Byers' Choice Caroler, Christkind (3581)

In Germany, it is not Santa Claus or the Weihnachtsmann, who traditionally delivers gifts on Christmas Eve. Instead, the Christkind, an angel-like creature veiled in white with golden hair, brings gifts to families on the eve of Christmas. She arrives secretly through an open window and rings a bell to announce that the presents have been placed under the Christmas tree. Christkind, the German name for the Christ Child, originally referred directly to the Holy Infant Jesus, who was said to bring gifts to children on Christmas Eve. Later the name came to stand for the embodiment of the Child’s spirit, in angelic form, who brought the gifts in His place. "No two Carolers are ever the same. Byers' Choice artisans create a unique character and personality in each figure by using a variety of techniques and materials. Each crafter leaves a little bit of herself in every figure she touches. As many as ten people will work on one Caroler. Consequently, it is almost impossible to find two Carolers that are exactly alike." -- Joyce Byer