All Santas shown here are 10-11" in height. They are made of cold cast resin and are a limited edition. Each Pipka collectible is individually numbered
Santa, St Nicholas arrives early in Holland with his gifts, in November. He is dressed in Bishop's robes and journeys in a boat with his helper who is called Black Peter and who wears Spanish clothes. Throughout the year they prepare lists of presents and writing every child's behavior in a very large book, which Santa is holding. Many people go to Amsterdam docks to greet him. He mounts a snow horse and rides through the streets in a great parade, amid many festivities. His bag is filled with toys that represent many aspects of a Christmas in Holland; the toy boat, traditional wooden shoes, horse, and Black Peter doll.
Sweden, a country full of folklore, myths, and ancient customs, has incorporated many of them into their Christmas festivities, not in the least of those being the presence of the ubiquitous tomte, little curmudgeons that create joy and havoc during the holiday season with their pranks. As they usually live in the barns or woods, they are hard to spot, but at Christmas, a bowl of porridge must be set out for the tomte so that they are appeased and don’t get carried away with their mischievous deeds. Swedish Santa is sitting down to have a talk with them, a little reprimand and encouragement to behave so that he can go about his business of delivering gifts to Swedish children. A bluebird will help keep an eye on things and report back to Santa if the tomte get out of line, which they surely will. It wouldn’t be Christmas in Sweden without tomte pranks! Santa sits in a uniquely, carved chair. It is reminiscent of the many wonderful thrones throughout the land that Santa sits on while visiting boys and girls. Ornate wood carving roots are found in Germany and these wood carvers are still known for this talent today.
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. Today’s the 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.
Santa Claus was born in United States in the 1860's. He had a white beard and a big belly, so he was named Santa Claus as this was the Dutch word for St Nicholas, Sintaklaas. Santa is carrying a toy Reindeer, named Rudolph. This reindeer represents the many songs of the season and one of the children’s favorite is “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer”. He also carries a brand new doll for a good little girl. Dolls have been placed under the Christmas tree for thousands of girls each year by good old Santa Claus.
Gift giving is the most well known of all Christmas traditions all around the world. Gifts are given throughout families, given to close friends and in appreciation to business associates. The giving of gifts is a wonderful expression of the love and good will that surrounds the Christmas season.
Several months after the Christ Child was born, the three wise men came and presented gifts to Him. “After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, ‘Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him.’ On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh" (Matthew 2:1-2, 11).
In the true spirit of the season and gift giving, many think of the less fortunate and choose to give food, clothing and presents to them. The custom of giving to the needy was one of the traditions of Boxing Day which is celebrated the first weekday after Christmas in many countries. On Boxing Day, employers gave their servants boxes of food and other necessities and public workers such as mailmen were remembered by the people they served. Some traditions hold that money was taken from church collection boxes and distributed to the disadvantaged.
Santa Claus, as he is depicted today, is derived from two very old legends: Saint Nicholas, a bishop who gave generous gifts to the poor and was considered to be the patron saint of sailors and children and Father Christmas, who was considered to be the spirit of good cheer.
The African American Santa celebrates Kwanzaa, a celebration unique to African Americans which focuses on African values of family, community responsibility, commerce and self-improvement. Kwanzaa does not take the place of Christmas. It is simply a time of reaffirming the ancestors and culture of the African American people. Kwanzaa means “first fruits of the harvest.” Santa holds a basket filled with these fruits, which symbolize harvest festivals where families gather to celebrate with joys and thanksgiving. The African American Santa carries a “Kinara”, which holds seven candles in the traditional colors of black, red and green. Each candle symbolizes one of the seven guiding principals that are observed from December 26th through January 1st. These principals affirm the values of Kwanzaa and strive to unite and strengthen family bonds. Kwanzaa is a beautiful holiday that has much to teach everyone.
The actual miniature of this design is slightly different. The Santa is positioned on the left side of the sled.
Alaskans celebrate Christmas on December 25th, like the rest of America in the lower forty- eight states. In this state near the artic circle, Santa Claus visits villages by dog sled. Just like many Alaskans, his prized sled and Huskies are his trusty friends in this cold and snowy land. As Santa rides, he thinks about the famous Iditarod Sled Dog Race hosted by Alaska each year. The event begins in Anchorage and ends in Nome. Mushers cross 1,150 miles of the roughest, coldest, and most beautiful terrain Mother Nature has to offer. Just like the Iditarod competitors, Santa travels over the jagged mountain ranges, frozen rivers, desolate tundras, and miles of wind-swept coastline. He mushes not to win a race, but to deliver gifts and holiday wishes.
