There is something about a wooden Santa that instantly makes a room feel like Christmas. Maybe it's the natural grain of the wood, maybe it's the hand-painted rosy cheeks — or maybe it's the feeling that someone took the time to make it by hand. In our small workshop in Maine, every Santa is carved and painted one at a time, so each one has its own little personality.
Here are seven easy, cozy ways to decorate with wooden Santas this holiday season.
1. Line them up on the mantel
The mantel is the natural home of a wooden Santa. Place a few little wooden Santas at different heights, then add a garland of fresh or faux greenery, a few pinecones and some candles. The warm tones of the wood pair beautifully with the soft light of candles or string lights.
2. Create a holiday village on a shelf
Mix Santas with small wooden Christmas trees to build a little winter scene on a bookshelf or sideboard. A bit of cotton or white felt makes a quick snowy base. It's a decoration children love to rearrange every day until Christmas.
3. Make them the centerpiece of your holiday table
A wooden Santa and a tabletop tree in the middle of the table, surrounded by greenery and a few red berries, make a simple centerpiece that doesn't block the conversation. Unlike fresh flowers, they'll look just as good on New Year's Eve as on Christmas Eve.
4. Welcome guests on the porch
Our pieces are painted to be enjoyed indoors or outdoors, so a wooden Santa can greet your guests by the front door, next to a lantern or a basket of pine branches. A rustic wooden Santa on the porch sets the tone before anyone steps inside.
5. Brighten a windowsill
A windowsill is the perfect spot for a single Santa: he's seen from inside and from the street. Add a small tree beside him and a string of warm lights for a cozy glow on winter evenings.
6. Hang a Santa on the tree
Santas don't have to stand — they can hang too. A wooden Santa head ornament adds a cheerful farmhouse touch to the tree, a wreath, a garland or even a gift box.
7. Give one as a gift
A hand-painted wooden Santa is a gift that comes out of the box year after year. Many of our customers send us photos of their Santas sitting next to family heirlooms — you can see some of them on our customer photos page. If you'd like to offer several pieces at once, the Christmas set brings a selection together, ready to give.
A little tip to keep them looking their best
When the holidays are over, dust your Santas gently with a soft dry cloth and store them in a box in a dry place. That's all they need to be ready for next Christmas.
Ready to start your own collection? Discover all our handmade wooden Christmas decorations, carved and hand-painted in Maine. Delivery is free on orders over $20.