St. Francis of Assisi is credited with making popular the Nativity Scene in 1223, when he used live figures to teach the locals about the Incarnation. Many parishes to this day use live creches for the same purposes. No doubt, your local parish has its presepe (creche) somewhere in the church building.
Vatican Radio has a wonderful little program talking about much interesting history on this and more. I would encourage you to click on the link and listen!
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