Although the Arctic Circle is a vast land of frozen terrain, it is not barren. Animals like the Arctic Fox, Polar Bear and Snow Owl have learned to adapt to this cruel and harsh climate. All the animals have dense fur to protect them from the sub zero temperatures, giving them a cuddly appearance. The Arctic Fox lives in dens and digs tunnels in the snow for his family. He is about the size of a cat with thick pads on his feet to protect him from the cold. The Arctic Hare pulls his ears back and huddles in the wind to keep warm. He eats plants and twigs, using his sharp front claws to dig in the ice. The Arctic Tern, sitting on Santa's shoulder, flies thousands of miles from the South Pole to nest and raise its young. The Polar Bear, the world's largest bear, has feet like snow shoes to help him move about and his thick fur and layers of fat keep him warm so that he is able to swim the frigid waters. The Snowy Owl, so named because he is pure white, lives in the Arctic all year round. His feet are covered in fur and have thick pads. His incredible vision helps him hunt for food.
Although the Arctic Circle is a vast land of frozen terrain, it is not barren. Animals like the Arctic Fox, Polar Bear and Snow Owl have learned to adapt to this cruel and harsh climate. All the animals have dense fur to protect them from the sub zero temperatures, giving them a cuddly appearance. The Arctic Fox lives in dens and digs tunnels in the snow for his family. The Arctic Hare pulls his ears back and huddles in the wind to keep warm. Sitting on Santa's shoulder, the Arctic Tern, flies thousands of miles from the South Pole to nest and raise its young. The Polar Bear, the world's largest bear, has feet like snow shoes to help him move about and his thick fur and layers of fat keep him warm so that he is able to swim the frigid waters. The Snowy Owl, so named because he is pure white.
Santa is also dressed in thick warm clothing to protect him from this harsh but beautiful region. The people of the Arctic Circle are vitally dependent on the animals for their survival and as Santa treks through the land his Arctic friends are beside him for protection and guidance.
Santa is dressed like a Gaucho and wears the traditional, brightly colored woven shawl. The Gaucho was prevalent in the 19th century more than the present day. Then gauchos made up the majority of the rural population, herding cows on the vast Estancias, and practicing hunting. They wore heavy leather chaps and their best companion is their horse. Santa has filled his leather bag, hanging from his trusty horse with a wide variety of fruits that will be used for a holiday toast. The toast will be given by ne of the elders in the family before the Christmas meal. As Santa makes his way to Buenos Aires, the scent of orange blossoms, jasmine, and honeysuckle is in the air, and lots of beautifully-colored flowers are everywhere at Christmas time, giving Santa a feast for his senses.
People go to the church on Christmas Eve and then come back to a family gathering. The older generation will dance while younger people go out to see the fireworks. This celebration is very special because the majorities of Argentina’s are Christian and celebrate Jesus' birth on the 24th of December. Houses are decorated with red and white garlands; on the door Father Christmas's Boots are placed. The Christmas tree is decorated with colored lights, ornaments and Father Christmas placed on top of it. Mothers make different kinds of meals such as roasted turkey, roasted pork, stuffed tomatoes, mince pies, Christmas's bread and puddings. For the holiday toast, a special drink is prepared with different kinds of fruit, cut into pieces, and then it is mixed with juice and cider.
In Austria, Christmas begins with the feast of St Nicholas or Heiliger Nikolaus on 6th of December, when the saint and the devil ask the children about their good and bad deeds. Good children get sweets, toys, apples and nuts. Gifts under the tree are opened only after the dinner on Christmas Eve. A traditional Austrian Christmas dinner includes baked carp.
Throughout the countryside brass musical instruments play chorale music while carol singers go from door to door carrying blazing torches and a manger. The Silent Night Chapel is in the village of Oberndorf. It marks the place where the beloved Christmas carol "Silent Night" was heard for the first time, on Christmas Eve 1818. From a small parish church, this simple Christmas carol engaged the world. Today this carol has been translated into about 300 languages and dialects around the world.
