Being a Puppeteer since I was a young boy, but now grown and no longer doing shows, I decided to apply my creative abilities to the art of the doll. Santas were a perfect subject choice since Christmas was just around the corner.

Each year when I was little, my grandmother would tell a story about “the Old Guy” who came to her farmhouse each Christmas Eve. They called him Belsnickle. He carried a bundle of switches for those kids who misbehaved, and a bag of toys and goodies for the good ones. We knew him as Santa.

For my first doll show, I made ten Belsnickles. It was a one-day show and I hoped if lucky, I might sell two or three Santas. I was lucky, and sold all ten before the doors opened. My luck continued that day, for I took fifty-three orders, each with a deposit of twenty-five dollars. It took me more than a year to complete them all. I called each customer to keep them posted of my progress.

Much to my surprise and without intention, I had created a collector item, and have customers who have adopted up to fourteen of my little guys.

My Old World Santas hold small animals, ride large ones, push sleighs, drive antique cars and even sit in a human size skate. They hold wreaths, rocking horses, teddy bears, candy canes and dolls.

One Thing I am proud of, my Santas appeal to both the man and the woman, and I enjoy watching a couple trying to decide which one they will take home with them.

But my greatest pleasure comes from customers returning to my booth to tell me of the many, many years they have enjoyed having one of my little guys.

— Hugs, Bob Cunningham