sewing required. Just put on, add a belt and the costume is ready. They’re all in bare feet anyway, and I gave him along sleeved t-shirt in a similar colour in case he needed an additional layerThere are certainly many places you can buy animal outfits which can be used for Nativity plays, but another really simple, cheap way to get into the role is with a simple headband, tail and face paints. Fold the sheet in half and cut a line in the fold for your child’s head to fit through. Don’t cut too far, or else it will slip over their shoulders. Try it on – you may need to cut along the bottom if it’s too long.

The pillowcase is to become a simple tunic, so make cuts down the sides for the arms to come through, and at the top for the head.

So Gabriel went into the house and said to her, ‘Joy be to you, favoured one! the Lord is with you.’

Most of the Nativity characters that your child is likely to play are listed below, though some schools may add some more unusual characters! Read on for our costume ideas... 1 How to make a Mary Nativity costume They can wear bright-coloured clothes under the robe, and plimsolls decorated with tinsel and jewel shapes cut from shiny paper. Then, simply use an old striped tea towel to wrap around the head; this look works for a shepherd or innkeeper costume too. If you don't have a suitable tea towel, try using a pashmina which can be wrapped around your child's head.If your child is playing Mary in the school Nativity play, first of all: congratulations! They've got one of the lead roles which is sure to be exciting, and they'll need a fabulous costume to wear on their big day. An angel Nativity costume is another easy one to rustle up. You may already have a fairy or angel costume at home, or at least a tutu, some fairy wings or a halo or tiara in your dressing-up box. All you need is a long rectangle of fabric to fashion into a tunic, or you can even cheat and adapt an old pillowcase for little ones!

If you've got a little Joseph or a Shepherd, you'll be pleased to know this is one of the easier costumes to rustle up! You simply need to make a plain or stripy tunic and tie it around your child's waist with a length of rope or a leather belt. Simply place the tape a few inches up from the edge and fold the fabric over. Then place a damp cloth over the top and iron to bond the tape in place. The process is very similar to making a costume for Joseph or an innkeeper, involving stripy tea towels, a length of rope, and a homemade tabard.Follow our step-by-step picture guide to make a Nativity costume for Mary. 2 How to make a Joseph or Shepherd Nativity costume