Christmas trees are put up on 24th of December and are lit only when the Christ Child comes and brings presents for the children. Tinkling bells announce his arrival and He is greeted into the special tree where Christmas tree is kept with all the decorations using ornaments and candies and candles that are just lit and the entire family sings Christmas carols.
Santa is ringing a bell, which signals the Christmas mass is about to begin. Religion of Austria is largely Roman Catholic, so bells are heard throughout the countryside, resonating from every church.
The guitar that is strapped to his back is reflective of the sound of music which is prevalent, not only during Christmastime, but throughout the year. The guitar is a simple instrument that has been taught to many Austrian youth.
The skis are for the many mountain slopes in Austria. The Alps cover seventy percent of the land of Austria, so the sport of snow skiing has always been very popular.
From the hills surrounding the Bavarian Alps comes Father Winter, carrying an intricately carved staff from the woodworking capital of Germany, Oberammergau, where wood carvers have been perfecting their craft for centuries. A wonderful tradition of Oberammergau is the production of a passion play once every 10 years with local residents reenacting the Passion of Christ in gratitude for being spared from a plague long ago. The Bavarian Father Winter is bundled up in a fur-lined coat that swirls in the harsh alpine winds. He brings with him a tree that will make its presence known only on Christmas Eve, much to the delight of eager children! Hot chocolate and crisp, buttery cookies will warm him in each home as he goes from village to village delivering his Christmas message and toys!
St Nicholas visits for the first time each year on the December 4th, so he can find out which children have been good and which children have been bad. If a child is good he returns on December 6th with the presents, candy and toys, and twigs are left for those who are bad. He carries a freshly cut tree, which is decorated and a central part of the holiday celebration in each home. Stockings are place on or near the fire-place, to be found in the morning filled with small gifts and candies. A donkey accompanies St. Nicholas this Christmas Eve, commemorating the blessed donkey that experienced the magic of the birth of the Christ Child many years ago in Bethlehem.
In many small villages of Europe, the arrival of Father Christmas is announced by the loud ringing of his bell. Sometimes the entrance to the village has a little arbor where the bell hangs. When children hear the clanging sound, they know Father Christmas is coming to their home to question them about their behavior over the past year. As Father Christmas goes to each door to question the children, they are filled with trembling and anticipation. If they were naughty, there will be consequences, but if they have been good, the sack is opened and delightful surprises burst forth. Fortunately, for most children the bell signifies good things to come from the stern but kind Bell Ringer Father Christmas.
Papai Noel or Father Noel is the gift-bringer in Brazil, and according to legend, he lives in Greenland. Due to the summer heat, when he arrives in Brazil, he usually wears silk clothing, featuring Brazilian designs. No snow in Brazil, so Santa wears sandals as he travels over sand to make his deliveries. He visits beaches and towns along the way. His basket is filled with beach balls, palm trees and fruits. The nativity is an important part of the Brazilian celebration, so Father Noel is bringing one to a deserving family. The rooster accompanies Santa, preparing himself to crow and announce that Christmas Day has arrived.
Christmas in Bulgaria is a vitally important celebration that involves all family members, old and young alike. Work is halted in the fields and everyone puts their efforts towards cleaning, cooking and preparing for Christmas Eve. It is believed that if the Christmas Eve celebrations go well, all will go well throughout the whole year. Many customs are seeped in rich traditions and charming superstitions complete with elaborate costumes and festive songs. The women of the family arise before daybreak to prepare 12 vegetarian dishes, all representing a month of the year. A holiday round bread is baked and decorated with symbols of all the living creatures in the house. Special walnuts are handed out and everyone cracks them open and reads their fortunes inside. In some regions of Bulgaria, only one gift is given on Christmas Eve and that is from the parents. Father Christmas comes on January 1st. The Bulgarian Santa symbolizes some of his country’s Christmas traditions with the goodies in his sack: a doll dressed in goat costume, goat bells and brightly wrapped packages and toys. He wishes all “Vasela Koleda”, Merry Christmas!
