A Home For Santa

Several years ago, there was a wonderful antique store nearby that was housed in an 1800's school house.  Each year, the shop would hold an open house for Christmas, featuring many antique and vintage decorations as well as ones from local and national crafters and artists. My friend Judy and I loved to attend this soiree, browse the items and taste the yummy tid-bits the owner offered. We'd make a day of it, visiting other shops during the remainder of our outing.

Each year, I would purchase a hand-carved Santa. Each one was unique and had their own personality, and it was fun to watch my collection grow. The artist left one year and the shop has since closed, but I still have my "addiction" to finding a new Clause each Christmas. I began my own campaign, rescuing orphaned Santas from thrift shops and yard sales. This weekend, it was time to go get the jolly old elf and bring him home! I can't quite tell you what I look for in my jelly belly buddies, but when I see the right one(s), I know it. Here they are, the 2011 Santas who now have a new home and a lot of new friends! I still have a bit of work to do on the tree, but wanted to show off my newest guys.

The skinny one has arms - they're behind him and he's holding a green bag with a teddy bear peeking out

I hope that you have special Christmas items that bring you joy each year too! I am sharing this post with  DebbieDoosBloggingandBlabbing Copy Cat Link Party. I was inspired to share my Santa collection by this photo I saw on Pinterest:

Photo from MarmeeandCompany.blogspot.com

Join Debbie's Copy Cat Link Party!
http://debbie-debbiedoos.blogspot.com/2011/12/holiday-edition-copy-cat-challengeits.html

Also linked to http://www.savvycityfarmer.com/2011/12/thriftn-on-thursday-2.html