Limited Edition of 9700
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.

6.25''

Limited Edition of 9700
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.

6''

Limited Edition of 9700
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.

5.25''

Limited Edition of 9700
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.

6.25''

Limited Edition of 9700
A Scottish Christmas, filled with customs old and new, skits, games, food and merriments, survives the 1652 British Parliament act banning Christmas as too "pagan" and "pope-ish." Reinstated a decade later, the Scots have spent the 350 years since blending Celtic customs with modern day traditions giving Christmas holidays a special Scottish glow. 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. The ubiquitous Yule log, tied to the sack and wrapped in ribbon and mistletoe, will be placed in the hearth where the fire has been rekindled with the remnants of the previous year's Yule log. 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.

6.75''

Limited Edition of 9700
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!

6.25''

Limited Edition of 9700
Santa is on the go again. Only this time, he is traveling all over the country to visit his loyal collectors and shopkeepers. Like many travelers, Santa just canít seem to travel "light." His suitcase is packed full, toys are stuffed into the sack on his back and Santa's "purse" is overflowingwith goodies. His one free hand is carrying a little evergreen tree, just in case he needs to set up a pretty display somewhere along the way. Santa really enjoys these trips to the many shops he visits. Children and adults wait in line for a chance to visit him and he wants to talk to each and every one of them. There are many smiles and much laughter, sharing of stories and often a hug or two. Shopkeepers fill trays with cookies and snacks to nourish the hungry travelers, and Christmas melodies fill the air. Sometimes, Santa will make a notation in a little book he carries with him, a reminder to send a child something special. He doesnít want to forget a thing! Soon it's time to say good-bye and Santa must pack up his things and be on his way to the next town or city where the next group of friends anxiously awaits him. Santa is on the go again! Watch for him. He many be coming to visit you very soon!

6.25''

Limited Edition of 9700
There is no greater joy than watching a baby's face at his or her first Christmas. The excitement and happiness parents feel are contagious and surely their child is not immune to the love surrounding this holy holiday. It is only fitting then, that the gentle gift bringer, Santa, comes to visit the greatest Bringer of hope, love and peace: the little Baby Jesus. As the Baby's face lights upon seeing Santa's gift, a cuddly teddy bear complete with big red bow, his hand reaches up to accept the precious gift. Santa's eyes glisten as he sees the sweetness and beauty of the Baby Jesus, who, though nestled in His humble bed of straw, bears all the dignity and power of a King.

6.25''

Limited Edition of 9700
One of Europe’s smallest countries, Switzerland, is also one of its most lush and beautiful. Its area, only 15,940 square miles, can be crossed in less than a day, yet it is full of contrast, from snow covered alps in the north and east, to the Mediterranean climate in the south. Surrounded by Germany, Austria, France and Italy, Switzerland controls some of the major communication routes between these countries, thus contributing to its neutrality. One of the most charming regions of Switzerland is the eastern canton of Appenzell. Here, it seems as if time has stood still. Small farms lie on hilly landscapes with mountain backdrops. Villages were built around churches. Each spring, traditionally dressed herdsmen take their bell-draped cows to higher pastures. This ceremony is highlighted by the beautiful spring wildflower wreaths that surround the cows’ necks. During the winter months, farmers and herdsmen use the quiet time for winter activities such as sledding and painting scenes of their herding activities. The Swiss Santa wears the traditional Appenzell costume. Pewter charms hang from his belt and a long loden cloth coat embroidered with the elusive edelweiss flowers keep him warm. Santa’s sack holds many Swiss treasures: a Swiss chalet music box, a sun mask used in Christmas festivities, Swiss cheese, a Swiss flag, a painted doll wardrobe, and a puzzle from Bern. Hanging from Santa’s basket is the beautiful Appenzeller cow bell, spice cookies, and two precision Swiss watches. Accompanying the Santa is the Swiss girl and Angel, plus his favorite milking cow and its calf.

6''
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Limited Edition of 9700
Centuries ago, celebrating Christmas was a holy and festive break from the toil of everyday life. This was especially true in the country where villagers and hard-working farmers labored endlessly to bring food and shelter to their families. It is no wonder that these simple people welcome the joy and jubilation of the holidays. The Country Santa Claus visits the small rural towns with his wheelbarrow to help him carry his load of gifts. Bells tied to the front of the wheelbarrow announce his arrival to the children who anxiously peer out of their windows in the hopes of catching a glimpse of him. The Country Santa Claus has found a couple kittens alongside the road and knows they will be a big surprise when tucked into a child's stocking. In the country tradition of not being wasteful, Santa wears a coat made from little patches of fabric, much like those on the old patchwork quilts that country mothers make from leftover scraps. His dress is made of a favorite calico. The Country Santa Claus brings warmth and joy to country homes already filled with the smells of fresh-baked bread, laughter, hard work, love of family and love of the country life.

6.25''

Limited Edition of 9700
hand-painted, cold cast resin

6.25" Height

Limited Edition of 9700
hand-painted, cold cast resin

6.25" Height

Limited Edition of 9700
hand-painted, cold cast resin

5" Height

Limited Edition of 9700
cold-cast resin

6.25" Height

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