Imagine stepping outside and being greeted by a friendly holiday helper carrying buckets of poinsettias.

With its mittened hands and jaunty Santa hat, this character feels straight out of a Christmas storybook.

The rustic wood base gives it the look of a forest guardian who wandered into your yard to lend a hand in decorating.

Materials Needed

• 1 sturdy wood or resin base (approx. 24–30” wide for stability)
• 1 main post or log (3-4 ft tall)
• 2 side arms made of wood or PVC (12-18” each)
• 2 small wooden buckets (8-10” wide)
• Artificial or real poinsettias (enough to fill both buckets)
• Pair of white gloves or holiday mittens
• 1 small Santa hat
• Wood screws or strong adhesive
• Paints (brown, yellow, and accents)
• Drill and paintbrushes

Step-by-step Guide

Step 1: Secure your main post or log to the base. This will be the body of your character, so make sure it stands upright and stable.

Step 2: Drill holes or attach brackets to fix the side arms. Then angle them slightly upward so the buckets can hang without tipping.

Step 3: Paint the post and base to resemble a whimsical character.

You can use brown shades for the body and add golden tones or playful detailing at the bottom for a lively look.

Step 4: Slide gloves or mittens onto each arm to give the appearance of hands. Position them so they naturally grip the handles of the buckets.

Step 5: Fill the buckets with poinsettias including red for a classic Christmas feel, or mix in white for extra elegance.

Next, attach them securely to the arms so they don’t slip in the wind.

Step 6: Place a Santa hat on top of the post for the finishing touch. Then adjust it at a jaunty angle to add personality.

Step 7: Step back and check balance and details.

If needed, add extra touches like a scarf or small ornaments to enhance the festive look.