Mariachi with Maracas Christmas Wooden Nutcracker 12 in by Wizardi F07AM9-73-70711

Add a fiesta to the season with the Mariachi, a wooden Christmas nutcracker by Wizardi — a lively musician in a painted sombrero with a red, yellow and green zigzag band, a shaggy black beard and hair, a red jacket and a striped serape over one shoulder. He shakes a colourful maraca in each hand, with black trousers and boots on a red base.

A little collector's folklore: in Mexico, Christmas is celebrated with nine nights of Las Posadas, when neighbours walk from house to house singing, and music follows the procession all the way to the feast. Collectors say a musician on the mantel keeps the party going until the last tamale is gone.

Why this nutcracker: if you want a nutcracker with real personality, or a gift that celebrates Mexican heritage and music, he is a happy change from soldiers and kings. His bright colours work on a festive mantel or kitchen shelf all season, and at about 12 inches he fits almost anywhere.

In the box: one Mariachi nutcracker in painted wood with a faux-fur beard and hair, packed in a red gift box with a window. A decorative nutcracker, not intended for cracking nuts. Ready to display, no assembly needed.

Stand him on a kitchen shelf, bar or mantel with papel picado, poinsettias and colourful ornaments, or line him up with other musician nutcrackers. Dust with a soft, dry brush and keep away from moisture and heat. A decoration, not a toy.

Size: 30 cm tall (11.8 in). Colourful Christmas shelf and mantel decor, and a fun gift for musicians, mariachi fans and nutcracker collectors.