Just like the father of modern camping, Thomas Hiram Holding, who camped as a young boy in North America as early as 1853, Santa loves to go camping. Sometimes he hikes along the road and wonders, "what's on the other side of the hill?" Santa also likes to bicycle, allowing him to be able to stop at leisure exploring the local area. With his backpacked filled with everything a good camper needs, he discovers crystal clean lakes, streams, wonderful wildlife, sunsets…endless beauty that only God can provide.
“The ultimate camping trip is when the reindeer, elves and I spend a weekend at the North Pole Lake.” - Santa
Santa’s Candy Cane Magnifying Glass is a must for any Pipka collector. This little item brings a whole new vision of the extreme detail of Pipka’s work. Designed to be part of the miniature collection, it is also perfect for use and display near any sized Pipka Santa.
Status:
Current Size:
5 inches tall x 10 inches wide
Product Details:
Limited Edition
Collector Notes:
Issued in 2009
“My friend, Roy Swanson, alias ‘Santa’, lived in San Francisco many years ago. One Christmas he decided to cut the top off his wagon. You might ask yourself, why? Well, he wanted to load it with mega stuff and drive through all areas of San Francisco on Christmas Eve dressed as Santa, that’s why! He would go into all areas of the city from the rich as well as somewhat dangerous areas and everyone would stop what they were doing to wave at "Santa". There is nothing like Santa, who can bring a smile to the face of each person, no matter whom or where they are in life. Oh…what a magical night!” - Pipka
This is the third figurine of a five year series of Santa traveling around the world in different forms of transportation. Each “Santas Journey” figurine is limited to 950, making it a treasured piece of art. The first in this series was the “Antique Car Santa” (#10120) and the second being “Santa’s Red Truck” (#10126). A unique feature is the novelty lighted lantern on each years sculpture; this battery operated lantern is intended for temporary, novelty lighting use. It is not intended for a nightlight. Popularity of this piece may warrant additional editions. If this occurs, future editions will be marked accordingly.
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.
St. Nicholas is called Svaty Mikalas and is believed to climb to earth down from heaven on a golden rope along with his companions: an angel and a devil. St Nicholas visits, and brings good children gifts along with the angel, and for those children who are bad, the devil is said to come with switches. St. Nicholas carries a basket filled with strudl and traditional Czech pastries, which are enjoyed throughout the season. Sweets are a favorite! Vánoèka, Christmas bread, is in his bag. This bread has a few magical powers. Feeding a piece of vánoèka to the cows on Christmas Eve will ensure that there will be lots of milk all year, putting a few vánoèka crumbs in front of the bee hive will make sure that the bees will produce enough honey during the following year, and throwing a piece of vánoèka into the well will ensure good quality of the water.
Books, trains, soldiers, balls, dolls and a gingerbread house peak out from the top of Santa's magic sack full of never-ending toys. He sifts through his bag, selecting which toys to leave at each house, accompanied by his little helper, a young deer who has come out of the forest to be with Santa on his long night's journey. The little deer knows his way through the woods very well and will guide Santa to his destinations this Christmas night.
Christmas in Danish is called Jul, an old Nordic word for "feast", and it is the biggest holiday in Denmark with traditions that go back centuries. Festivities are centered around the family. Families gather around illuminated Christmas trees and sing carols and hymns. In the month of Advent, guests are invited on every Sunday to light the candles on the Advent crown. Special cup cakes are prepared and cooked over the fire in a special pan and dusted with icing sugar. People keep seeds in dishes outdoors for wild birds.
Sweets are made at home prior to the holiday, especially chocolates. Marzipan.
Nuts, nougat, dried fruit, almond, liquors like brandy, rum are typical ingredients for Marzipan. The traditional Christmas Eve dinner starts with cinnamon-laced rice pudding called Grod with an almond in it. The person, who finds the almond, gets a prize. This custom is followed by prune-stuffed roast goose, red cabbage and browned potatoes dishes with pastries and cakes as desserts.
A St. Lucia doll is in Santa’s pocket. According to the Catholic Church Lucia is the saint of light. Legend has it that Lucia, in order to keep her hands free, wore a wreath with candles on her head so that she could feed the poor Christians, which was illegal at the time. She would visit the catacombs and bring hope to the poor.
