2002 Santons de France - Newsletter 2002

Our new web-site (www.santons.us) is now up and running. It is 99% complete. Many hours of work over the past year, by my son Joe, has resulted in a beautiful, brand new format. Because we are English speaking Americans we decided it would be a big advantage for all concerned to interpret the characters names into English. We don’t want to loose the French, just make it easier for lovers of the French Santons who do not speak French to better understand what they are ordering. Let us know if you have any problems or suggestions to make it even better.

This year we are offering a great special for your santon collection. We have selected the advent Mary and Joseph as a featured gift set for the season of 2002. Attractively boxed, they are ready for giving. A description of the special is listed under “2002 Special” on this web site. Don’t forget to give your color choice when ordering. We continue to offer the “Holy Family Gift Set” at a special savings.

There are 4 new figures this year. Monsieur Carbonel, now in his mid- nineties must be very interested in the women from Arle! This year he introduces a seated version of the “Young Woman from Arle” and a “Combined Seated Young and Elderly Woman” also from Arle. The third creation new for 2002 is “Marin” or “Sailor” in English. These figures are only available in #2 elite. In the #3 grand size the latest figure is “Femme Tambourinaire” a woman drummer. There are no new figures in the #1 cricket size.

In my search for books and stories about Santons, written in English, I came across two additional books this year: “The Christmas Donkey” Written by Alta Halverson Seymour for ages 8 to 11, is a story about an 11 year old boy who wants to buy his Grand’maman a donkey for Christmas. Donkeys cost a great deal and Michael was short of money, but he had plenty of courage and determination - and he wasn’t afraid to work. Find out how “santons” help him accomplish his dream. “The Santons go to Bethlehem” By Helen Hill and Violet Maxwell. This hard cover book is a collection of old Provencal folk songs with accompaniments. They are put together with verses, pictures, and music to make a beautiful Christmas pageant and an unusual song book. These two books are out of print. At times they can be found on the internet. If you have a great desire for one and are not able to use the internet we will help you find one.

There are still a few copies of “Painted Saints” and “The Twelfth Night Santons” books available from our shop. Call or email if you would like more information.

Unfortunately this was not the year to go to France. We are hoping to go again in the fall of 2003. Even better, maybe to the Santon Fairs in November. It will be a different experience this time now that the Euro has replaced the Franc! What do we do with our Francs?

We look forward to assisting you in you purchases to add to your collection, start a new collection for a friend or family member, or add to someone elses collecion. Remember to order early to avoid the rush and get the best selection.

From the Home of Santons in the U.S.A.

Betsy-