The Woodsman

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The Woodsman’s Winter Rhyme

Through the hush of the pines where the cold winds blow,

Walks a woodsman in velvet the shade of snow-lit moss below.

With a fox on his shoulder and frost on his sleeve,

He carries the gifts that the forest spirits weave.

A tree in his hand, still whispering night,

Its branches dusted soft with the season’s first white—

He brings it to children who wait by the fire,

With hearts full of wonder and eyes of desire.

In his basket ride treasures of humble delight—

A stork with red beak, a small dog of light,

A cottage of dreams tied up with green holly,

And bells that ring softly with echoes of folly.

His boots leave a trail in the deep winter floor,

Marks in the snow that fade nevermore.

For each year they follow his wandering way,

Through the old forest paths where the evergreen sway.

Oh traveler of winter, with beard full of frost,

You carry the magic that never is lost.

A giver, a guardian, of stories long spun—

Bless the towns that you visit, one by one.

So hush now, dear children, when the north branches bend—

For the Green-Coat Woodsman is rounding the bend.

With his lantern of kindness and spirit so true,

Bringing Christmas through forests…

just to reach you.

The Winter Journey of the Green-Coat Woodsman

A Folk Santa Figure by Stephanie Koppmann

In the far reaches of an old European forest—where the pines grow tall as cathedral spires and snow settles softly into their boughs—there lived a gentle woodsman known in the villages only as Der Grünmantel, the Green-Coat Santa. Few knew his true name. Fewer still knew where he came from. But every winter, just as the first frost silvered the moss and the rivers hardened into glass, the villagers would see the soft glow of his lantern weaving through the trees.

This figure, lovingly recreated by artist Stephanie Koppmann, captures the woodsman at the very moment of one such journey.

Wrapped in deep green velvet, the color of evergreen shadows, he wears the fur of forest creatures—a respectful tribute to the land that sheltered him. His long, wind-blushed face, framed by a billow of ivory curls, carries the steady, patient expression of a man who has walked many winters and remembers every path.

In his hand he carries a snow-kissed tree, freshly cut from the frozen hillside, to bring warmth and evergreen hope to the next town. Over his shoulder hang hand-tied gifts and parcels wrapped in holly-printed paper, each containing a small delight—carved animals, sweet gingerbread, dolls, whistles, and treasures gathered over the year.

At his side, nestled in a tall market basket, ride a charming assortment of woodland toys:

• a wool stork with a bright red beak,

• a loyal little dog peeking out from greens,

• a carved house for a child who dreams of adventure,

• and other curious trinkets collected from forest and hearth.

Each piece is placed with intention, just as folk Santas of the 19th century carried simple, meaningful gifts made by hand.

Slung across his coat is a sleek fox pelt, and by his boot swings a tiny brass bell that chimes softly as he walks—a sound villagers once swore they heard just before he appeared in their snowy lanes.

His boots, heavy and white with sculpted frost, root him firmly in the world of old-country winters. Behind him, parcels sway like little promises, tied securely for the long walk through the woods.

Children in nearby villages knew the tale well:

When the evergreen forests grew quiet and the wind whispered through the bare branches, the Green-Coat Woodsman would appear—bringing not only toys, but comfort, warmth, and the assurance that light always returns with the coming of Christmas.

Through this figure, Stephanie Koppmann breathes life into that old legend once more. Her Santa is not merely a holiday decoration; he is a story, a guardian of winter folklore, a symbol of generosity carried on foot through the deep woods.

standing 57” tall made with exquisite fabrics  all original design  Artist designed and created 

A reminder that even the smallest village—tucked between frozen hills—deserves a little magic.