Santa Claus

December 6th. We've been so busy on this trip that I gave my blog tech the weekend off. We will be back tomorrow and I will be posting pics of all the wonderful things we saw. Until then....more Santas.


Shira. Shira had been asleep when her father and brother came back through the shepherd's camp on their way to Bethlehem. She heard them talking about the star and the angels and the birth of a savior. Never before had she seen them so excited. Not one to be left out of things, she quickly got dressed, and with her pet goat followed them. She is now approaching the stable and is very curious about what is happening.


A Tim Jumper Santa.


A German Santa.


This little guy wears a wool coat and snazzy plaid pants.


Carved wooden Santas.


This vintage Santa is so cute. When you wind him up he waves at you and rings his bell.


Santa is stuck in the chimney.


Another Tim Jumper hand carved Santa.

Santas Santas Everywhere (Ignore the above date. It shows the date I wrote this before I left for the trip.)

Santa! December 5th.


Francis of Assisi. St. Francis, the the thirteenth century Italian friar, is credited with being the first person to recreate the manger scene as a way of celebrating Christmas. His original scenes were set up in the forest near Grecchio using live animals. Animals, especially birds, were important spiritual beings to St. Francis. He believed in being humble before God, and the natural world embodied that kind of humility. The dove he is holding symbolizes both nature and peace, the hopeful theme of Christmas.




A German papier mache' Santa.


A gardening Santa.


He has seed packets on his hat and pruning sheers under his arm.


A vintage late 1940's Santa.


A felt and wire Santa.

Santa and His Reindeer

December 4th


Omar. There were many astrologers in the Middle East at the time of Jesus' birth. They watched the night sky for significant planetary alignments that they interpreted as foretelling certain earthly happenings. Ancient rulers and priests took seriously the wisdom relayed by the stars and were dependent on astrologers for advice. Omar has seen a new star and is trying to discern it's meaning and how history will be affected. He is uncertain whether to seek out the new "king" whose birth is heralded by this very bright star.


This is a handmade Santa and reindeer.


The details are amazing.


I would love to know the story behind this piece.


Teddy has her own Santa collection. This poor Santa suffers from "Shaken Santa Syndrome" induced by a Chow Chow with very big teeth!

Santas

December 3rd


Kaspar the wiseman. Kaspar is a Moor from North Africa, and he has traveled far with his gift of frankincense to join the other wisemen in following the star to the new king. Together they decided to visit Herod, the Roman governor of Judea, to seek the whereabouts of the new baby who is destined to become a king. Herod is very interested in this potential rival, and he has sent them to the area of Bethlehem with instructions to report back if they find a special baby. The wisemen all have a dream warning them not to report back to Herod.


I am off on another trip early tomorrow morning. My blog tech will be catching up with me on Saturday so I have set up some posts for my time without him. As soon as I can I will be sharing my trip with you. Meanwhile, I will be sharing some of my Santa collection.

This is a new Santa that I bought at the Country Living Fair this summer. He is my only redware Santa.


This is a vintage blow light Santa from the 50's.


This Santa is probably from the late 40's or early 50's.


He has a great face.


This ceramic Santa was made in Germany and can be used as a planter or a candy holder.