It all began in 1965, when one-year-old Bridget Vernon received a giant Christmas Mickey Mouse with a Santa standing beside it as a gift from her uncle Floyd. Now, at age 57, Bridget owns over 2,000 different Santas in many distinct shapes and forms. Some are as tall as she is, while others are as small as fridge magnets.
“They take up at least a room and a half upstairs,” Bridget laughs.
Her collection consists of signs, framed pictures/drawings, snow globes, statues, busts, lights, clocks, dolls, and many more. Some are cute, some are unusual, and some are downright creepy. One of Bridget’s favorites includes a music box her grandmother gifted her at age 12. Some of these Santas stay out all year long, like her framed Santa fruit label. Bridget has a Santa sitting on a wagon with elves, a tree, and presents underneath that happens to be very rare and means a lot to her as a staple in the collection.
Bridget’s grandmother loved Santa Claus and would always gift her granddaughter with trinkets related to the jolly saint. As her collection of Santas slowly started to grow, at age 14 she started taking the hobby seriously. Bridget would look for Santas out at yard sales, flea markets, auctions, and thrift stores. She also asked for Santas on her Christmas list. Bridget’s son and boyfriend continue to be on the lookout for Father Christmas so they can add to Bridget’s collection.
This Santa collection, while Bridget is the owner, represents more than her personal collection. As time went on, the community started to take notice of Bridget’s Santas. Bridget worked at Big Lots for 16 years and had customers come in and bring her Santas all the time. Her experience working at the local Dollar General and McDonalds throughout her life have also connected her with folks in the community, many of which have contributed to the collection.
“It just makes me feel good. I’ve just always liked Santa Claus, and with my grandmother, Santa was a big deal in our house. It just brings back a lot of good memories,” Bridget says. “Santa just brings a lot of good cheer to people. He was a saint.”
Bridget’s Santa interest stems past the unique adornments, as she has many books about the fabled Kris Kringle. She takes an interest in how he’s changed over time and how he is celebrated in different cultures. Her favorite Christmas song, as one would expect, is “Santa Claus is Coming to Town.” Her favorite Christmas movie is Disney’s “One Magic Christmas,” where a Christmas angel tries to get a disheartened adult to believe in Santa.
The holidays have always meant a great deal to Bridget and her family, as each year the joy surrounding the season brings loved ones together. The season is a time for family, good food, and giving, according to Bridget. Santa represents that joy for her.
“You’re never too old to believe in Santa,” Bridget says.