The Lucky Chimney Sweep

Look closely at this green house's snowy rooftop and you'll spot a traditional chimney sweep making his way across the tiles, soot-blackened tools in hand. Far from a random detail, the chimney sweep is one of the most cherished good-luck symbols across German-speaking Europe, where spotting one (or even just an image of one) around the New Year is said to bring a full year of good fortune. Historically, sweeps really did play a protective role for a household, keeping chimneys clear of soot buildup that could otherwise cause devastating house fires, which is likely how they earned their reputation as bringers of safety and luck.

Below him, a garland-draped red door and a child playing in the snow with a loyal dog round out this cozy scene, giving the little house the warm, lived-in charm of home ready for the holidays. This miniature advent house brings a bit of that old European luck right to your doorstep, with numbered doors ready to be opened throughout December.

• Format: die-cut miniature advent calendar card shaped as a house, with numbered doors
• Dimensions: 8.5 x 6 cm / 3.3 x 2.3 inches
• Design: green house with a chimney sweep on the snowy rooftop, a child and dog by the door, artwork by Barbara Behr
• Accents: foil detailing, supplied with a gold envelope
• Weight: approximately 5 g / 0.18 oz