Friday, December 6, 2013

Flashback Friday: It's St. Nicholas Day And Santa 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!

This post was written exactly two years ago, so I reposted today on St. Nicholas Day!
I'm still up to my eyeballs decorating, etc., even though I said I wasn't going all out this year.
Hmmm, I wonder if I should bring out the Santas this year.
  What do you think?

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17 comments:

Lori E said...

Well you know how I feel about Santas. Even if it is too cluttered with them (130+) I still bring them out and arrange them differently.
When I am long gone I think my family will remember how Mom always put out so many Santa figures and perhaps they will have shared them amongst themselves. Perhaps with any grandchildren that may come in the future.

Anonymous said...

Bring out all the Santas!

Unknown said...

I am a Santa collector also, and think every year that I will not display them all....hmmmm! Hasn't happened yet...... and yours are wonderful, so full of charm and character and happy memories. Let's display them while we can, they probably won't allow us to in the old folks home! Thanks for sharing, Vicki in Louisville KY

Lesa said...

I say bring them out! My love for nutcrackers is like your love for Santa's! Expensive ones from Germany and like you, several from T J Maxx! Enjoy!

The Victorian Girl said...

Your Santas are so precious! Love the details. I love unwrapping my Santas each year. It's like visiting old friends. Put them ALL out!

gme said...

I had the same thought this year, I was not going to drag all my Santas out and had decided to have a more clean looking Christmas decor....... Well, it happened, I opened one box and there they were, just waiting to be displayed. Like you, I have 2 granddaughters that seem to get a kick out of grandma's Santas. I have to admit I love them too. I just set out my last one right before I sat down to read my blog list. I thought the timing was so funny.

sugarcreek said...

Oh Santa Baby! Bring 'Em out right now, scoot, go. Go now!

Debra@CommonGround said...

love all your natural and woodsy Santas, just what I like to decorate with. That tweedy one is adorable!

Katherine said...

That is a seriously adorable collection of Santa's on the tree. So precious.

Sarah said...

Yes, Delores, bring out the Santa figures. I'm putting up our tree this evening. I love the process of visiting all the special decorations collected through the years. There will be Santa figures out and about here too. I've given many to my nieces in recent years now that they have them own homes. It's fun to see them enjoy what once was part of my Christmas decorations. Happy Holidays…….Sarah

Carol@6WilsonBlog.com said...

Bring on the Santas! Yours are far too lovely to keep hidden away. I love them on your tree, past or present! Just beautiful.

The Tablescaper said...

Bring 'em out!!! Why have them if you don't enjoy them.

- The Tablescaper

Candy S said...

Your Santas are delightful! I really like the one in the green coat too. I do have to say that I am partial to plaid this time of year too. All of the Santas are great!! Thank you for sharing.

Candy

ℳartina @ Northern Nesting said...

I say bring back those pretty Santas!!

Mary Ann Pickett said...

This is such a wonderful collection!!!

Terri~terrileeauthor said...

Thank goodness for Grandkids...to pull us back into the magic of Christmas. I love all your natural/rustic Santas.

Veryvintagevilla said...

Hi Delores,
Thought I would share with you another blog I follow: for the love of a house . She just discovered a product that fixes strands of lights, maybe it would fix your tree topper Santa. Love to read your blog!

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