No, we’re not decorated for Christmas year-round. There’s actually a story behind this piece of holiday decor. My grandfather was one of Santa’s helpers, because in the busy lead-up to the holiday season, of course, Santa can’t be everywhere all at once. For years, he dressed in his Santa suit for a grand “Santa Arrival.” One year he came aboard a circus calliope. Another he was riding in a Conestoga wagon. And another time, he arrived in an antique fire truck. One of his more crazy ideas to delight visitors was to land beside the store in a hot air balloon. Due to some wind in the area, the balloon ran off course and landed high in the trees in Michaux State Forest, just down the road. The story made international headlines: “Santa crashes in forest in hot air balloon.”
Years later, we were at an auction looking for unique display pieces for the store. His attention immediately fell on a hot air balloon, thinking it would be a fun addition to the high ceiling of our store. When it went up for sale, he raised his hand high, never bringing it down, so he could be sure to win the bid – it really didn’t matter how much he had to pay. He wanted that hot air balloon. After the gavel dropped and the sale was made, we started examining the balloon, hoping there was a basket. You see, all we could see was the top part of the balloon. But wait! There were things inside! As we unwrapped it in the warehouse, we found a basket. We found some antlers and reindeer. What? Why? Then, oh my goodness! Out comes a Santa! What a perfect find! We knew this had to be a centerpiece in our store to remember the time Santa crashed into the forest.