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!