Tags: Furniture, Games and Hobbies
By Anna Valmero
PARANAQUE CITY, METRO MANILA—Every Christmas, visiting relatives and friends of Socorro Martinez-Bordalba are welcomed by her happy army of Santa Claus figurines that are placed on every corner of her humble abode.
Over the last 20 years, Tita Enggay, as she is fondly called, has accumulated over 400 pieces of Santa Claus figurines from her travels here and abroad and as gift from visiting relatives and friends.
“When I was a kid, we don’t have much Christmas decorations at home and I have always wanted a Santa Claus figurine because that plump old man seems to remind me to always be happy and be ready to share love during Christmas. That is why I collected Santa Claus figures when I grew up,” said Tita Enggay.
When she was a kid, Tita Enggay learned early that Santa Claus is the embodiment of taking joy in sharing love when she saw one midnight that her parents were putting candies and toys in her Christmas socks.
This is also the reason why she loved the figure even after finding out that the man in red was only an imaginary figure.
As early as October, Tita Enggay started arranging her collection to adorn every corner of her two-storey home in Southbay Gardens. The Santa Claus figures are a central decoration at this home much like the nine-feet tall Christmas tree in their sala.
Tita Enggay also loved the idea that Santa Claus, although imaginary, was inspired by Saint Nicolas of Myra, who was known for giving gifts to the poor.
According to this website, Saint Nicolas was from a wealthy family but his parents died in an epidemic when he was young. He became a bishop and gave his inheritance to the poor. He was often depicted in paintings to sport a long white beard, referring to the long white beard that Santa Claus is known for.
Her collection includes Santa Claus figures in different sizes and costumes, one was even dressed as a farmer with checkered Chino, red pants and scarf while carrying the gifts in two rattan baskets hanging from a long stick balanced at his shoulders.
The most prized in her collection are Santa Claus figures handcarved from different darkwoods “because of the extra ingenuity put by the artists in making them,” said Tita Enggay.
“I hope parents teach their kids about the spirit of giving that Santa Claus personifies—that we can be Santa Claus also for others even if we do not wear a red jumpsuit and an elfin hat,” said Tita Enggay.
Related stories:
For vacationers, how to fly hassle-free this Christmas break
Shopping for Christmas decors in Quiapo is fun and affordable
Tips on proper use and handling of Christmas lights
The right time to tell your kids about Santa Claus
Beauty and Hygiene Child Health and Growth Clothing Consumer Electronics Consumer Goods and Concerns Family Family Health Concerns Fashion Footwear Furniture Games and Hobbies Health issues Home Appliances Household Care and Cleanliness Household Products Internet Mobile Lifestyle Parenting Personal Finance Pets Physical Wellness Religion Spa and Massage Special Occasions Spiritual Wellness Technology Industry Toys
WP Cumulus Flash tag cloud by Roy Tanck and Luke Morton requires Flash Player 9 or better.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
