My mother had the manger out in Advent. If we did a good deed for one of the siblings, or obeyed here quickly, or did a chore without her asking, we put a straw in the manger. The object was to make a soft bed for Baby Jesus.
If we sassed back, or were mean to a sibling, or were lax in doing our chores, we had to take the straw out.
We tried to make Baby Jesus's bed as comfortable as possible. And, if we were really good, a small blanket was placed on top of the straw bed. Jesus was put in his manger after we dressed up like Mary, Joseph and a few innkeepers. The Mary and Joseph would knock on a door and the innkeeper would say "no". Then, finally, after walking about the house, Baby Jesus was put in His manger and we would sing a carol.
Try it, Moms.
