Essential Animals:
* Donkeys: The donkey was used by Mary and Joseph to travel to Bethlehem.
* Sheep: Representing the shepherds who came to see the baby Jesus.
* Ox: Often depicted alongside the donkey in the stable, symbolizing the humble setting of Jesus' birth.
Additional Animals:
* Camels: While not explicitly mentioned in the Bible story, they are sometimes included to represent the journey of the Wise Men.
* Goats: Can be added for visual variety and to represent the livestock of the time.
* Chickens and other poultry: These can symbolize the everyday life of the time.
* Dogs: While not common, some Nativity scenes may include a dog to represent the shepherd's companion.
Important Note: The inclusion of animals in a Nativity scene varies depending on tradition, resources, and the specific staging of the event. Some live Nativity scenes may have more animals than others, while some may choose to focus on the essential characters and animals.