Santa also carries another doll, which represents the Nisse. Christmastime is when a mischievous elf called Nisse play pranks on people. He lives in the lofts of old farmhouses and wears gray woolen clothes, red bonnet and stockings and white clogs. Kind and helpful at heart, he generally helps people on the farms and is good with children but plays jokes on people during holiday season. On Christmas Eve, families leave a bowl of rice pudding or porridge for him so that he is friendly to them and keeps his jokes within limits.
The Pennsylvania Dutch, who were not Dutch at all, but "Deutch", or German, are credited with bringing many of their country's Christmas customs with them to America. This helped to shape the New World Christmas traditions. As early as the 1820's, Father Christmas shows up in Pennsylvania as Belsnickle, of the German "Pelz-nickle", which means "Nicholas in Furs". Belsnickle would travel the Pennsylvania countryside looking for good children to give out his small gifts of cakes, nuts and handmade toys. Father Belsnickle has a carved staff, a traditional craft of the German Pennsylvanians, and is accompanied by a little kitty that just might be tucked into some lucky little child's stocking on Christmas Eve.
Father Christmas of Ireland embodies the Irish spirit in his costume and the many cultural toys he carries in his bag. His image often mimics that of St. Patrick, the patron Saint of Ireland, who always carries a Celtic cross. Father Christmas of Ireland wears a beautiful coat embroidered with Irish braid, and his belt buckle is a replica of an antique bronze brooch. He carries books by Irish authors, toy cottages, candies, bells and other goodies in his pockets, while the elegant Great Dane, a breed famous in Ireland, stands by his side, a companion to guide him on his Christmas journey.
It’s been a cold Christmas Eve night throughout much of the world and Father Christmas is ready to find some warmth. He tracks through the snow in a quaint village in Europe and gently peaks in the door. Father Christmas discovers a spruce tree beautifully lit with white lights and shiny ornaments hung everywhere. Oh…what a sight to see! As he sneaks in and quietly delivers his goodies he spies a comfy chair next to the glowing, warm fireplace. He takes a few minutes to sit and ponder the beautiful things before him.
Father Christmas, Saint Nicholas, Pere Noel or Santa Claus are some of the more common names used to describe a white-bearded, red-cloaked man who delivers presents and cheer. He is a universal figure who appears in many cultures and countries from ancient times.
Father Christmas first appears as a jolly old man as a reaction against the Puritans’ resistance to celebrate Christmas. The 17th century English writer, Ben Johnson, gave 'Sir Christmas' his appearance but it was an American poet who provided Sir Christmas with his long fur-trimmed coat, flowing beard and the sleigh pulled by reindeers. This early 19th century American poet, Clement Clarke Moore, established the modern image of Father Christmas in his poem A Visit from St Nicholas more popularly known as The Night Before Christmas.
In some Slavic cultures, the traditional character is Father Frost, Ded Moroz, plays a role similar to that of Santa Claus. The literal translation of the name would be Grandfather Frost, although the name is often translated as Father Frost. He brings presents to children, often in person at the celebrations of the New Year and holiday season. Father Frost is commonly accompanied by Snegurochka,'Snow Maiden. This is his granddaughter.
The traditional appearance of Father Frost has a resemblance to that of Santa Claus, with his coat, boots and long white beard. He wears a heel-long fur coat and high boots. He walks with a long magical staff, because he walks from town to town.
The German Santa is bringing a freshly cut tree to a well deserved home. Some homes in Germany have several Christmas trees, and in all towns across Germany, they can be seen glittering and glowing. Lebkuchen, or Pfefferkuchen, is a traditional German product baked for Christmas which hangs from santa’s belt. This sweet treat resembles soft gingerbread. Similar cookies have a history that extends back to the Egyptians, but the style of the traditional Lebkuchen is believed to have been invented by Medieval monks in Franconia, Germany in the 13th century. Santa is relying on his hand carved walking stick. His favorite wood carver in Oberammergau makes Santa a new walking stick each year. Oberammergau is nestled at the foothills of the Alps, one of the most picturesque towns in Bavaria.
Comes with a small Celtic Cross that can be hung on a wall.
