Donna Helm’s Santa collection is so extensive, she says she can understand how some might see it as ridiculous, but like she said, “Anybody that knows me, knows I’m a jolly nut.” (Photo by Wes Ferguson)
by WES FERGUSON
Donna Helm owns so many Santas, her husband calls her the Santa hoarder.
Come Christmastime, her house in Mountain City is packed with more than 200 figurines, dolls, plates and knickknacks of St. Nick – not including all the Kris Kringles on her Christmas tree.
“It’s a little bit ridiculous and a little bit fun,” she said.
Santa on a tractor. Santa in the tub. Cowboy Santa and Indian Santa. There are more than 80 of them on her mantel, and 14 Santa cookie jars in her dining room.
Why so many Santas?
“I think because it’s cheerful. I think because it’s fun,” said Helm, a retired schoolteacher. “Anybody that knows me, knows I’m a jolly nut.”
Former students at Kyle Elementary School might remember Helm as the “pink lady,” because that’s the color she wore to class most days. Helm said she’s one of those people who can’t help but collect things.
“It’s like that TV show ‘Hoarders,’” she said. “I think I’d have been a drug addict or a gambler if I’d ever gotten started. I’m a bit obsessive.”
Steve, her husband of 37 years and a former Hays CISD trustee, didn’t disagree.
“You’re a Santa hoarder,” he said.
Helm’s first Santa was a plate her father made while attending Southwest Texas State College in the 1950s. Her obsession lay dormant for decades, until it was awakened by the sight of Santa decor at a friend’s home a few years ago.
“Then I went kind of nuts,” she said.
After buying fat Santas, skinny Santas, Aggie Santas, tall Santas, ceramic Santas, wood Santas, dancing Santas, pillow Santas and statue Santas, she added, “I think I’m about done collecting. I’m just picking them up here and there.”
