Santa's Workshop

Wooden toy soldiers line the mantel above red stockings, a little sleigh overflows with wrapped gifts, and long workbenches are covered in rocking horses, toy trains, drums and spinning tops. Snow falls past frosted windows under green northern lights, and garland and string lights drape the beams overhead.

A small jazz trio plays throughout: warm acoustic piano with playful, syncopated melodies, plucked upright bass and soft brushed drums, with a relaxed swing and a few delicate bell accents for Christmas sparkle. It sits gently alongside the crackle of the fire, easy company for wrapping gifts, baking or reading.

Santa's Workshop is the night before the big delivery, with the last toys painted, the wood shavings swept into curls and the fire banked high. Put it on while you decorate the tree, wrap presents or settle in with cocoa on a December evening.