A little incense figure from the Erzgebirge, Germany

What a lovely Christmas present we received today, a little 'smoke man' (Räuchermännchen) from the Erzgebirge (Iron Mountains), Germany, where wood carving is an important source of income. My cousin and his family live in Chemnitz and when they asked what we would like to have for Christmas, I immediately expressed how I would love to have a little smoke man again. These figures are a traditional Christmas item in the region and this one is decorated in the local costume of a iron ore miner. I have not had one since I was a child. The figures are hollow and are sold with small incense cones. I just lit one and our house smells wonderful, just like Christmas is supposed to. The smoke escapes through the hollow mouth.