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The stockings were hung by the chimney with care in hopes that Saint Nicholas soon would be there but for Don Fisher once the stockings and the decorations are put away his love for Santa continues.

 “I want everyone to see the gentleness of Santa Claus and the beauty of the eyes is what really, what usually catches my eye,” said Fisher.

Fisher has been collecting Santa’s for the last 20 years.  He’s intrigued by the eyes and how children believe in the jolly old elf simply by looking into them.  Whether you still believe or not Fisher hopes his collection will bring back memories of the magic.

“From young children to 80 years old or more that they can see something that they remember about their childhood Christmases and the Santa that looks right back at them and the fond memories they have,” said Fisher.

Fisher bought 27 Santas the first year he started collecting but didn’t stop there.  The Santas quickly overtook his home and many were first on display at Bob’s Candy Company.  Now Santa Claus, Kris Kringle, and old Saint Nick are all on display at Thronateeska Heritage Center from November through the end of the year.

 “Well presently we have probably close to 2,000 out but there are probably another 1,500 to 2,000 that we have in storage,” said Cathy Flore, archive and collections manager at Thronateeska.

Fisher calls himself a scavenger and collects year round from yard and estate sales.  But his favorite Santas come out of hiding in the closets of friends and family.