Hello!
When we became parents for the first time in November of 2008, a dear friend of mine, and fellow adoptive mama, gave me an incredible gift. Actually, gifts. She had been purchasing African American Hallmark ornaments for years in preparation for adopting. She and her husband chose to adopt from Vietnam, and she gave me her collection of ornaments.
That year, our baby's first Christmas, we loving hung each ornament on the tree, the melanin glowing, nested among the sparkly tree lights. This started our obsession with finding Christmas decor that reflects our children.
Christmas is our absolute favorite holiday. There's something magical about Jesus' birth, warm cookies, gift buying and wrapping, listening to holiday music, matching pjs, and getting together with family and friends. The hustle and bustle, juxtapositioned with holy peace, is sacred and beautiful. Christmas really is the most wonderful time of the year.
It wasn't easy to find representation matters Christmas decor at first. We'd find the occasional Black Santa, tucked into a corner shelf in a store among a sea of white Santas, angels, and nativities. But as the years passed, we've spotted representation everywhere: on cards, in figurines, in children's books, on ornaments, pillows, art, and so much more. There are also more opportunities to take our children to visit Black Santa.
I'm so thankful that now, more than ever before, there are more options for my family and especially my children. They deserve to see themselves reflected in Jolly Old St. Nick, Santa Claus, Kris Kringle, Father Christmas, or whatever your family chooses to call him.
One evening, I was playing a game with my kids when an idea hit me. Why not create a place where everyone can discover and enjoy our favorite holiday finds? I frantically grabbed a notebook and wrote down all my ideas, well into the night and early morning.
My hope is that what we share brings your family as much joy as it does mine. You can find Black Santa Joy on Facebook and Instagram. If you'd like to follow our family's adventures, join us on other Facebook and Instagram accounts. We love Black Santa SO much that we included a poem about him in our children's poetry book!
For inquries about sharing your product, please e-mail me: blacksantajoy@gmail.com Shop our holiday recommendations here.
We are so thankful for you! 'tis the season, friends!
xo, the G fam
