10 Special Painted Santas

Santas are an important part of Christmas decorating in my house. Rather than buying them over the years , I've enjoyed creating my painted Santas. I began with tall wooden Santas that stood like sentinels on my stairs each Christmas.

Birdhouse Santa

For many years this family of Santas provided a great topic of conversation for guests who were eager to see what the new Santa would be. As time passed , so did my interest in just a little too many Christmas decorations. These Santas now lie in my storage room lonely , covered in dust , and reminiscing about better times. Perhaps they will become the illustrations for Christmas stories for my granddaughters.

The Santas that still hold a special place in my heart , and get displayed on my tree each year , are the small ornamental ones. No material was sacred: slate , driftwood , balsa wood , cinnamon sticks , light bulbs etc. . Today they all sit proudly next to glittery balls , sparkly stars and other finery. It is never the glitz that people admire on my tree; it is always my Santas. So much for sparkle.