Variety

In focus: Happy ho-ho-holidays

December 20, 2019 at 1:51PM
This Santa Claus was made by my dad's dad -- probably the handiest of handymen you'd ever meet -- in 1964. Santa has graciously allowed us in the sleigh. (Probably the only time ... ever.) Ordinarily, he's attached to the inside of the sleigh, and the sleigh is further pulled by four of the eight tiny reindeer and Rudolph (who has a blinking red Christmas tree light as his nose). This photo was taken in 1964. From left to right -- me, brother Dave, and brother Steve, all in pajamas my mother mad
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.


Hang in there, Santa! Your day will get better! These are my precious granddaughters in 2002. Shirley Intihar, Eveleth, Minn.
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)
I read something in the Star Tribune a while back about a request for Santa photos. I couldn't find the original information but a friend of ours suggested I should send these to you. I'm not sure what was supposed to accompany the photos and I'm sure everyone thinks their grandchild is the cutest but these are mine. Jeff Jensen,XXXX
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
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)
This Photo was taken in St. Joseph, MN and features a local Santa who arrived at our annual family gathering and delighted believers young and old. He really put the "Merry" in our ChristmasII Sheila Langer, Medina
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)
Bonnie Kamel, St. Louis Park Bonnie Toberman at 5 years old making eye contact with Mpls. Downtown Dayton's Santa 1956.
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)
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