Musical Box

In Rovaniemi, a Finnish town at the very edge of the Arctic Circle, it’s always Christmas. For Santa Claus is headquartered here, surrounded by an industrious army of elves and a very busy post office. After saying hello to the venerable old gent (you can meet him at Santa Claus Village every single day of the year), I was nosing around the thoughtfully located bunch of souvenir shops, when I came upon this matchbox-sized object. Yes, it’s a music box, but minus the usual silly frills (like a box). I’d call it industrial chic. When the strategically placed bumps on the metal cylinder are struck by the steel comb, the box belts out a haunting rendition of Stille Nacht (it’s German). I’ve been ringing in the festive season ever since, much to the disgust of envious colleagues.