Cream together butter and shortening; gradually add sugar, beating until light and fluffy. Beat in molasses; blend in cream. Sift together flour, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves; stir into creamed mixture. Store in covered bowl in refrigerator overnight.
Roll dough thin, using floured pastry cloth on board and rolling pin. Cut in christmas shapes. Place 1 to 4 cm apart on greased baking sheets.
Bake in 350 oven 10 to dozen minutes. Remove from baking sheets and cool on racks.