Thanks to technology, Santa is watching the goings-on at his cozy little namesake museum in Columbus, Texas. There, on display, are several thousand eye-catching likenesses of the jolly old elf lovingly collected from all over the world. Come along and I’ll give you a preview.
A Little Background
This special Christmas season destination opened in 1990 after a delegation of the good people of this Central Texas town (population 3,587) approached the Chief of Christmas Cheer with a proposal. Because it wasn’t practical for all believers to travel to Santa’s home base at the North Pole, would he support their desire to share with the public the immense Santa collection amassed by a local woman?
You could have heard Santa’s enthusiastic reply from here! He characterized the idea as brilliant. Not only was he flattered that a permanent museum would carry his name, but he had heard the buzz about Mary Elizabeth Youens Hopkins’ vast personal Santa collection.
What’s more, Santa got a little misty-eyed. No longer would collectibles paying tribute to his effort to infuse the world with the Christmas spirit each December be packed away gathering cobwebs for 11 months each year. No sir, in Columbus, Texas, Santa Claus could count on this permanent display.
More good news! A few years after the Santa Claus Museum started, two Columbus couples, Elaine and Merrill Luman, and Neva Lou and Al Hubenak, raised their hands. They, too, had extensive collections to donate. Thus, the clever displays in the homey cottage grew to accommodate these new additions. As we believers know, when it comes to Santa, the more the merrier.
Come In, Come In
See You There?
I haven’t told you about the Coca-Cola memorabilia and lots of other fun stuff, so come and see it yourself. On Fridays and Saturdays from Dec. 1-17, the Santa Claus Museum, the only one of its kind in the southern U.S., will be open. Drop by 604 Washington Street in Columbus, Texas, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
For the first time, the museum will also put out the welcome mat daily from Dec. 19-23 and Dec. 26-30. Admission is free, although donations are gratefully accepted. Santa will be visiting too!
If your Christmas travels won’t reach this endearing South Central Texas destination, visit online at https://santamuseum.org/.
There’s Great Excitement
The Columbus Santa Claus Museum is expanding! That means when Christmas 2023 rolls around, there will be even more to admire. What was Santa’s reaction to the big news? He’s taking it in stride. After all, Christmas is all about magic and nowhere is that more evident than in Columbus, Texas.
And remember, Santa is watching.
* * *
More Memories
- Thanksgiving Arrived Early for This Author - November 17, 2023
- You Don’t Know What You’re Missing - November 3, 2023
- Alberta Cattle Roundup Memories - October 20, 2023
Thank You Elaine. As you know, we have the snow in decent amounts here in your “Old Country” and it is almost certain to be a “White Christmas.” The scene is set, the magic that is the season can now unfold and after his visits around the globe the Old fellow himself is almost ready to go back home just to make sure the elves have done their stuff. Then that all encompassing journey to drop in on sleeping children everywhere.
What memories of my childhood there are as we hurried home from Church with mum during the war in order to be asleep before he came. Mum would keep us moving through the darkened streets on that long walk home by reminding us that unless we were good there would be no stocking filled. Of course, there were few if any toys but I seem to remember an orange, a few nuts and a small (extra) bag of sweets in the foot of one of our own clean socks – probably darned by mum to ensure that nothing fell out. It was still magic and a wonderful respite from the reality of early1940’s in England. How very different from the magic of the 21st Century.
Malcolm, what a delightful description of your memories of Christmas as a child in England! Thank you so sharing. Yes, the early 1940s of the war years is a far, far distant time from our 21st Christmas celebrations. I hope you find special joys this year!
I didn’t know about this, but I love Santa, too! I have a collection. It’s certainly not massive, but it brings me great joy!!! Enjoyed your coverage.
Merry Christmas to you and yours, Elaine. 🎅
I’m so glad you enjoyed the Santa Claus Museum collection. I’m sure when you pull yours out every Christmas, you feel joy!
What a lovely find! We were wondering what to do tomorrow afternoon and now we know! How great to have such a fun place nearby! Christmas Joy to all!
I hope you enjoy your visit, Lemae! Can’t wait to hear if any of the dazzling variety of Santas stir your memory!
Thanks for pointing this out! I’ll have to visit. (The eyes on the Youens Hospital Santa are a little creepy, though! LOL)
LOL, perhaps it was this photographer’s angle that made the hospital Santa look a little startled! When you visit, you’ll have to check out your concern!
Thanks for sharing this.I’m thinking a Columbus outing would be worthwhile. Hmmm, wonder if there’s room for a few more Santas.
I am looking forward to another visit to the Santa Claus Museum because there’s so much to see! It’s also fun to watch the awe of little believers. I’m so glad there’s no charge at Christmastime because it makes a visit financially possible for all – young and old. Sorry to say the museum only accepts Santas from local Colorado County folks, though!