Sunday, December 4, 2011

Santa Claus Is In The House!



I love unwrapping my Santa collection every year, marveling at the detail of each and every one of them.


It all started in 1998 when on vacation in Calgary, Canada. We visited a Christmas store, and my girlfriend Teresa and I went Santa crazy!
This all white Santa was one of the ornaments I bought then.

As was this one with his red cable knit sweater!

This is my favorite one. I don't know why, except that I love the lime green velvet coat with pine cone buttons. He did not come from Calgary, but from TJ Maxx. Seriously!

And this one with the fur trimmed, blanket stitched coat also came from TJ Maxx.


Alas, those days are over. You just can't find Santas anymore this fine.
I mean, look how cute his carved leaf button is!


This one has a leather coat and toggle buttons!

I usually hang the nicer ones on the front of the tree and the boring, cheesy ones on the back or down low. This one though is front and center with his snow shoes strapped on his feet!

I like how they fit in with my natural theme.
Some of them even remind me of St. Francis. They certainly are not your typical Santa with a sleigh!

They're all active in their pursuit of enjoying the outdoors and wildlife.

Here is an example of a Santa who didn't make it to the front. Why? Well, his coat is shiny and cheap and his face is a little cartoony. There really is a difference. I still treasure him though!

Holding court on the tree top is this Santa. Or is he? I've never been really sure.
He could be St. Francis. I've had him for so long that what he originally came with is long gone.
The lantern disappeared, so I replaced it with a Merry Christmas sign. The lavender bouquet is from my garden and I glued a squirrel on his arm. His crown no longer lights up.
But I love him!

There is also a collection of standing Santas, most of them from Calgary.


I stopped bringing them out at Christmas a while ago. Just too much clutter. This is one of my favorites.


This year, I'm bringing them out again for the granddaughters.
I think they might think they're really cool!

My sentiments exactly!

I'm joining Kim at Savvy Southern Style for Wow Us Wednesday

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24 comments:

Anonymous said...

I love your Santas! They look great!I would bring them out too!

Kathysue said...

I love when people use ornaments and decorations with meaning to their families. I love your collections fo Santa's!! Merry Christmas,
xo Kathysue♥

Karena said...

Delores your Santas are wonderful and so meaningful! I love each and every one!

xoxo

Karena
Art by Karena

ℳartina @ Northern Nesting said...

What a beautiful Santa collection Delores!!

The Tablescaper said...

Great Santas! Each has such wonderful detail.

- The Tablescaper

Marlis said...

I too collect Santas and this year have yet to bring them out.. A few are hanging out, but I've really pared down. Seeing your beauties makes me wish I had. So love yours.. quite the charmers.. xo marlis

Shenita @ Embellishments by SLR said...

Delores, what a great Santa collection! I've got mine out; and I love looking at the collections in blogland. Thanks for sharing!!

Pinky at Designs by Pinky said...

I have collected Santas for almost 30 years now and LOVE bringing them all out each year!!! I showed some of them today on my Mantle post. I have almost 200 Santas now. But, I don't think it looks cluttered at all. Let me now what you think. I LOOOOOVE your ornaments!!! XO, Pinky

Gypsy Heart said...

I just love Santas! You have a beautiful collection. Such unique attire on each ~

All of your decor is wonderful! Love the mantel and the flowers.

Pat

Gypsy Heart said...

I just love Santas! You have a beautiful collection. Such unique attire on each ~

All of your decor is wonderful! Love the mantel and the flowers.

Pat

Scribbler said...

Great collection -- thanks for sharing.

Burlap Luxe said...

Hi Delores you have a wonderful collection of Santa's. I love the one with the wreath on his head the peace Santa :)

Thank you for sharing the history of your Santa's.

Merry Christmas
xoxo
Dore

The enchanted home said...

Your Santas are so adorable. Funny I started bringing out all my "loot" and forgot how many Santas and Nutcrackers I had!!! I told my son we are starting to look more like a Christmas giftshop than a home..oh well all in the spirit of Christmas!

AT HOME BLOG said...

Everything is beautiful!!! :-)

Marigene said...

Beautiful collection of Santas!

Gerry said...

My husband brought into our marriage a Santa Claus he received as a little boy and had saved all those years. That was the catalyst for the beginning of a whole collection of Santas but, for several years, I have also left them in their boxes because it is just so much trouble getting them out and they do promote a definite "cluttered" look. But, like you, now that I have 2 small granddaughters, I've begun displaying them again and it's so much fun to see girl's
enjoy the Santas and I have begun to see them in a new light also.
Thank you for sharing your Santas with all of us.

Taylor Greenwalt said...

I love all the Santas. I bet your granddaughters love them!

Marsha said...

Your collection is wonderful. Now I want to start my own collection.

Just Spiff It said...

I love your Santas!

Liz@ HomeandGardeningWithLiz said...

Great collection! They have great details!
I love when I can look at something and remember exactly where I bought it like that! Brings back good memories!
I love your santas in front of the trees! Your granddaughters will love them!

Sandra said...

I love your Santa collection. They're all so beautiful.

Terri M said...

Love your tree, and all your 'natural' Christmas decor.
In fact, I love everything about your home. I have been waiting to see the pictures of your kitchen update. The little peeks you have given us thus far are beautiful.

Lori E said...

I have scrolled back and forth a few times admiring all your fellas.
Here I am in Canada and yet I don't have any of the same ones as you in my collection.
So hard to pick a favourite for me. Love the detail in the buttons and toggles. Very hard to find.

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

Oh, they are all so pretty Delores. I wish I could relegate my cheesy Santas to the back of something, but I still love all of them too much to party with any. I love your tree topper Santa. I can't believe you are doing all of this Christmas decorating AND your daughter's wedding! laurie

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