Look ma, no electricity!

German holiday pyramids were invented in the early 1800s, long before the invention of electricity. Instead, these clever decorations rely on the candles heating up the air above, which then pushes up against the blades of the wheel above. And voila: a spinning, eye-catching display of traditional Christmas scenes, hand-carved by artisans in Germany. (We recommend really doing it up by throwing in their pals, the smoker and nutcracker.)

Since 1899, the Müller Company in Seiffen, Germany has been producing hand-crafted wooden collectibles, whose whimsical designs are recognized the world over. Once the holiday season rolls around, their figurines and candle holders appear on many a tabletop and mantel.