BEHIND THE SCENE: The Christmas Flower - A Story of Tradition in 767 Pieces

When designer Farrin Lyn first imagined a holiday set, she didn't just want to make something beautiful - she wanted to capture a feeling. "Christmas isn't just a season - it's a story," she says. "And the poinsettia is part of that story."

Deep in the heart of Mexico, a Christmas legend has been passed down through generations—the story of the Flor de Nochebuena, or "Christmas Eve Flower." It begins with a child’s humble gift: a handful of weeds offered in love, transformed by miracle into vibrant red blooms. This is the origin of the poinsettia—a flower that would later cross oceans, carried by diplomat Joel Poinsett, and find its way into homes worldwide as a symbol of warmth, joy, and togetherness.

But its roots go even deeper. Long before it became a Christmas emblem, the Aztec people knew this plant as cuetlaxóchitl—"the flower that grows in residues of soil." They used it in sacred rituals, crafted dyes from its vivid bracts, and honored it as part of their cultural heritage.

It's this spirit of humble beauty that inspired the CHRISTMAS FLOWER (NF10347), a 767-piece model that brings together tradition, nature, and the art of building.

From Wooden Stump to Winter Bloom

Farrin wanted to move beyond traditional vases. "I came across real floral arrangements using wooden stumps and loved the rustic feel," she recalls. "It felt earthy, timeless - like something you'd find in a cottage at Christmastime."

To create the textured log base, she combined rounded plates with Technic elements, forming an octagonal column. Using wedges and slopes in varying shades of brown, she recreated the rough, organic surface of real wood. "We even added hints of orange-brown to mimic aged bark," Farrin notes. "It's those small color shifts that bring warmth to the build."

A Bouquet Full of Meaning

At the heart of the arrangement are the poinsettias - deep red, layered, and rich with symbolism. Farrin paid close attention to their structure: larger petals below, smaller ones above, surrounded by dark green leaves for fullness and depth.

But she didn't stop there. To complement the poinsettias, she introduced roses in the same deep red, bright holly berries, and soft white cotton balls - each element carefully chosen to evoke the coziness of the season.

One of her favorite details? The holly leaves made with part 2518. "They break up the symmetry just enough - like a real wild-picked arrangement."

The Pinecone: A Tiny Masterpiece

Perhaps the most surprising touch is the pinecone, built using weapon element 53454 to replicate its layered, irregular shape. "Getting the scale right was key," Farrin explains. "I wanted it to feel real in your hands - like you could almost smell the forest."

Tester's Notes: Calm Builds & Cozy Feels

The pre-release build was met with appreciation for its smooth process and thoughtful design. One tester shared:

"The assembly felt intuitive - no tricky sections. But what stood out was the base. The way the light catches the layered pieces... it's like sunlight filtering through trees."

Another praised the finished look:

"It doesn't scream 'Christmas' - it whispers it. Feels natural, nostalgic - like a quiet winter morning."

More Than a Model - A Tradition Reimagined

For Farrin, this set is a tribute to heritage and handmade beauty. "The poinsettia has traveled through time and cultures - from Aztec rituals to modern homes. I wanted to honor that journey."

With the CHRISTMAS FLOWER, she hopes builders will not only enjoy the creative process but also feel connected to the quiet magic of the season - a bloom of tradition, built piece by piece.