It's natural to think about what you might be leaving behind when you shift into a smaller living space. Those who love holiday decorating may also need to downsize Christmas decor. Instead of looking at this as a disadvantage, take joy in finding new ways to deck your halls in seasons after you move. Seniors of faith might consider some ways to add nativity scenes to smaller spaces, for example.

1. DIY Clothespin Nativity

Paint, glue, scrap fabric and a bit of creativity can turn round craft clothespins into a fun nativity. You can make this craft as simple or complex as you want, so it's great for beginners, lifelong crafters, grandchildren or groups of friends wanting a fun Christmas take-and-make for a gathering.

Start by identifying the people you want in your nativity scene. You can have just Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus or the entire crew. You'll need one clothespin for each adult. Use scrap fabric to "dress" the clothespin in robes or clothing by gluing it on — alternatively, you can paint on clothing. Add face details if you want.

For baby Jesus, cut the bottom half off a clothespin before swaddling it in fabric. You can use a matchbox or other small item to make a manger or glue baby Jesus on the Mary clothespin as if she's holding him. Here's another take on this idea, which uses clothespins to make a simple nativity ornament.

2. Nativity Shadow Box

Want a nativity set that doesn't take up table or shelf space in your living room? Nativity shadow boxes are easy and versatile.

Start with any type of deep picture frame or shadow box. You'll need small nativity figures or paper cutouts. This craft is a great way to put old Christmas cards to use! Search through them for images you like of Mary, Joseph, baby Jesus, shepherds, angels, wise men, stars, animals and anything else you want to include. Cut each out, leaving at least half an inch of extra card stock on the bottom.

Fold that half an inch over, creating a base for the figure. You'll arrange your figures in the shadow box. Start by putting things you want in the background directly on the back wall of the box — you won't need a folded base for these. You could include sky imagery, stars or a stable. But you don't have to be literal with your nativity scene; you might use a favorite star-filled wrapping paper or a pretty forest scene as the background.

Next, place the figures for your scene, putting some closer to the front than others to add depth. You might create the look of hills by cutting rounded green arcs and putting them closer to the front; you can place the shepherds or wise men on those hills.

If you have a shadow box big enough, you can arrange a small set of fairy lights inside to add ambience.

3. Purchase a Miniature Nativity Set

Of course, you don't have to be crafty to add a small reminder of the season's reason to your apartment. Consider an outing to the Hobby Lobby nearest Autumn View Gardens in Creve Coeur, which is on Elm Park Drive in St. Louis, or browse a variety of mini nativity sets on Amazon. You can find all-in-one ornaments or tiny sets you can arrange on a bookshelf or coffee table.