Belsnickle Santa & Sleigh

If you visited Germany during the winter holidays of the 16th century, you might have encountered a fearsome old gift bearer named Belsnickle. He had a long white beard, a soot-darkened face and brandished rods and switches in a pack on his back. It was his duty not only to reward good children, but also to punish the bad ones who had been naughty that year. Time has softened this character of ages past, and today we think of his as a jolly old elf, Santa Claus. In this figure, Belsnickle Claus has his hand-made sleigh packed with gifts and goodies, and the reindeer are getting restless for rooftops. A great vintage decoration. Set of 5 pieces, made from resin, wood and fabric; 24" length.