If you're looking for new and charming ways to decorate for Christmas, check out these ideas for using Santa Claus to decorate around your home.
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Jolly Old St. Nicholas has always held a special place in my heart, as I'm sure he does yours. He is what represents the magic of Christmas.
A Brief History of Santa Clause
According to Wikipedia, Santa Claus, also known as Father Christmas, Saint Nicholas, Saint Nick, Kris Kringle, or simply Santa, is a legendary character originating in Western Christian culture who is said to bring children gifts during the late evening and overnight hours on Christmas Eve of toys and candy or coal or nothing, depending on whether they are "naughty or nice". In the legend, he accomplishes this with the aid of Christmas elves, who make the toys in his workshop, often said to be at the North Pole, and flying reindeer who pull his sleigh through the air. The modern character of Santa is based on folklore traditions surrounding Saint Nicholas, the English figure of Father Christmas and the Dutch figure of Sinterklaas.
Santa is generally depicted as a portly, jolly, white-bearded man, often with spectacles, wearing a red coat with white fur collar and cuffs, white-fur-cuffed red trousers, red hat with white fur, and black leather belt and boots, carrying a bag full of gifts for children. He is commonly portrayed as laughing in a way that sounds like "ho ho ho". This image became popular in the United States and Canada in the 19th century due to the significant influence of the 1823 poem "A Visit from St. Nicholas". Caricaturist and political cartoonist Thomas Nast also played a role in the creation of Santa's image. This image has been maintained and reinforced through song, radio, television, children's books, family Christmas traditions, films, and advertising.
How to Decorate with Santa Claus
I have been collecting figures of the jolly man for several years. Usually I put them all in one place, but this year I decided to spread them around our house a bit.
Santa Figurine Collection
In our living room, I put a bunch of my Santa figurines on the step back cupboard. As I have said many times, I purchased this cupboard many years ago at a yard sale. It now sports white paint, but it has been many different colors.
This little tole painted Santa is my newest addition. I got him from the sweetest husband/wife vendor at a local craft fair. The husband does all of the cutting and the wife does the painting. This Santa has the sweetest little face and has jointed arms.
Santa Mug Collection in a Vintage Cubby
This vignette is my absolute favorite this season! I found the wooden vintage cubby on the marketplace earlier this year. It was originally a mail sorter for an attorney's office here in Nashville. When I found it, I knew I would use it to display my collection of Santa mugs.
Santa mugs have become more and more popular, which means they are harder and harder to find. This year I added 2 minis and 5 large vintage mugs to my collection.
Santa's in the Kitchen
I kept it pretty simple in the kitchen and added just a few little touches. On the peg rack I added a small Santa sign.
Underneath our dish shelves, onto the lid of our cannisters, I tied vintage metal cookie cutters with bakers twine.
And of course I placed a Santa cookie jar on the countertop riser (along with a Christmas flashcard).
Santa Claus is just a part of the celebration of Christmas, but he represents the magic of the season and I think that's why I like him so much and why I am so thrilled to represent Santa in my Christmas Decorations.
linking up to: Tuesday Turn About Wonderful Wednesday Creative Crafts
