Like anyone whose Nativity Scene is composed of blowmold figures, the wind is a consant problem with blowing the figures over. I use a few different techniques depending on what figure needs to be anchored down.

Empire Wiseman (ca 1996)

NOTE: The holes in the bottoms of my Three Wisemen figures are __ diameter. If the hole diameter in the bottom of your figurines is different, adjustments may necessary.

Each anchor is made from a piece of 4 inch schedule 40 PVC pipe and a toilet flange. The PVC pipe is cut a length of six inches. The flange needs to be the type that fits inside of the pipe. The flanges which go on the outside will be too big. Also, try to avoid the flanges where the center is solid as this will end up trapping moisture and caused possible cracking from ice trapped inside .

The flange sits upside down. Through the holes and slots where flange bolts or lag screws would normally go, run some metal rods. Put a 90 degree bend into the last few inches of each rod. This bend is what keeps the flange from lifting off the ground.

The worst tilting I've had since using these anchors is figures tilted about 30 degrees. Glueing the flange and section of pipe is optional. Mine are not glued to allow for easy teardown for storage.

Empire Holy Family (ca 1995)

Mary and Joseph were originally anchored down via two liter pop bottles filled with sand. No ground stake was used here. However, the relationship between the footprint of the of my house and prevailing wind direction plus the use of a wooden stable elininated the need for pop bottles here.

Empire Shepherd (ca 1997)

Originally the shepherd also used the pop bottle technique. However I discovered it worked better if I just stuck the end of his staff (which is metal) into the ground.

Empire Camel (ca 1996) and (ca 2000).

Both camels (I only have two, not three) rest on simple wood sled bases. These sleds consist of two pieces of 1/4" plywood cut to 2 x 12. One 1/4 screw eye is on each end of each board. A four screw eyes are then placed in each camel, one per corner. Thin wire is then run between the two screw eyes on each corner. Also on each end of the 2 x 12, a 1/4 hole was drilled 2 inches in and centered on the 2 inch mark. An L shaped stake (see Wisemen Anchoring) is then used to hold down the camel.

I'm planning to rebuild the camel bases with 1 by 2 cedar as the plywood is beginning to show wear and tear from the weather. When I do, this section will be updated.

Cow, Sheep, Donkey (ca 1996-1998)

The barnyard figures are not anchored down. The centers of gravity are low enough to the ground that there has neer been a problem.

Angel (unknown manufacturer) ca 1997

The angel is mounted in a manner similar to the camels except no sled structure is used. Instead, she sits on top of a large upside down flower pot. (I believe this flower pot is the type greenhouses sell 4 to 5 foot trees in). The wire runs into one side drain hole and out one directly opposite before wrapping around the other side of the angel's base. The flower pot raises the angel up about 12 inches, allowing visibility over the roof the stable. The handles allow for anchor stakes though I have never needed them. (the layout of my Nativity Scene in relation to my house puts it behind a windbreak created by my front door entry way-winter winds here are prevalently from the west off Lake Michigan).