Artists, poets and writers through the centuries have all depicted the Nativity stories using a certain amount of artistic/poetic licence. In other words, they have invented characters and settings, combined the stories and left details out.
Watch the film clips showing Jesus’ birth, and with reference to both Nativity stories, discuss where artistic licence has been employed.

For further information and activities:

Do some Christmas cards show nothing from the Bible stories?

Research the background of why Santa Claus and Christmas trees have become part of our Christmas.

Look at the words in these carols. Are they true to Matthew's and Luke's stories? Which of them just mix up the two stories? Which of them are nothing at all to do with Jesus' birth?