I have a great collection of Black Santa Claus’. Some are fat, and one is very thin, they have white beards and grey beards and I love each and every one. This year I am not adding any Santa’s to the collection. I have enough Christmas decorations for every room of the house. One of the Facebook groups that I joined focuses on Black women who decorate, and I am watching these women buy white Santa’s and paint them Black. I do not think I have the skills or the patience to paint the face and hands and not get paint on Santa’s beard or fur. Last year I bought a Black Santa pitcher at Target, one day when I can invite people over, I will use it to serve eggnog. Most of the women who are part of the group are from the south and the Santa’s of color seem to be plentiful in their area. I am out shopping quite a bit and I can’t recall seeing one Black Santa this year. I used to find them on sale at the end of the season at places like TJ Maxx and Marshalls, but not lately. Don’t the stores realize that the population in Pittsburgh is diverse? I just noticed a Black friend of mine is playing Santa Claus this year in Downtown Pittsburgh. It appears that the people who hired him get it. When I tell people, who are white that I collect Black Santa’s they look at me with a strange look and normally ask where do I find them and why would I want to collect such an item. I explain to them that the person who played Santa in our household was my mom and dad and my parents were Black. Once I explain they seem to understand. I hope the stores will understand as well and add some color to their Santa stock.
Email the columnist at debbienorrell@aol.com
Click Here to View All “Lifestyles with Debbie Norrell” Articles
For more information on POISE Foundation
Please visit www.PoiseFoundation.org
