Would you like to buy some figurines? Whether as a gift or for yourself, chances are you've got lots of questions about them! Don't panic, we're here to answer them.

Which santons should be in a crib?

If you want to create a traditional nativity scene, you'll need to incorporate 9 characters. The aim is to create a faithful representation of the nativity with the essential protagonists. You'll need to include the following santons in your nativity scene:

However, there's nothing to stop you adding new characters and decorations to your nativity scene. In the Provençal crib, for example, the whole village and its inhabitants come to offer gifts to the newborn child. Even if the nativity scene is above all based on tradition, there's nothing blasphemous about letting your creativity express itself. On the contrary, it will delight young and old alike.

So let your imagination run wild and vary the themes, characters and even decorations from year to year to create even more surprises and wonder for your guests.

The only rule to respect is to have these 9 essential characters at the center of your crib. But if you really want to respect tradition down to the smallest detail, you'll also need to place them in the right places.

How to organize your santons?

Of course, this will depend on your painting and whether or not you want to create a traditional nativity scene. To best respect tradition, you'll need to place your santons in a certain way.

First, you'll need to place the Virgin Mary santon with the donkey santon. It was on this donkey that the Virgin Mary arrived in Bethlehem.

The santon representing Joseph is traditionally placed next to the ox.

In the middle, you'll need to leave an empty space or straw basket for baby Jesus, who doesn't normally appear in the crib until midnight on December 24.

The angel Gabriel, meanwhile, should be placed overhead to proclaim the good news.

As for the Three Wise Men, they should be placed further back. Day after day, you'll need to bring them closer to the baby Jesus. On January 6, the day of the Epiphany, they'll take center stage!

You can use the traditional layout and then add your own dough. All the shepherds, villagers, artisans and animals you add to the scene should give the impression of moving towards Baby Jesus.

For a more elaborate nativity scene, where an entire village seems to be gathering, remember that you'll need more time and space too, but the result will be well worth the effort!

How much does a santon cost on average?

Prices vary according to model and size. Count on average €13 for 6/7 cm santons, €17 for 9 cm santons, between €60 and €100 for 13 cm santons and from €118 to €320 for large santons.

What's the right size for a santon? Santons come in a variety of sizes. Our santons range from 2 cm (flea santons) to 30 cm! To choose the right size, you'll need to define your needs. Are you short on space? Do you want a very realistic scene? Do you want a lot of characters? Ask yourself these questions before choosing the size of your figures!

But above all, stay consistent and respect proportions as much as possible. In short, don't juxtapose a 4 cm santon with a 20 cm one! On the contrary, play with the different sizes to create effects of depth and perspective, for example, by placing the smaller ones, which won't be very detailed, in the background, and the larger ones in the foreground.

The most traditional santons are between 7 and 9 cm. They are quite detailed and can create beautiful pictures. Santons measuring 20 cm or more are highly realistic and can be used to create breathtaking scenes.

To whom and when to give santons ?

Traditionally, the nativity scene is installed on the first Sunday of Advent. Ideally, you should offer a santon beforehand. But there's no rule that says you can't give a santon specifically for Christmas, so that you can enjoy it next year. Santons can also be given as gifts for Baptisms, Communions, births or weddings. Or simply as a souvenir of a visit to Provence!

Who should you give them to? Although santons are associated with Christianity and religion, they appeal to everyone! There are many collectors around the world who are fans of santons de Provence. So you can give them to your friends, parents, grandparents and even your children to create a Christmas crib together!