Each figural glass ornament produced for The Merck Family's Old World Christmas is hand crafted in age-old tradition using the same techniques that originated in the 1800's. Molten glass is mouth-blown into finely carved molds available only to the Merck Family's Old World Christmas, before a hot solution of liquid silver is poured inside. The ornaments are then hand-painted and glittered in a series of labor-intensive steps to achieve the beautiful creations.

Their elaborate wooden nutcrackers are created by master craftspeople in a time-honored tradition. Artisans select the finest clear-grained hardwoods and then carve, sand, paint, and finish the figures. The charming details that have made these characters popular for so many generations are preserved in the entire collection.