The Answer?

I think the important thing is that you tell the Christmas story each year, not that you act it out. But if you still want to act it out here are a few suggestions.
1. Keep it short.
2. Use lots of music to tell the story.
3. Let the children tell as much as possible. (You may get some interesting insights into their thoughts)
4. Use costumes that are reserved for t the nativity.
5. Rotate the parts, so that one person doesn't get the same part each year.
6. Take lots of pictures.
7. Don't force anyone to participate.
8. Have patience and remember why you're doing this.
9 (This should be #1) PRAY

I'm glad this is a tradition that you'd like to continue with your children. It was something I always looked forward to and I'm sure they weren't perfect. If you look back through the pictures you'll notice that we acted it out with Speedy's family when you were too little for us to do it on our own. We always had a special retelling of the nativity when I was growing up. We didn't always act it out, but often did. It's what you do on Christmas Eve. Hope this helps.