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Are you ready to go Gnome for Christmas? You know we’re always ready, which is why we’re excited to share a behind-the-scenes chat with Keepsake Artist Gregor Benedetti.

Gregor Benedetti

When it comes to the continuing adventures of Gnaughty and Gnice, Gregor says, “It’s always about the fun storytelling with these two. They continuously love celebrating all the Christmas traditions together—usually with a twist.”

Gnome for Christmas
4th in the series.

You’ve probably noticed those celebrations include festive apparel for Gregor’s petite pals, including special touches like the snowflakes on their overalls and suspenders. “When I started this series,” Gregor reveals, “I wanted to give them special seasonal icon accessories on their adorable little outfits. When the gnomes go trick-or-treating next year, those icons will be different.” (Wait, did he just treat us with a little 2025 surprise?!)

Since he brought up 2025, we wondered how far ahead Gregor’s been working on Gnome for Christmas adventures. He explains, “For Gnaughty and Gnice, I tend to only plan a year ahead, unlike the sweet gnome sister companions. I designed Peppermint, the fourth sister, back in 2022, and she’s finally coming out next year in 2025. She’s just the cutest ever!” (And so was that sneaky reveal.)

Sticking with our 2025 theme, Gregor says, “Next year, the gnomes will be celebrating one of the most classic, time-honored Christmas traditions. Gnaughty’s extra happy about it since it involves food. And I’ll also be debuting a cute little critter sidekick.”

But Gregor’s not stopping there, because 2025 is a special year for Gnaughty and Gnice. “2025 marks the 5th anniversary of Gnome for Christmas, and I may have designed an additional papercraft ornament commemorating this milestone…just saying.”

Even with so many fun things to look forward to in 2025, we’re not losing sight of the fun this dynamic little duo is having in 2024. The 4th ornament in Gregor’s series will be available at Ornament Debut in October, and now is the perfect time to mark your Wish List so you don’t miss it.

And don’t forget to pick up the sister ornament, Ginger’s Favorite Gift, also available at Ornament Debut. She’s a limited quantity, so use your Early Shopping Pass to pick her up in store a day before everyone else shops the event.

Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments. “Behind the scenes with Gregor Benedetti about his Gnome for Christmas! Coming at Ornament Debut in October.” Keepsake Ornament Club Facebook Page, June 5, 2024. https://www.facebook.com/groups/KOCMembers/posts/3664341110472553/

Sheyda Abvabi Best brings you the 3rd in her Young Santa series this year, and with a few years under his belt, it’s the perfect time to get to know the jolly young elf a bit better.

Sheyda Abvabi Best

For instance, did you know the pup Young Santa hangs out with is not his dog? Sheyda reveals, “Young Santa loves to spend time with Cinnamon, who is actually his neighbor’s puppy. He often dog-sits and takes her on walks to help his neighbor out.”

Young Santa
3rd in the series.

It sounds like Santa was on the nice list from a young age, so we asked Sheyda to share a little more about his personality. “Young Santa is a very sweet, curious little boy. He’s the sort of kid who will take apart a toy just to figure out how it works, and then he’ll put it back together again. He’s particularly fond of his mom’s sugar cookies, which he likes to give out to his neighbors. The only things he doesn’t care for are bell peppers and when others don’t play nice.”

Well, bell peppers aren’t for everyone, right? But having solved the mystery of how Santa’s lifelong love of cookies began, we wondered how Sheyda came up with this year’s ornament design. She explains, “I pictured Young Santa having just finished wrapping presents, while Cinnamon has been keeping him company. She hid in this present so she could pop out and give him a little surprise.”

So, what surprises might Young Santa be in for in the future? Sheyda says, “I start ideating for the next ornament in this series two years before it will show up on store shelves. I like to think about what ‘firsts’ Young Santa can experience, like the first time he puts on his famous red coat or the first time he goes sledding.

“And next year, you’ll see another first, when Young Santa will be making a new critter friend! I’m very excited about this one, so stay tuned, Young Santa is just getting started!”

Young Santa’s story is fun for kids of all ages, and you can pick up the third ornament in the series at Ornament Premiere in July.

Hallmark Keepsake Ornaments. “Behind the scenes with Sheyda Abvabi Best about her Young Santa #3 ornament! Coming at Ornament Premiere in July.” Keepsake Ornament Club Facebook Page, May 1, 2024. https://www.facebook.com/groups/KOCMembers/posts/3639754192931245