A few weeks ago, I promised to share my African-American Santa collection with you. I started collecting them, shortly after I got married, over 20 years ago. Over the years, they have been a bit more difficult to find. Hobby Lobby and Garden Ridge usually have a good assortment; but, I have to get them as soon as they put them out. They sell out quickly!
I didn't realize how big my collection had become, until I pulled them out this year and started to set them up. Usually, I group them together; but, this year, I decided to spread them around the house. Well, I quickly ran out of tabletop space and had to limit my choices to a few of my favorites. Today, I'll share these with you!
I found a home for this first group, on an iron stand in the foyer. I bought this one for his fluffy white fur and happy expression. I love his deep red robe, trimmed in white fur.
This next one was given to me by one of the cheer moms last year. She heard me say how increasingly difficult these Santas are to find. One night, we were sitting around; and the doorbell rang. We went to the door and no one was there. I looked down and a gift bag was on the porch. The tag said, "To: Shenita...From: Santa". I opened the bag and there he was!! Wasn't that sweet of her?! He sat on the edge of the mantel last year, but happily sits on a shelf, in the foyer, this year. Doesn't he look 'goofy'?! I love it!
I purchased this one many years ago, to coordinate with my ivory and gold decor, during my neutral phase...lol! His robe is ivory and gold brocade.
I added this one this year. I love the crinkle of his eyes. His beard is so thick, and his wreath is so large, you can barely see his face!!
This is one of my larger Santas. I've had him a few years now. For some reason, I fell in love with his thick glasses...lol!!! His robe is chocolate and copper; and coordinates well with my decor. I purchased him at Bombay Company...don't you miss that store??
I introduced you to this one on my foyer table a couple of weeks ago. He has since moved to an accent table, between the foyer and the dining room. I replaced him with a nativity scene, that was a gift from friends last year.
This Santa was one of the first that I acquired. He has more of a rustic feel; and coordinated with the decor that I had when my girls were small. I loved his burlap robe and green corduroy accents, along with his woven basket.
This is a Santa that I purchased this year. I loved his robe and holiday accents...the mini tree and present.
This Santa graces the buffet island, as you enter the kitchen...
This is the 'Woodland Santa' that sits on the center island, in the kitchen. He looks so jolly; and I love his red sleigh!
This is the very first Santa that I purchased, some 20 years ago. He is animated and moves his little head from side to side. His candle also lights up; and he plays "Jingle Bells". My kids loved him!! (They still do! They turn him on and reminisce about the 'good ol days...lol!) The store had the matching Mrs. Clause; and I regret not buying her at the same time. I've looked every year; but I have not seen her anymore.
This little guy graces the powder bath each year...
And this is "Golf Santa"...he stands watch in the "Man Cave". The gameroom has a sports theme; and I thought he was perfect for that space!
Finally, you met these two guys when I first started decorating for the holidays. The Santa in the sleigh was a new purchase this year...
And this guy graces my mantel, along with an angel...