**The Vatican Nativity scene officially is unveiled Dec. 24 and remains in the square until the Feb. 2 feast of the Presentation of the Lord.**
Just like all the Advent candles are not lit at one time, the Christmas Nativity scene is not unveiled now, but on Christmas eve.
I only had the empty stable with the animals at this time when we had a family.
Very interesting! I create Nativity Scenes in the Spanish tradition, and they are very fond of depicting the Nativity in unusual places.
Generally, the Nativity in a Spanish scene occurs in a cave, as it does in Eastern Church icons.