Long time ago, a young woman named Mary and her husband, Joseph, had to travel from their little village to a town called Bethlehem to be counted in a census. Mary, pregnant, rode a donkey led by Joseph as they made the long journey to the city. When they arrived it was late and getting dark. Joseph knocked on door after door trying to find a place for them to stay, yet there were no rooms available. He saw a light at a small inn at the end of a narrow street and decided to ask there. The innkeeper, like all the others, informed there was no room available. The innkeeper's wife, noticed the young Mary, pregnant with child, and compassion filled her heart. She suggested they stay in the manger. There she provided Mary and Joseph with water, blankets and lanterns. The light filled the manger with a warm glow and Mary awaited the birth of her child. Late during the night, when the city was asleep, a baby's cry was heard from the manger in back of the inn. Mary gave birth to her son, Jesus, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes and placed him in the little wooden crib. Joseph and Mary spent the next hours gazing in loving wonder at the beautiful child, asleep in his cradle. The donkey, sensing something special was taking place, came closer and gazed down at the sleeping baby. In the deep night sky, a bright star hovered, casting its rays like a protective mantel over the manger. Nearby in the fields, shepherds were sung awake by a chorus of angels...and the heavens rejoiced.
Pat & Joe Doyle of Clayton, IN gave us this very unique idea for a new Santa and Pipka was thrilled to design it!
"We know that Honey Bees are an important insect in all of our lives. Bee keepers are fighting to save the honey bee, so they will continue to provide all of us with honey, along with pollination of fruits, vegetables and flowers. Santa Claus could wear an old fashion outfit, like bee keepers worn in the olden days, now the outfits are pure white. Santa is not alone in his bee keeping duties; the friendly little bear cub has come along to do some taste testing. Honeybees are not native to the United States. They are European in origin, and were brought to North America by the early settlers. Honeybees are not aggressive by nature, and will not sting unless protecting their hive from an intruder or are provoked. They represent a highly organized unit, with various bees having very distinct roles during their lifetime. The queen bee can live for several years, unlike the worker bees; they live for only six weeks during the busy summer and four to eight months during the winter. The honeybee hive is perennial. Although quite inactive during the winter, the honeybee survives the winter months by clustering for warmth.
Father Christmas is somewhat a recent phenomenon in Christmas traditions. In many European countries, at the turn of the 20th century, Christmas was a very religious holiday and the small gifts that were given were brought by the Christ Child Himself. He was often accompanied by and angel to guide Him. With the appearance of Father Christmas and the advent of postcards, many artists combined the religious images with the Father Christmas, or Santa Claus, image by having Santa travel with one or more angels. Which makes sense, really, as whom better to guide Santa than a guardian angel? The Into the Woods Santa has that dear angel by his side as he enters the dark and mysterious woods. He holds a lantern to shed light on their way, a symbol of the Light of Christ, so surely they will not miss a single home where the sleeping children await their arrival. A little feather on the stairs may be found by the little children as they make their way down to the Christmas tree and all the treasure beneath it.
This spunky, twinkling handsome man is the Irish Santa! As a very generous soul, he spreads special Christmas joy through the land of lush vegetation, known as the "Emerald Isle". His purse is filled with tradionally wrapped gifts and never seems to empty itself out no matter how many presents he delivers. A book of Irish poems and proverbs is tucked under his arm and a bone and burl pipe swirls its inviting aroma around him, alerting people of his arrival. A warm but cozy tweed coat and hat keep him warm as does the long knit scarf which wraps around his neck. Once is considered especially lucky to have encountered the Irish Santa.
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
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 Dhuit”, 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. This jolly Irish man, with a twinkle in his eyes, will make sure that everyone has a “Nollaig Sona Dhuit.”
Twirling, jumping and sliding on the ice, the Joy of Skating Santa is having a great time! Oh, what a beautiful day to be out in the crisp winter air and taking time to enjoy the leisure sport of skating on a nearby pond. Santa in his warm coat and mittens is having a good time, yet he is also ready to deliver a holiday tree and gifts to a family.
Norway, one of the oldest countries in Europe, is populated by a hard working people, decedents of Vikings who once ruled much of northern Europe. Situated close to the Arctic and surrounded by the Baltic and Norwegian Sea, Norway, is a self-sufficient country steeped in cultural values and folksy traditions while at the same time it greets the 21st century with open arms. Harsh and long frigid winters have allowed many mountainous villages to remain comparatively isolated, thereby insuring the continuance of centuries old crafts, customs and beliefs. One of these beliefs is in the Nisse, a mischievous little elf who, through his deeds, keeps everyone on his toes, especially at Christmas time. A bowl of porridge is left out for the Nisse to appease him and deter him from his usual pranks. Like every Christmas, the Julenissen of Norway travels the snow covered hills and mountains to deliver the Norwegian Pine Christmas tree and gifts to children all over Norway. Santa wears a beautiful warm fur lined coat embroidered in the colorful Norwegian style. His belt buckle, handcrafted of silver, cinches his knitted tunic while fur lined elk skin boots keep his feet warm. God Jul!
