Creating my Santas Around the World collection gives me the chance to do something I truly enjoy—learn something new! The research behind each piece is as rewarding as the sculpting itself. Exploring national traditions, folklore, and cultural symbols has become a real labor of love over the years. For example, I learned to spell “Merry Christmas” in Gaelic for my Irish Santa, incorporated Fraktur patterns for my German Santa, and discovered the origins of the Red Dragon on my Welsh Santa, which dates back to Arthurian legend. Each Santa becomes a history lesson wrapped in art.

This year I’m excited about my new Indian Santa, and he has a lot of meaningful detail. The Taj Mahal appears on his robe—a symbol instantly recognizable around the world. Interestingly, a black marble “twin” of the monument was once planned across the river, though it was never built. In his hands, he holds a lotus, representing purity and rebirth, and a teapot, symbolizing hospitality and connection. His headwear is a traditional pagri, or turban, which stands for honor and respect. Perhaps most striking is the Ashoka Chakra displayed on his robe front. This wheel, with its 24 spokes, is found at the heart of the Indian flag. It represents the eternal cycle of dharma, righteousness, progress, and movement—values that resonate far beyond any single culture.

That’s just a taste of what I discovered while creating this design, and part of why I love this work so much. Every Santa tells a story, and this one carries centuries of meaning. I’m already diving into next year’s project: a Hungarian Santa. I can’t wait to share what I find next!

God Bless,