The first Christmas figurines were probably nativity scenes, or "crèches," popularized in France in the Middle Ages. The French made terracotta figurines known as "santons" (or "little saints") to depict characters from the Gospel honoring the birth of Jesus Christ. In Germany, nativity, angels, or Christ-child figures would be incorporated into a "Christmas pyramids," a small wooden carousel with multiple levels and a fan on top that was...Continue Reading