Santa sleeping while looking over his list of names and the elf is putting the finishing touches on a wooden toy. Photo provided
Children watching Santa through the window.
Photo provided
Santa making a wooden toy.
Post photo by Patty Blackburn
The Spirit of Santa
By Patty Blackburn
For years, Santa’s spirit has brought joy, kindness, and giving into homes during the Christmas season. Now that same spirit lives on through a man who continues the tradition his father began years ago.
Ted Baldwin was a magnificent woodcrafter whose craft brought joy to many children. His shop was transformed into Santa’s workshop every December. He cut and constructed wooden toys such as cars, trucks, boats, airplanes, jeeps, high chairs and tree ornaments while children stood outside and watched through the window. Ted passed away in 2007, and his son Wayne, is continuing his father’s legacy by making the same toys and continuing the spirit of Santa. The business is
Ted E Bear Toys. Wayne does not portray Santa to sell the wooden toys- he enjoys being Santa where children can feel the wonder and warmth of Christmas through Santa’s spirit.
Wayne Baldwin, Santa, lives at 2080 Old Farmington Road and is open every Friday and Saturday, starting the first weekend in December, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Only two weekends remain to stop by Santa’s shop which is located behind his house and the Christmas lights lead the way to the shop. This shop also has a “magic window” for the children to press their noses to and watch Santa construct the wooden toys. He even has an elf or two helping him and children adore them.
Several weathered clocks are on the shop’s walls with their steady ticking filling the air. One clock follows Central Savings Time and another is set to North Pole Time, reminding visitors of the magic beyond our world. Most children do not notice this, but parents do. Quite unbelievable!
Children are welcome inside, allowing them the opportunity to get a closer look at the toys. A wood burning heater fills the shop with warmth, chasing away the chill, as Santa sits in his rocking chair and tells stories he has written. Two of his favorites that he recites to the children are, “How Reindeer Can Fly” and “How Santa Found Elves.” The children tell him what they want for Christmas as they huddle close, full of excitement. As the children leave, Santa gives them a wooden ornament and a candy cane. Each year, the ornaments are a different design and the year is stamped on each of them. This year’s ornaments are beautifully handmade, wooden, rocking horses, full of old fashioned charm. The children leave filled with Santa’s spirit and anticipation for Christmas Day to arrive.
Wayne and his wife, Ann, take part in craft shows, where they sell the handmade wooden toys and crafts. Wayne also has an exhibit showcasing several of his wooden toys and ornaments at the Marshall County Art Guild.
As long as the Christmas lights light the pathway to Santa’s shop and children’s laughter is heard, this tradition will live on, reminding everyone that Santa’s spirit still lives.