Open Edition
cold-cast resin
A Scottish Christmas is filled with customs old and new, skits, games, food and merriments. Often referred to as MacNicholas, the Scottish Father Christmas, dressed in Highland costume, brings all the necessary trimmings for an authentic Scottish yuletide. His sack carries a Scotch Pine, brightly wrapped packages, a bright blue fishing boat, and a Scottish Terrier are certain to light up the eyes of a wee lad or lassie. Wassail is a favorite among the delicious foods and beverages served at Christmas time. This drink, consisting of ale, roast apples, eggs, sugar and spices, is stirred up for young and old alike. Tis customary to leave a meat pie and a jug of wassail for Father Christmas, much like we leave milk and cookies for Santa. MacNicholas raises his mug of wassail to toast in the season and his trusty Scottish terrier yaps in agreement. Soon the two are off on their journey through the snow dusted mountains and valleys of Scotland.

4" Height

Open Edition
cold-cast resin
Christmas is the time to celebrate the birth of the Christ Child, and for most children around the world, it is also the time to receive a much-desired toy. The practice of gift giving is as old as the tradition of the Three Kings who brought gifts to Jesus. Yet the custom of giving children toys for Christmas has a much more recent source. The Puritans, who settled our country, did not approve of Christmas gift giving. They bestowed hand-carved arks and religious toys on their children. Ever since that time, mothers and fathers have been giving toys to their children, disguised as Santa Claus. Toy Santa's sack and arms are full of Christmas treasures. He carries so many playthings that he must stuff them in his pockets. He asked Mrs. Santa to sew pockets inside his coat for holding more toys! The Toy Santa doesn't want to disappoint anyone this Christmas. He even hangs toys from his belt to be certain that he bears the perfect gift for everyone. . . somewhere!

4" Height

Open Edition
cold-cast resin
Santa loves all animals, but there is just something so purr-fect about taking a nap with his cats. He has quite a few because, as Earnest Hemingway said, "One cat just leads to another" and he just can't seem to say "no" when a cat is in need or appears on his doorstep. Besides, what could be better than having a warm, purring body, or two, on your lap while you nap? The busy world slows down to the magical rhythm of the cat, peace sets in, and sleep is deep and refreshing. Each cat and kitten is a work of art to be admired in awe, for as a famous artist once said, “The smallest feline is a masterpiece." It seems Leonardo da Vinci knew what he was talking about. Sleep well, Santa! Pipka shares her life with her cat, Tigger. Today, Tigger is visiting Santa, perched above Santa’s left shoulder.

4" Height

Open Edition
cold-cast resin
The Snowman Santa has made some wonderful snowmen dolls for children around the world, especially those who live in the land of snow and glaciers. Since everything is so white in the mountains and snow covered plains, Santa has wrapped all the gift packages in bright red papers to add cheerful color under the Christmas tree. Santa himself wears a bright red scarf and hat so as not to blend into the icy terrain. The anxious children’s imagination can see him coming from miles away and anxiously await his jovial arrival. The Snowman Santa was inspired by the many cold, snow-filled winters of Door County, Wisconsin, where Pipka lives and spends endless hours in her quaint, inspirational studio. Many years ago, Pipka would be seen outside with her daughter, Angie and son, Jon, making their snow friend. Now that her children are grown, it’s her grandchildren that convince Grandma to bundle up and have fun in the snow.

4" Height

Open Edition
cold-cast resin
The Polish people are intensely traditional in their holiday celebrations and this is exemplified at Christmas time. Stories and songs are sung around a Christmas tree decorated with nuts, apples, colored paper and straw ornaments. Gifts lay wrapped beneath its boughs. Friends and family come to visit and partake in Wiglia, the traditional Christmas dinner, where often a place is left empty at the table for the Christ Child. But most important to Poles, is the true meaning of Christmas and the creche set in one of the most cherished Christmas decorations that is displayed in homes. The Santa of Poland, wearing a warm fur lined cape keeps the cold Polish winters out and goes from home to home delivering the crèche as the true symbol of Christmas, Christ's birth.

4" Height

Open Edition
cold-cast resin
The French countryside is cool and grey as Christmas time approaches but spirits are high and children are filled with gleeful anticipation. Baking, cleaning and making small gifts begins in early December but decorating is left to the last moments before Christmas Eve. A small tree filled with lights and chocolates sits on top of a little table, gifts spread beneath its branches. But first and foremost is the attendance of evening mass to celebrate the birthday of the Baby Jesus. During this time Pere Noel, French Father Christmas, comes to add that special gift that each child has been dreaming about for weeks. After mass, the children are allowed to open their gifts, songs are sung and the whole family enjoys the Christmas pastries. On Christmas Day, families visit each other to share a traditional multi-course French dinner during which time storytelling and conversation punctuate each course. France is similar to many European countries in the celebration of family and friends at Christmas time.

4" Height

Open Edition
cold-cast resin
The Irish Christmas Santa carries a very special Christmas sign reminiscent of the beautiful old ironwork signs that prevail in Ireland, which reads, “Nollaig Shona Duit”, and means “Happy Christmas Day”’ the most common Christmas greeting. A cape to ward off blustery Irish winds keeps warm as does his cable knit Irish sweater. In Santa’s sack we find some Irish goodies; lucky coins, fishing boat, a large shamrock, jar of orange marmalade, book of Irish proverbs and a sheep rocker. Santa stands before Irish stone fences which are prevalent all around the countryside. This jolly Irish man, with a twinkle in his eyes, will make sure that everyone has a “Nollaig Sona Duit.”

4" Height

Open Edition
cold-cast resin

4" Height

Open Edition
cold-cast resin

4" Height

Open Edition
cold-cast resin

4" Height

Open Edition
cold-cast resin

4" Height

Open Edition
cold-cast resin

4" Height

Open Edition

4" Height

Open Edition
cold-cast resin

4" Height

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