And many Sheffield youngsters will have had their first taste of that great tradition this year.
Today we have looked through our archives to find 20 beautiful pictures of some great nativity plays which have been performed by schools and nurseries across the city over the years.
Many of the angelic faces pictured here will be grown up now – but there are Christmas memories galore in here.
Schools – if you have pictures of your productions you would like us to feature in a gallery, email us.
1. School nativity plays
Our fantastic gallery shows 20 great pictures of school nativity plays in Sheffield through the years Photo: Sheffield Newspapers
2. St Andrew's School
St Andrew's School Nativity Play, December 12, 1991 Photo: Sheffield Newspapers
3. East Hill
East Hill nativity - Some of the East Hill school pupils and staff who took part in the schools nativity play in 2004 Photo: Barry Richardson
4. Totley All Saints
Totley All Saints School Nativity Play, December 17, 1991 Photo: Sheffield Newspapers