Sunday, December 13, 2009

A Christmas Collection And a Family Tradition

First of all, I'll tell you about my collection-- SLOWLY but surely I'm getting my house ready for Christmas.  And I was thinking of what I wanted to share with everyone on my blog.  So I thought of my collection. I like to collect things, so of course I would also have a Christmas collection, and no it's not snowmen...it's Santas.


I've been collecting them maybe for about 20 years--I'm not really sure. I just started getting them, until they turned into a collection, and now every year, I will get a new one.  Come to think of it, I didn't get one for this year, but I will.  These Santas are just part of what I have. (HEY, what's that snowman doing in there?!)   They're all over the house.  I don't look for anything in particular--just whatever strikes my fancy at the time.  I do have my favorites ,though.

Like Mr. and Mrs. Claus

I got these two from a local very talented paper mache artist.
And which one is my favorite?  Well last year, it would have been him--

I still like him, you know the country primitive Santa, but he's been dethroned.  My style and taste has changed alot this past year. so this year, it's most definitely this fun Santa--

And now I'll tell you about our family tradition.  It's actually a bit of a running joke every year.  Each year I ask my kids--who are in their 20's and 30's if they want me to hang their stockings.  And they look at me in disbelief and say "You BETTER hang them!"  Let me describe these stockings. They are the red felt ones that you find at the dollar store with the white trim, and each one has their name written on them (in glitter of course).  And I can't hang them on the mantel, because I don't have a fireplace, so they end up on the stair bannister. 

Each one of them have told me that the stockings are their favorite part of Christmas. Well, one reason is because Santa (and yes, we all still do believe in Santa) fills these babies to the brim plus.  They're always overflowing.  The contents of these stockings are probably worth more than what's under the Christmas tree.

But I know the other reason is that these stockings  represent  all of their Christmases from childhood till now.  Believe me, we're not the picture-perfect family--we have our disfunctional times like any other family, but every year at Christmas we all get together and have the best time and laugh  about our "episodes" we've had during the year--good or bad.  And look forward to the next year for more "episodes" that we can laugh about next year at Christmas. And if we're stil here in 30 years, God willing, when they're in their 50's and 60's, those stockings will still be hung and still be brimming on Christmas morning.

So Scott, Nick, Lisa, Jennifer, and John, if you're wondering--yes I hung them up : )

17 comments:

Lisa said...

I hope this means you will never again be asking if you should or should not hang the stockings! I'm getting really excited for christmas now!!!!

Lisa said...

Like you, I also collect Santas. There's just something about him that I adore. Hmmm, I guess it's his jolly character and presents I still like to pretend he delivers.

Art by Darla Kay said...

What a beautiful post Diane! Love the stockings too!

Anonymous said...

Love your Santa collection. I collected Christmas angels for awhile but didn't continue doing it. I put most of them in our flea market booth to sell. What a wonderful tradition of continuing to hang your children's stockings, no matter how old they are. I am doing great, I am taking two classes that start today...I know, it's crazy just before Christmas but here I go...Cheers,
Mary

nick said...

i agree with lisa - hanging the stockings up is the best! i can't imagine what it'd be like if you didn't!

My Vintage Studio said...

Thank you for visiting my blog! It was such a wonderful treat to visit and read your blog today.

Love your santa collection! I have over 200 santas...but this year we are keeping things simple and stress free so I only have few on display.

Your art work is beautiful! I am going to add you to my blog side bar and will follow your blog as well.

It is so nice to meet you!
Merry Christmas!
Sharon

Janine said...

Diane, what a wonderful display! Love your Santa!

Thanks for stopping by my blog and for your comment on my Mollies!

Dapoppins said...

I quite enjoyed your Santa's and you have a great blog and great art!

Sissie's Shabby Cottage said...

What an endearing family tradition with the stockings. I remember those red stockings and how we glittered our names on them.
Your Santa collection is so cool.I love the little skinny armed Santa best.

Lisa Lectura Creations said...

Hi Diane! Lovely post! Fabulous collection of Santa's! Mr. & Mrs. Claus are so adorable! :)

Buffy said...

awwww your story brought a happy tear to my eyes. Thats what Christmas is all about Family and being with people you love. Thanks Diane,you cheered me up because money is so tight this year and I keep worring about how I'm going to buy things and I know its not about that its really about Jesus but you know how things are.So materialistic! And I love your stockings. My kids have the same ones! Red felt with glitter names that are started to come off. But I love those stockings!! Also love all your santas too.Thanks for sharing your story.

Jonny J Petros said...

Beautiful post when we were young we also hung ours on the stairs! and you have a nice collection. Thank you!! for answering my question about the embossing metal, best wishes Sincerely, Jonny

Sue McPeak said...

Hi Diane...Wow! Do you and I have lots of Art Projects and Collections in Common! I've enjoyed visiting your 'ArtJournal' Blog and each of your posts! Love the pear projects and your vintage photo collections...especiall the gal with the glasses...priceless! Your Santa Collection is wonderful and I too like the Santa and Mrs. Claus. Thanks for becoming a Follower of CollectInTexas Gal...I'm Following you and have added you to my Blog Friends List! Merry Christmas...Sue

Twyla and Lindsey said...

What a wonderful tradition your stockings are. My kids enjoy their stockings too. Your santas are great. I've often thought about collecting santas, but I collect everything! I hope you and your family have a wonderfully Merry Christmas! Twyla

Anonymous said...

Oh so cute Diane. I love this idea and that your family love it so much, it wouldn't be Christmas without them.

Have a great Christmas!

Julie

Anonymous said...

Hey I love your santas..I do that too..I filled my mantle with them all this year...Yours are fantatstic...I love the skinny leg guy too..!!

DMG said...

See! I told you we are kindred spirits! I collect Santas too. I'm adding you to my blog roll right now!

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