tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-168250112012-02-16T20:37:28.691-06:00Old Saint Nick is a blog about Santa Claus. Whatever name you use for the ol' man in red, you'll find examples of him here. I love to find Santas wherever I go. I collect Santas, but a Santa doesn't have to be expensive or even beautiful to come home with me. Vintage Santas, old Santas, new Santas and funny Santas all have their place at Christmas.Judihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16389105245242150264noreply@blogger.comBlogger341100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16825011.post-12906729318481223972009-07-28T00:15:00.002-05:002009-07-28T00:19:38.880-05:00

Not sure how the tradition of having Christmas in July sales got started; probably because retail sales can get pretty slow in July and yet there are people wandering all over on vacation looking for something to "buy".If you like to participate in Christmas during July sales, take a look at the coupon deal discount section at LunchBreakShopping.com - huge online mall. If you're looking for

Judihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16389105245242150264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16825011.post-28802593842138038142007-12-18T03:27:00.000-06:002007-12-18T03:29:37.178-06:00

How many times have you been able to put a smile on your Mom's face for just a few dollars? Try this - have Santa call her!The link is on the right hand side of this page. It only costs a few dollars - in fact you might be able to have Santa call everyone on your list for maybe $20. Just how many Moms and Grandmas do you think get a call from Santa?

Judihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16389105245242150264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16825011.post-12623723025617739422007-12-18T03:21:00.000-06:002007-12-18T03:26:36.430-06:00

It's interesting to me that one of the most sought after Santa for collectors is the handcarved wooden Santa figurine. I found a wonderful source a few years ago and so far quite a few people have agreed with me and purchased handcarved Santa figures here. The negative is that you have to wait a few weeks sometimes if the one you want is waiting to be painted. Some are done up and sent from

Judihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16389105245242150264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16825011.post-43252375859298677032007-12-16T13:25:00.000-06:002007-12-16T13:33:27.984-06:00

If you're wondering how people in the know track Santa on Christmas Eve, I might be able to help. I've been thinking over my childhood Christmas surprises, and it seems like there were always a few furtive telephone calls being made while we were trying to get loaded up to visit Grandma on the other side of town.Somehow, we always managed to come home from Grandma's house on Christmas Eve to

Judihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16389105245242150264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16825011.post-49464329005906493142007-01-05T22:25:00.000-06:002008-12-11T16:39:30.213-06:00

In a previous post, we revealed that Santa's butt beer was facing a legal challenge because the label was deemed unfit for use by the State of Maine. Apparently, the label was considered to be something that would appeal to children.Personally I think we should be that diligent about toy commercials, too, since they all apparently appeal to children, but.....Anyway - now that the threat of

Judihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16389105245242150264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16825011.post-28897980040385896832006-12-26T07:58:00.000-06:002006-12-26T08:00:27.359-06:00

Stumbled across this fun quiz in my Santa mail this morning. Take the test and see which of Santa's reindeer you most resemble (in spirit, not physique!)You Are PrancerYou are the perfect reindeer, with perfect hooves and perfect flying form.Why You're Naughty: Because you're Santa's pet, and you won't let anyone show you up.Why You're Nice: You have the softest fur and the sweetest carrot

Judihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16389105245242150264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16825011.post-4500779407100428382006-12-23T06:51:00.000-06:002008-12-11T16:39:30.583-06:00

Dateline: North Pole Santa is standing by the window, sipping a cup of steaming hot chocolate (special dark chocolate laced with cream) and going over last minute details with Mrs Claus while he watches the elves fasten down the last of the items on the overloaded sleigh. Santa and Mrs Claus are thinking about the joy of millions of children in the upcoming hours, but they are also dreaming

Judihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16389105245242150264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16825011.post-54951109490403659852006-12-19T12:26:00.000-06:002006-12-19T12:36:49.525-06:00

I have a life-long friend who doubles as a Santa during the season and he dearly loves the ol' elf as much as I do. Yesterday he sent me this story, which is just a perfect Santa Christmas story. I know it's long and I don't know if it's true, but here it is anyway, just to bring a tear or two.My friend said:This is what Christmas means to me.I hope you feel as warm after reading it as I

Judihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16389105245242150264noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16825011.post-89322787347518081922006-12-16T07:53:00.000-06:002006-12-16T07:56:47.961-06:00

This morning I stumbled across this blogthings quiz and figured that I better find out if I'm a secret Grinch. I have to admit that I get mixed feeling about Christmas this time of the season - I'm worn out and I haven't even started with the physical chores yet. How does Santa do it? Other than the exciting high-speed travel - he's got the worst Christmas chore list of all.Anyway - guess I'm

Judihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16389105245242150264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16825011.post-63978746818669171662006-12-14T17:56:00.000-06:002006-12-14T18:07:33.188-06:00

I got the following story in my email today. This is the Santa Claus I know and love and also the one I want to be:I remember my first Christmas adventure with Grandma. I was just a kid. I remember tearing across town on my bike to visit her on the day my big sister dropped the bomb: "There is no Santa Claus," she jeered "Even dummies know that!"My Grandma was not the gushy kind, never had been.

Judihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16389105245242150264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16825011.post-55272570814568818582006-12-10T22:39:00.000-06:002008-12-11T16:39:30.815-06:00

It's the best time of year for finding Santa, of course. It seems like I find a fabulous one daily this year. I hope you like this one.Here's where I found it:Russian Mystery

Judihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16389105245242150264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16825011.post-965760005770417172006-12-10T22:29:00.000-06:002006-12-10T22:30:25.882-06:00

I Believe in SantaArt PrintBuy at AllPosters.comFramed&amp, Mounted

Judihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16389105245242150264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16825011.post-65397973592190223492006-12-10T22:13:00.000-06:002006-12-24T17:06:28.361-06:00

OK - Here's a link with the Flash Santa Dreaming of a White Christmas that worked when I posted it Christmas Eve, 2006. This post has been edited numerous times trying to keep a current copy. I guess the server crashed from the email traffic or something - it doesn't work here or from the original email anymore. That's too bad - it was cool.I got this link in my email yesterday or the day

Judihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16389105245242150264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16825011.post-79702330750913414662006-12-10T11:07:00.000-06:002006-12-14T17:55:41.413-06:00

Rockford, IllinoisYesterday the United States Air Force Band of Mid-America presented their holiday concert "Celebrate the Season" at the Coronado Theatre in downtown Rockford. We attended the afternoon show; it was our first time for this particular event.We were entirely thrilled with everything from the beautiful Christmas music, the talented singers who performed tributes to Willie Nelson,

Judihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16389105245242150264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16825011.post-85553547125476426912006-12-05T10:49:00.000-06:002008-12-11T16:39:31.105-06:00

In a previous post, I displayed a picture of a Santa inside a red Christmas ornament. The Santa pictured here is from the same store, but will appeal more to the figurine collecters like me.This Santa figurine has an antiqued appearance and the children are dressed in Victorian clothing. One of the things I look for in a collectible Santa is the face. This Santa face has the right look, with a

Judihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16389105245242150264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16825011.post-22061391669564505612006-12-05T10:39:00.000-06:002006-12-05T10:48:55.040-06:00

I'm just curious - do you remember something that would qualify as the best gift you ever got from Santa? What about the worst?Here's what comes to mind for me - there might have been others I blocked out.The best Santa gift of my life was a diamond ring that my husband saved for out of his lunch money back when we were pretty hard-pressed to even get the kids everything we wanted for them. I'm

Judihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16389105245242150264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16825011.post-90415229666627889482006-12-02T07:58:00.000-06:002008-12-11T16:39:31.452-06:00

Pardon the immature play on words in the title, but I've been good all year, Santa, and I just couldn't resist. Our story is about a brewery in Maine that seems to have trouble with the State of Maine censoring their beer names and label art - almost an annual tradition.The story is at MSN through this link http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/15995399. The brew is called Santa's butt and the artwork on

Judihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16389105245242150264noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16825011.post-3869541871044031802006-11-29T20:33:00.000-06:002006-11-29T20:36:20.830-06:00

