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In focus: Happy ho-ho-holidays

December 20, 2019 at 1:51PM

Above: Mark Holmberg of Minneapolis sent in this vintage gem. “This Santa Claus was made by my dad’s dad — probably the handiest of handymen you’d ever meet — in 1964,” Mark says. Santa allowed Mark (in red) and his brothers Dave and Steve — all in pajamas made by Mom — in the sleigh just this once. This Santa, who is usually accompanied by reindeer, was displayed in front of Mark’s parents home until 2010. Now it’s displayed in the home of his sister, who repainted it with Grandpa in the 1980s. (The Minnesota Star Tribune)

As we patiently wait for Santa Claus to come to town, we asked readers to send in their favorite photos of the jolly old elf. And as these photos show, sometimes the anticipation — or a homemade Santa — can be just as delightful as the big guy himself.

Right: The granddaughters of Shirley Intihar, Eveleth, Minn., in 2002. Shirley captioned it: “Hang in there, Santa! Your day will get better!” (The Minnesota Star Tribune)

Friends urged Jeff Jensen of Roseville to send in this photo. He says, “I’m sure everyone thinks their grandchild is the cutest but these are mine.” (The Minnesota Star Tribune)

Jude, my 2-1/2 year old grandson, was wondering how Santa could come down the chimney if there was a fire in the fireplace... Sherry Chubb, Minnetonka, Mn 55343 (The Minnesota Star Tribune)

Far right: Sheila Langer of Medina snuck this photo as Santa stopped at her annual family gathering in St. Joseph, Minn. He “really put the ‘merry’ in our Christmas.” (The Minnesota Star Tribune)

From left: Bonnie Kamel of St. Louis Park was 5-year-old Bonnie Toberman when she caught the eye of Santa at the downtown Minneapolis Dayton’s in 1956. Friends urged Jeff Jensen of Roseville to send in this photo, taken last year: “I’m sure everyone thinks their grandchild is the cutest but these are mine.” Sherry Chubb of Minnetonka captured a moment of wonder when grandson Jude was wondering how Santa could come down the chimney if there was a fire in the fireplace. (The Minnesota Star Tribune)