"Vintage" Santa

I have what I loosely call a "collection" of Santa figures as a major part of my Christmas decorations.  About 15 years ago, I attended a local craft fair, found three or four Santa figures, and declared that I was going to collect Santas.  Never mind the fact that at the time we had no money, and I had no idea how to make a real "collection."

My collection does not contain anything of any monetary value.  Mostly I just purchased Santas that caught my eye, sometimes while traveling to commemorate a special trip.  Often my family gives me Santas that they think I would enjoy.  My father has hand-carved some caricature Santas, and those are especially wonderful.  But as far as "value" goes, I don't think I'd get much if I sold most of my Santas.

This Santa is a case in point.
I bought him for one reason - I like the way he looked.  I think he looks "vintage".  Though it's difficult to capture in photos, he is covered in chunky clear glitter, which looks a bit like sugar crystals.  He is a bit yellowed around the edges.  He looks like he was made long ago by hand, and then tucked away in someone's attic, then pulled out lovingly again the next year.

I sometimes like to make up stories for this Santa...  I imagine (in black and white movie of course) a little girl in pigtails, a plaid dress and white Peter Pan collar and black patent leather shoes asking, "Mother, may I please play with Santy Claus?"

Mother smiles with great wisdom and understanding, hair coiffed just so, resplendent in her dress and pearls. She gently replies, "No, dear.  Santa Claus is very, very old.  Grandmother brought him here from the Old Country, traveling a great distance to meet Grandfather.  Santa Claus was carefully wrapped up in quilts, along with the family bible.  He is very fragile.  We must only admire him, not play with him.  But if you like, you may play with your paper dolls."  ... Oh!   Back to reality.

My "vintage" Santa is anything but.

I bought him at Target about 6 years ago.

On sale.

But I like to imagine...