Here's another great Santa picture from the web site I linked up with a few posts down. This was one of 60+ photos submitted to a Chicago paper some years back about kids that were photographed while being scared out of their wits by Santa.The best part of flipping through that album of pictures is seeing all the great Santas. Some are pathetic and some are unique and wonderful, like the one

Judihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16389105245242150264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16825011.post-77004855283384673802006-11-29T20:27:00.000-06:002006-11-29T20:31:06.862-06:00

This story on CBSNews.com about a man who has played Secret Santa for decades and has just revealed his identity because this will probably be the last year he can journey beyond his Kansas City home and pass out money to people in need.It's well worth a read - there's a warm, fuzzy factor about the goodness of people, and you might also want to add this man to your prayers and good thoughts. He

Judihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16389105245242150264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16825011.post-14040787518719272302006-11-29T19:52:00.000-06:002006-11-29T19:59:49.933-06:00

I absolutely love Christmas, even when the hustle and hassle get in the way of twinkle and joy. One of my favorite things is finding stores with Santas I haven't seen before. There are always a few, but this year it's like I hit the jackpot. Tonight I was browsing in a home decor store called Petals. I added them to my online shopping mall just because I liked their stuff so much.Anyway, to make

Judihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16389105245242150264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16825011.post-58362777301795618052006-11-29T14:33:00.000-06:002006-11-29T14:38:56.111-06:00

I found this web site where a photo gallery has been posted - apparently some years ago, a Chicago newspaper asked for family photos showing people afraid of Santa. This is number 7 in that series.I chose it because of the look on Santa's face. Did the Santa's of your childhood have martini lunches? That's what it looks like to me.......Here's the link to the gallery:This web site has a gallery

Judihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16389105245242150264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16825011.post-20979505689771421512006-11-28T09:07:00.000-06:002006-11-28T09:10:15.119-06:00

I found the following at Fun Stuff and Pickle Soup:The modern image of Santa Claus was created by Coca-Cola(Haddon Sundblom drew his first Santa portrait for Coca-Cola in 1931... which popularized an existing image of Claus.In 1804, the New York Historical Society was founded with Nicholas as its patron saint, reviving the Dutch tradition of St. Nicholas as a bringer of gifts. In 1809, Washington

Judihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16389105245242150264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16825011.post-72147298976039433252006-11-27T21:40:00.000-06:002006-11-27T21:47:07.242-06:00

I found these Santa pajamas and slippers at Crazy For Bargains today. I like the Santa boxers and matching Santa hat myself.Santa Claus Christmas Slippers for WomenPrice: 9.99 These adorable Santa slippers are perfect for the Christmas holiday. They are slip on slippers. Santa Red Flannel Boxer Shorts with Matching Hat for MenPrice: 12.99 These adorable Santa boxer shorts are dark red with white

Judihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16389105245242150264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16825011.post-22652478519591327272006-11-27T21:29:00.000-06:002006-11-27T21:34:51.797-06:00

Wooden Carved Santa imported from RussiaThis hand-carved wooden Santa Claus is almost 11 inches tall, carved from lime-tree, and imported from Moscow, Russia. Hand painted by a professional Russian artisan. The Russian craftsmen routinely cover these finished carvings with glitter and several layers of crystal clear lacquer (to make the coloring last for years). Festive pattern coat gives the

Judihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16389105245242150264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16825011.post-86915838667556212602006-11-27T13:12:00.000-06:002006-11-27T13:17:11.714-06:00

I took some pictures of my own personal favorite. This small figurine comes apart so that you can put an incense cone under the woodstove. The whole thing is made of resin or some lightweight plastic. I found it in a little antique shop in downtown Loveland Colorado many years ago and it's the first one unwrapped and displayed every year.Here are two more views:

Judihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16389105245242150264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16825011.post-1281581111943663422006-11-27T12:45:00.000-06:002006-11-27T12:52:33.547-06:00

