I have never really given great thought to when my love for all things Santa became an “addiction.” All I can tell you is that he makes me smile!

The good thing about this obsession I have is my late husband, Owen, shared my love of Santa. Not too many men would drive all the way back to Montgomery to purchase a Santa he had seen in a shop earlier in the day. He had come home a few hours earlier from Montgomery telling me about this patriotic Santa he saw…described it in detail. I was drooling listening to the details and asked him why didn’t he buy it. His said that it cost too much. He got up out of his recliner, maybe an hour later, and said he would be back after while. I asked where he was going and he said, “Back to Montgomery to get that Santa before someone else buys it.”

I was stunned! I told you he loved Santa, too.

I had a few collectable Santas before I married Owen. I had several Santas called “Pencil Santas.” These Santas were tall and thin. It is rare to find one of these kind now. Our collection grew as the years rolled on. Honestly, we would be on vacation somewhere in the summer season and at some point we would look for a Santa to remember the trip. Yes, Santa is always on display somewhere all year long. Actually, the beach is a good source for Santas. Then there is Williamsburg, Virginia, Washington DC, Savannah, Georgia , Nashville, Tennessee and the beautiful Biltmore House in Asheville, North Carolina. Then there are not so famous places like thrift stores and yard sales.

Owen was in charge of lighting the whole shebang. He had a knack for getting tired old Santas working again and wiring everything, from the trees to rock n’ roll Santas dancing and singing. He had this “job” because, if you can believe it, he was allergic to artificial Christmas trees and greenery. Seriously, he broke out in whelps, turned red and itched. He couldn’t even touch the boxes these items came in. Go figure! I’ve heard of folks being allergic to real trees, haven’t you, but not fake trees. I am sitting at Owen’s computer writing this article and looking at that patriotic Santa…yes, there are a few tears threatening to be shed.

This will be the last year the Santas will be out on view. This voice inside me said I have to do this one last time. My health has not been good this past year and quiet frankly, I’m getting old. I love each one of the Santas equally, and as to what will happen to them, I have not yet decided.

I have so much gratitude for everyone who has enjoyed my collection over the years, and I want to give everyone one more chance to come see my special guys. They will be on display the month of December, at my home, located at 1008 Kings Forest Drive in Leeds.

I am having an open-house fund raiser for the Leeds Fire Department on Dec. 4 from 2-5 p.m. Donations will be accepted for this worthy cause on the Sunday. The rest of the month, there is no charge.