In the bowl of a stand mixer, cream together the cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
Place the sundried tomatoes and warm water in a small chopper, blender, or food processor, and process until smooth.
Add the sundried tomato mixture to the softened cream cheese, along with all the seasonings, and mix until well combined.
Add in the grated cheese and mix until just combined.
SHAPE AND CHILL CHRISTMAS CHEESE BALL:
Place a large sheet of plastic wrap (about 12 inches long) on the countertop. Mound the cheese ball mixture in the middle of it. Pull up the plastic wrap around it and use your hands to shape it into a Christmas tree.
Wrap the cheese ball in the plastic wrap.
Chill for at least 1 hour.
TO FINISH:
Use herb scissors or a knife to cut the fresh herbs very small.
Transfer the herbs to a shallow container or dish and roll the chilled Christmas tree-shaped cheese ball in it until it is well coated.
Slice a thin piece of cheddar cheese and use a cookie cutter to cut out a star. Gently push it into the top of the Christmas tree to make a tree topper.
Serve the Christmas Cheese Ball with crackers, sliced and toasted baguettes, and/ or veggie sticks.
Notes
This cheese ball can be made ahead of time. I like to wait to roll the cheese all in the herbs until right before serving it.
Cheese balls are also a great gift to give to hostesses. Present it on a pretty plate with a few boxes of crackers.