German traditional Gifts - handmade wooden art from the Erzgebirge in Germany

Product Information - German Christmas Nutcracker Old Santa

This Nutcracker is made by the legendary Steinbach company. For generations Steinbach has brought joy and pleasure to collectors from around the world. The Steinbach Nutcrackers are undoubtedly the most famous ones in the world. Steinbach means highest level of quality and brilliancy in design. Some of the limited editions by Steinbach have increased considerably in value through the years. This Nutcrackers belongs to the BIG series. Please consider that Steinbach products are very popular collectible items that are not stored in warehouses in mass quantities. On some occasions the item will be specially made for you. The regular period before we will be able to ship this product is 1-3 weeks (+ time from us to your home). Depending on the production process at Steinbach this period could be up to 6 weeks. With limited editions it could be possible that the produced number of pieces has reached the limit before we are notified and we are not able to deliver. In this case you will be informed as soon as possible. The size stated is the approximate size of the item. Minor differences are possible.


Nutcracker description by Mr. Steinbach:
Nowhere in the world is the feast of Christmas celebrated so thoroughly as in Germany. The reasons for this can be simply traced back to the ancient Germanic peoples as well as to the ancient Romans. As with other religions, the sun and moon played a determining role in the timing of this celebration. People in our country had already developed certain Christmas customs and traditions as far back as the Middle Ages, which is why the Christmas season is so rich in folkloric traditions here, as it is throughout Europe. During the period of Advent for example, the shoes and socks of children are filled by Santa's helpers with little gifts. Live angels and little gnomes are busily at work and appear in person at family gatherings, as does Santa or """"Knecht Ruprecht"""", as he is called in different areas here. Everyone has fun with this jolly fellow, even if he is only dear old dad. Santa usually appears in a folkloric outfit in Europe, but in widely diverse types of costumes. Here in our region, he carries a large sack full of nuts and sweets, but also has a chain and a switch. This is Knecht Ruprecht of course. In a favorite old German poem he announces his arrival by saying: """"From snow-covered woodlands I come to you here, to bring you glad tidings and good Christmas cheer..."""" That's the way we know him in Germany. In America of course, Santa comes zooming through the skies in a sled pulled by reindeer, and leading the pack of course is Rudolf, the Reindeer with the famous red nose. Christmas has now become a gigantic festival of gift giving and has been expanded into a lengthy """"Holiday Season"""", which already begins many weeks before Christmas. St. Nicholas appears everywhere in the traditional garb of his particular country. Though his appearance is many and varied, his greeting is universal: """"Merry Christmas!""""