Stolen Star Box

The evolution of the Christmas tree is thought to date back to the middle ages (500-1500 CE) Germany, when evergreens would be decorated with apples and wafers to celebrate the Feast of Adam and Eve on Dec 24. Arguably, evergreens adorned with shiny objects and candlelight were a symbol of life and fertility in winter long before that, traced back to the pagans, and the Romans. Eventually the “topper” evolved as well, settling for the most part in more modern times on the “Star of Bethlehem” as the object to place at the top of the tree.

So sets the stage for this year’s holiday themed puzzle by Kyle Chester, a part time puzzle maker from the UK who, along with his grandfather Stephen, craft clever wooden puzzle boxes in their home workshop. Kyle has been inspired by the holiday spirit over the past few years to produce a small batch of smaller format, “Karakuri Creation Group” type puzzle boxes. Kyle shared the story of the new creation.

“Welcoming our newest puzzle design, The Stolen Star box puzzle! Like in previous years with The Snowman Box and Gingerbread Jail, I wanted to create something that, after a few glasses of bubbly, could almost be mistaken for a product not too dissimilar to that of a popular Japanese puzzle box company!

gift wrapping - courtesy of Kyle Chester

I got working on the SS box earlier in 2025, and naturally I wanted to return to something similar in look to 2023’s Snowman Box, but with a completely different mechanism and goal. This is one of the rare occurrences where the goal of the puzzle was clear to me prior to any mechanisms, I wanted the goal to be a star you had to find within the puzzle and place atop the tree. Bloody festive!

Being constrained to a box size of 70mm cubed (around 2.8 inches for my American folks) certainly pushes a certain agenda of trying to find a mechanism that is interesting, fun, and not too trivial to solve. I think in this year’s design, the fun factor is certainly present (pun intended), and I cannot wait to hear the feedback from the few people who get to solve one!

Unfortunately, we’ve not created as many as I’d have liked us to, mainly because it’s quite a finicky little box to get right, so only a very small number will be available (fewer than 15 in total).

Merry Christmas, everyone!”

Stolen Star is a lovely addition to the series. Similar to Snowman Box, it features a prominent object on top of the box, this time a charming little tree turned and trimmed on the lathe. Fans of Kyle’s other puzzles will no doubt recognize some of his signature movements, but should not be surprised to find that something very tricky is going on here! Finding the secret stolen star takes careful observation, experimentation, and deduction, but shouldn’t require a Christmas miracle. It’s an adorable, perfect little holiday puzzle.

Sorel Toddy cocktail by Cure — Sorel Toddy by Cure New Orleans

I’m always looking for an excuse to make a seasonal holiday cocktail this time of year, and toasting with charming little puzzle box with something toasty was a treat I couldn’t pass up. The cocktail is a classic cold weather tipple, the Toddy, with a delicious twist. This version, from James Beard Award winning bar Cure in New Orleans, uses Sorel hibiscus liqueur in place of whiskey, to dramatic effect.

The Toddy has its origins back in 17th century India, when a cold drink known as taddy made from fermented palm sap was popular. British colonialism and time led to the drink evolving into a mixture of alcohol, sugar, ginger and lime. At some point along the way, it was served hot, and touted as a medicinal cure for what ailed you. Cure’s modern day version uses Sorel, an artisanal liqueur blending flavors of hibiscus, clove, ginger, cassia and nutmeg that owes its origins to the Caribbean British spice and slave trade of the 17th century, tying it to the same period in history. The liqueur was brought back to life by Jack Summers, credited as the first legally licensed Black distiller in the US since prohibition. The liqueur, which honors a rich heritage, is incredibly delicious, and ideal for a hot toddy. It may well be the Cure for what ails you. Cheers, and Happy Holidays.

Stolen Star Box by Kyle Chester and Sorel Toddy — thank your lucky stars

Sorel Toddy by Cure New Orleans

2 oz Sorel Hibiscus Liqueur

½ oz aged rum

¼ oz lime

¼ oz demerara syrup

Warm a mug or glass with hot water and discard. Add ingredients directly to the mug and top with hot water. Lime peel garnish.

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