Here's my favorite store-bought Santa of the season so far. Everything Nautical was the source of last year's fisherman Santa and now this 13" Clothique(tm) Pirate Santa is made from resin and fabric then hand-painted and decorated in amazing detail. To see him up close and maybe send him to your house, Click here

Judihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16389105245242150264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16825011.post-1133299206221584412005-11-29T15:13:00.000-06:002005-12-05T23:00:57.980-06:00

I found this Santa at the same place I found the 3 Santas in a previous post. The Tiki Santa and the Cookie Jar Santa sold out already, so I have to go with Lobster Santa here or maybe Santa by the pool. My home is pretty nautical, since we sail whenever the weather on Lake Michigan allows, so I'm guessing this Lobster Santa might be the final choice. I'll edit this post to get a link to the

Judihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16389105245242150264noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16825011.post-1133298778088673402005-11-29T14:33:00.000-06:002006-11-27T12:38:31.148-06:00

If you have mail going to the North Pole, you might still be looking for Santa's address. And there's a chance you're trying to find the route Santa uses to send letters FROM the North Pole also.Here's the scoop:Most Post Offices in the USA can route letters addressed as simply as:Santa ClausNorth PoleThere is something called Operation Santa Claus, which is headquartered in NY, and Post Offices

Judihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16389105245242150264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16825011.post-1129641587686601952005-10-18T08:11:00.000-05:002005-12-05T22:57:21.413-06:00

My morning started very well - I found several really cute Santas - two that reflect the growing population of baby boomers spending their winters in warmer climates. Check these out:If you click on them, you'll go straight to the page I found them on at a Nautical store. There was also a cute little pink flamingo Christmas tree if you need a whimsical gift for Grandma, hehe.The third Santa I

Judihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16389105245242150264noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16825011.post-1128610523791625572005-10-06T09:42:00.000-05:002005-10-06T09:55:23.796-05:00

I think these nesting Santas have the cutest expressions. It must be the tilt of the head and the big eyes. I have found more really precious art dolls at this site. As soon as I decide which ones are my favorites, I'm going to make a list for the kids so they can do their Christmas shopping for my gift.They are just one example of the dozens of Santas at RussianLegacy.com, which specializes in

Judihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16389105245242150264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16825011.post-1128519359440206082005-10-05T08:25:00.000-05:002005-10-05T08:35:59.446-05:00

It's getting to be that time. I have to start clearing space in the livingroom, family room, dining room and office for the annual Santa migration. Dozens of Santas are sleeping in storage tubs in my garage, nestled in tissue paper and plastic grocery bags, waiting for that magic moment when suddenly, IT'S CHRISTMAS!I also have to find all the digital photos I took last year when I was putting

Judihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16389105245242150264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16825011.post-1127168922934944432005-09-19T17:29:00.000-05:002006-11-27T12:57:52.280-06:00

This post strays a little from the art of collecting just the right Santa figures for your home. When originally published in 2005, there was a web site that sold a Santa-was-here kit and this post had a link to it. It has since disappeared and so I came in today (Nov 2006) to bring it up-to-date.When my kids were small, I could fill out forms at the local upscale department store, pay a small

Judihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16389105245242150264noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16825011.post-1127098429986682532005-09-18T21:46:00.000-05:002005-10-18T08:10:20.216-05:00

I found this Santa at Russian Legacy which is a store I really love, but the price tag means I'll have to admire him from here.If you're an art lover (probably should have put that in CAPS considering the price), this Santa could be right for your collection. Every piece I see at Russian Legacy is truly a work of art and since I'm a little bit of an artist myself, I really want to honor that hard

Judihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16389105245242150264noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16825011.post-1126930971813198902005-09-17T01:23:00.000-05:002005-09-16T23:22:51.813-05:00

I guess this is as good a place to start as any. It's late Friday night in mid September. Summer's all but gone, the Fall season is coming on gray and wet. I have to start thinking about Christmas to keep my head in the game.I love Christmas. I used to actually make NEW stockings for all the people who would be here for Christmas EVERY year. I'm not quite that nuts anymore, but I do have

Judihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16389105245242150264noreply@blogger.com1