Norway, one of the oldest countries in Europe, is populated by a hard working people, decedents of Vikings who once ruled much of northern Europe. Situated close to the Arctic and surrounded by the Baltic and Norwegian Sea, Norway, is a self-sufficient country steeped in cultural values and folksy traditions while at the same time it greets the 21st century with open arms. Harsh and long frigid winters have allowed many mountainous villages to remain comparatively isolated, thereby insuring the continuance of centuries old crafts, customs and beliefs. One of these beliefs is in the Nisse, a mischievous little elf who, through his deeds, keeps everyone on his toes, especially at Christmas time. A bowl of porridge is left out for the Nisse to appease him and deter him from his usual pranks. Like every Christmas, the Julenissen of Norway travels the snow covered hills and mountains to deliver the Norwegian Pine Christmas tree and gifts to children all over Norway. Santa wears a beautiful warm fur lined coat embroidered in the colorful Norwegian style. His belt buckle, handcrafted of silver, cinches his knitted tunic while fur lined elk skin boots keep his feet warm. God Jul!
Santa loves to fish and when he can he spends some leisure time in the summer at some of his favorite lakes throughout the United States. Being known for 10,000 lakes, Santa often visits Minnesota and catches his favorite fish, the Walleye. Santa likes to drift fish for the walleye, which allows him to fish over a variety of habitats as his boat drifts with the currents or the wind. Though you can drift fish on ponds, rivers and streams, Santa always prefers a lake. Sometimes, Santa doesn't care if he catches anything as long as he gets to relax in the beautiful outdoors.
Santa is dressed in red, typical of almost every Christmas celebration throughout the world. He is carry a bag filled with toys and brightly wrapped gifts. He is on his way to a nearby village and will stop by a larger landowner’s home to find it filled with neighbors and family members. There, everyone is singing Christmas carols and otheir favorite Christmas hymns. He carries a freshly cut Christmas tree. Christmas trees appear in Lithuania during this time of year making the homes smell of sweet pine. The tree is adorned with handmade straw (hay) ornaments, which are very traditional. These oraments are used to decorate Christmas trees or be used as a adornment for other parts of the house.
To prepare for Christmas Eve in Lithuania, the home is cleaned thoroughly and clean clothes are worn for the special evening meal. During this preparation, food for the next two days is also prepared. Clean hay is distributed upon the dinner tabletop, then a clean tablecloth is placed upon the hay. This signifies Christ’s bed of hay. A plate with a candle marks the place setting of a family member recently deceased, or a glass of beer or kvas may be put in this place. Kucios are the special meatless dishes prepared. Twelve dishes represent the Twleve Apostles; which include dried or cooked fish, pickled vegetables, and grains.
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.
Santa travels faster then the speed of light in his sleigh being pulled by reindeer every Christmas Eve making wishes come true around the world. So, it is to no one’s surprise that Santa loves the sport of race car driving. In the cool fall weather before Santa is busy with details for his midnight flight, he enjoys drag racing on the back roads across America. The “need for speed” in America first started with the Native Americans racing horses and continues today with the popularity of automobile racing.
This is the fourth figurine of a five year series of Santa traveling around the world in different forms of transportation. Each “Santas Journey” figurine is limited to 950, making it a treasured piece of art. The first in this series was the “Antique Car Santa” (#10120), the second being “Santa’s Red Truck” (#10126) and the third being “Christmas Eve Drive” (#10142). A unique feature is the novelty lighted lantern on each years sculpture; this battery operated lantern is intended for temporary, novelty lighting use. It is not intended for a nightlight. Popularity of this piece may warrant additional editions. If this occurs, future editions will be marked accordingly.
