country decor

It's time to start counting the days until Christmas, even more so with Rajesh Gehlot's newest creation. Crafted in India, this adorable advent calendar is made in the shape of a friendly snowman, whose wool felt structure counts the days while hiding a secret compartment for placing treats or candies.

Over the centuries, the countries of Central America have been adapting and modifying Catholic imagery in their own ways. The old Spanish Baroque influence is seen in this cedar wood folk sculpture of the archangel Gabriel by Huergo and Menchaca of Nicaragua. But the decorative style and facial expression show indigenous and even Caribbean influence as well.

Gabriel, the heavenly messenger represents a pure spirit created by God. He is first mentioned in the book of Daniel. He appeared to Zachariah to announce the birth of John the Baptist and later to Mary, to tell her she would be the mother of Jesus. The patron saint of communications workers, Gabriel's feast day is September 29.

This set of four smiling sheep will bring childlike whimsy to your Christmas Tree. India's Rajesh Gehlot presents this set of four wool felt holiday ornaments, stuffed with polyfill for dimensionality.

Molded and painted by hand, these three petite figurines from Jose Arriola in Guatemala form a charming nativity scene. "I am a person with fervent faith," says the artisan. "Making these nativities fills me with great joy, and I am inspired by the typical costumes of my country, so that whoever has them in their home can see how beautiful they are."

From Peru comes this set of three dried mate gourd ornaments handmade by Daniel Vargas. On each of the ornaments, three different finely decorated birds are perched among tree branches. The ornaments are made from dried mate,/i>, a type of gourd which grows in the northern part of the country. The artisan chisels the design by hand and also uses pyrography to create the beautiful earth tones.