When I first moved to New York City ten years ago I started doing my Christmas shopping at a local outdoor Sunday market to support local artists. I was instantly charmed by a woman in her 70s who handcrafted these beautiful Old World Santa’s and told me to pick the one that ‘spoke to me.’ Well, it turns out they’re quite chatty, and many spoke to me, so many have had to come home with me! They are now all over the world, with friends and family. Going today to see her I was like a kid at Christmas! This is still one of my most cherished Christmas traditions. The last few years she’s had some health problems, but these Santas keep her going. She’ll be up at 4am to paint them, wanting to share their magic with everyone. I’ve met her granddaughter Holly & this year her grandson and son, as she wasn’t able to come, but we did talk on the phone.I told her about how her Santa figurines inspired the Santas in my Christmas Camp movie & novel and that I brought a book for her. She said she was so pleased, but I’m the lucky one to have her inspiring Santas with me always, so I can share them with those I believe need a little Christmas magic… Merry almost Christmas!