The Norwegian Santa is being lead through the dark, winter night by his lantern, which symbolizes the Light of Christ. The use of candles and luminaries are popular during the holiday. Santa Claus in Norway is called “Julenissen” and looks very much like the Santas found elsewhere in the world. However, there exists another character whose name ends with “nisse” in the Norwegian folklore, a peculiar figure named the “Fjøsnisse”. For a long time, when most Norwegians were farmers, this “Nisse” was believed to be a secret helper in the barn. If the farm family was kind to him and left him a bowl of porridge every Christmas eve, he would be nice to them and be very helpful during the next year. If they didn’t, they could expect accidents, sick animals and mysterious noises. Santa is wearing snow shoes as he treks across the soft, fluffy snow covered parts of Norway. Snowshoes allowed him to move around easier while he searched for homes with good boys and girls sleeping and dreaming.
Collecting nutcrackers has become a passion for many families so it’s not surprising to see The Nutcracker Santa adding a few very special nutcrackers to the mantle. The traditional nutcracker figures of the soldier and king keep company with the more unusual snowman nutcracker. But none will be more special than the one Santa is placing on the mantle, the Santa Nutcracker, for what would Christmas be without a little bit of Santa here and there and everywhere.
Pere Noel knows that Christmas in Paris may not be snowy white, but he is filled with holiday cheer as he walks the streets of Paris in December. The City of Lights lives up to its name in a wonderful way, as the trees that line the Champs-Elysées are among the many trees in Paris that get covered with strings of lights, and the Eiffel Tower often becomes the focal point of the nighttime skyline with its shimmering lights.
A Paris tradition is ice skating. Rinks are set up around the city. Though Santa does not have time to skate, he does quietly stop by and attends one of the many church services throughout Paris, where he observes one of the many nativity scenes erected in the churches. As Pere Noel makes his way throughout the city, he discovers the many Christmas Markets filled with everything the sparkles, food and just about everything you need for the holidays! Christmas in Paris, as well as the rest of France, is centered around family. Paris at Christmastime is magical – there’s a sense of quiet that you may not find in Paris at any other time of year.
Joyeux Noel
Baseball is a hobby that Santa loves to play, especially when he gives his elves a break from making toys. They all head to the baseball diamond, located east of the reindeer barn. Santa likes to cover second base and is known for hitting a home run or two at every game.
During Santa’s midnight flight he delivers many baseball gloves, balls and bats to good little boys and girls, not only throughout the United States, but also South America, Caribbean, and parts of Asia.
“The other sports are just sports.
Baseball is a love.”
~Bryant Gumbel, 1981
Besides Santa’s beloved reindeer, Santa loves puppies. His workshop and barn at the North Pole fills with the anxious puppies prior to Santa’s Christmas Eve flight. Each puppy will have a new home somewhere around the world, making the wishes of good boys and girls come true.
Santa can’t help himself; he must take time to play with his little friends before he moves onto the next house. He even leaves them with bones and chew toys. These three mischievous puppies will quite down once Santa is gone and will wait patiently for Christmas morning. Merry Christmas!
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.
A child of Russia knows Father Christmas to be Dedushka Moroz or Grandfather Christmas. Since Russian is known for its very cold temperatures and abundance of snow, this Farther Christmas figure is dressed in white. Santa is holding a bundle of hay, representing the farmers who spread hay on the floors and tables to encourage horses to feed to grow in the coming year. Some rural Russians also make clucking noises to encourage their hens to lay eggs. He also carries a bear which represents the world renowned Russian circus that have been a treat for young and old alike throughout the world. Since the reign of Catherine the Great, the circus has played an important role in the rich cultural traditions of Russia. In Russia, the circus is regarded as an art form on par with the ballet or opera, a showcase for highly skilled and creative artists.
In Russia the religious festival of Christmas is being replaced by the Festival of Winter yet there are many traditions that are still kept. The official Christmas and holiday season in Russia lasts from 31st of December to the 10th of January. The Russian Christmas greeting is 'S Rozhdestvom!'. Some people fast on Christmas Eve, until the first star has appeared in the sky. People then eat 'sochivo', a dish made from wheat or rice with honey and fruit. Other special Christmas food includes cakes, pies and 'meat dumplings'. Later. hymns and carols are sung. People gather in churches which have been decorated with the usual Christmas trees or Yelka, flowers and colored lights.
