A sleigh of Santas

 Do you know that there's no agreed upon collective noun for a grouping of Santas?

 

I see no reason why it shouldn't be a 'sleigh' of Santas,

and not hearing any objections,

I'm going with it.

Santa is the focus of the week,

at least in my house.

I thought I'd share images of a smattering of the ones who live here.

 

They come in all sizes,

made from different materials 

and their expressions are all unique.

I have Santa ornaments from my childhood,

generally made from hard plastic;

but its the 'free standing' ones I've collected over the years,

the ones that have seen my boys grow up

that I love the most.

No, it's NOT in your mind;

this deer is definitely judging you -

and finding you lacking.

 

 

This "eye roll" Santa is a favorite.

I get it, you're tired of pulling the damn sled...

maybe despite his obvious age, he should be called the teenage Santa.

This year is just so different; 

I hope that however you're preparing for the holiday,

you find yourself surrounded with sounds and sights that are beloved;

especially if you can't be with those you love.

I used to think I decorated for Christmas beacuse I had children,

and now a grandson,

or because I worked in pediatrics.

I've come to realize that I decorate for myself.

 

Every Santa I put out brings back memories -

of where I was when I found him

and who I was with.

Family and friends are all around me -

their laughter echoing in my head,

even while I'm alone in the house. 

 

While I might not always be able to haul bins up from the basement

to have such an extensive collection on display,

 I'll try to commemorate the holiday with a few; 

just enough of the trappings 

that I can conjecture up the joy they bring me today.