"I Believe In Santa Claus"

by: Bobby McDonald

Go east of Sulphur Springs on Highway 11, travel through Como, and turn on the second county road to the right; wind your way down a peaceful trail to the Polly Swatsell home, secured behind a cheerful gated entrance. It isn't the North Pole, but you've probably arrived at one of the largest collections of Santa Clauses in Hopkins County.

Polly began collecting Santa Clauses some twenty-five years ago, when her children were small and continues to find joy in receiving one that is "happy," unique, and different. And, those who know Polly, can understand the "happy" part, as there is no one in Hopkins County that spreads as much happiness as Polly Swatsell. "I believe in Santa Claus all year!" declares Polly. "I think each of us are his messengers and should include the gift of giving in our daily walk in life. The Bible teaches us that it is more blessed to give than to receive, but I always find that I receive much more good out of giving something than the recipient does!"

This brightly decorated entrance leads to Polly's exquisite collection of Santa Clauses in rural
eastern Hopkins County.

"There isn't anything monetarily valuable about my collection," declares Polly. "But, Oh there are so, so many special memories that abound throughout the collection. "I have 'Dime Store' models that were lovingly given to me by my children and grandchildren that hold a more special place in the collection than porcelain models that cost much more money. It's truly the memories and thoughts that I treasure in my collection!"

Polly has written the names of the gifter and the date that they were given to her on most of the Santas in the collection. "This way, when I'm gone the kids and grandkids can know where each of them came from," declares Polly. "And, with so many, sometime I could tend to forget some of them that are so special!"

Polly Swatsell even enjoys wearing Santas through the holidays and
spreading Christmas cheer throughout the year.

This "fiber optics" Santa greets visitors to the home as they arrive.

And, on the other side of the door, these skis and ice skates make one long for a
little bit of snow for the season, or possibly Ol' St. Nick can use them if traveling
gets difficult.

"Christmas is my favorite time of the year," allows Polly. "I keep some of the Santa collection displayed all year, but bring out those that are stored away for the Christmas season and can bring life to any area of the house."

At Christmastime, this large Santa teapot greets visitors to Polly's spacious
kitchen and adds to the red and white decor.

And, these seasonal items are added to the Santa Clauses to create a festive atmosphere.

This Saint Nick is one of Polly's favorites and depicts the birth of Christ and Santa all wrapped into
one. "It reminds me that God wants us to be givers," declares Polly.

One of the newest Santas to Polly's collection is this Santa cookie jar that she
received from her "secret pal," this year.

Christmas Eve is the "big day" for Polly's family, as the children and grandchildren will begin arriving soon after breakfast and "make a day of it." "We'll eat Christmas Dinner and Christmas goodies all day, then draw to see which two family members get to read "The Christmas Story' from the Bible and 'T'was The Night Before Christmas'," states Polly. "And, once those are shared, we'll open gifts and then travel to the Pickton United Methodist Church for the Candlelight Service. That's our basic tradition at Christmas, and, of course, the most important part of it all is the sharing with family members and enjoying everyone coming home for Christmas."

Mrs. Turner, Polly's mother, is a "spry" 97 years old and will be the oldest member of the family that comes for Christmas and they range from her to the babies. "I just feel so blessed to be surrounded by my family, regardless of what day it is," denotes Polly. "Anytime someone can share five generations of a family, they are blessed!"

This Santa was added to Polly's collection by her brother, Mike, and
sister-in-law, Mickie, and holds special meaning and prominent place in the collection.

"I can spend days just looking at each of the Santas as I bring them out for the Christmas season, and reflect on the wonderful memories and the people that are represented in them," declares Polly. "In the over 25 years that the collection spans, there are many, many that have given them to me that are no longer with us, but their memories live on!"

This Santa was added to Polly's collection by her daughter, Sissy Brumley, and
her family and helps to warm the hearth of the home.

"From a genuine collector's point of view, many of my Santas would be worthless," states Polly. "But, when the children and grandchildren come home for the holidays and start remembering the Christmas that they got me a particular one at the Dime Store with money they made collecting cans, baby sitting, or mowing yards, all the special memories come flooding back to enjoy once again!"

Polly has display cases for some of the smaller Santa models that
she keeps on display all year.

This collection of Santas greets Polly in her utility room everytime she goes to wash clothes, and
brightens her day, as the represent so many cherished memories.

These Fitz and Floyd porcelain Santas are special to Polly as they were a gift from Hollie, and
they dominate the counter in a guest bathroom.

"My Santa collections helps relieve all the stress from the holiday season, when I can come home and be surrounded by the wonder and magic of the special meanings behind each one of them," declares Polly. "I can be down and blue and then be reminded of just how much I am blessed in this life!"

This beautiful, giant Santa has found his way to the top of the family
Christmas tree to preside over all the family's activities.

And, this cozy collection of Santas on a plate can be found in the entry hall to the Swatsell's home.

And, these handmade Santas hold special meaning from the special hands that made them.

When asked how many Santas she had in her collection, Polly began to "hedge." "It's been a long time since I even tried to count them, " she declares. "But, somewhere well over a thousand special memories!"

And, this cozy collection of Christmas cheer looks like the perfect place in the
entry of the Swatsell home to leave a plate of chocolate chip cookies on
Christmas Eve. Doesn't it?

The stockings are hung and the Santas are just waiting, along with Polly, for Christmas to arrive!

"I wish a Christmas blessing for everyone for this season and all year long," declares Polly. "Because, I believe in Santa Claus all year!"

"Merry Christmas from my house
to yours!!!

   ~ Polly Swatsell ~