Flying Santa Claus with Gifts

Let's start! For the beginning create a new file of 600x800 px and 72 dpi resolution.

Select next Blending Options and apply here the Gradient Overlay selection with the next parameters:

So we have done the background of the future postcard:

Next take the Pen Tool (P) with the color #FFFFFF to represent a snow hillock as below:

Try to make one more hillock behind the previous one:

Fill 0% on the layer and choose also Blending Options>Gradient Overlay:

Try to draw next another snow drift behind the earlier made ones:

Select now Blending Options>Gradient Overlay:

Getting a more harmonious composition is possible if creating the last snow drift:

Set the same gradient's parameters as the previous element, but this time change the element's inclination level on 180 degrees.

The snow drifts are already made. It's time to picture several small fir trees. Select for this operation the Pen Tool (P) to draw the bottom part of the fir tree:

Choose Blending Options>Gradient Overlay:

Next we'll make a copy on this layer and will process it as it is shown below:

Apply for the layer Blending Options>Gradient Overlay:

Next we'll represent the top of the fir tree. In this case we have to make a copy of the layer and make it look exactly as in the picture from below:

Select Blending Options>Gradient Overlay:

Represent now the shadows under the tree's top and the middle part of the tree. Select the Pen Tool (P) for this manipulation:

Insert also the shadow under the fir tree itself:

Make several copies of our fir tree, placing the copies as it is demonstrated next picture:

We have to introduce also the snowflakes falling from the sky for getting a better New Year mood. Select out of the Custom Shape Tool (U) the appropriate three types of snowflakes' shapes and situate them on the picture the way indicated next image:

Choose for all the snowflakes next selection: Blending Options>Outer Glow with the parameters from below:

It's time to introduce a character on the picture – Santa Clause. Begin by representing the character's head by selecting the Ellipse Tool (U).

Apply for the layer Blending Options>Gradient Overlay:

Selecting the same Ellipse Tool (U), we can represent another white ellipse. Hold on Alt button to get another ellipse and make the necessary corrections on it as it is shown next picture. I have introduced one more point there with the Add Anchor Point Tool.