Who: Anita Moeggenberg, 44, a decorative painter and Santa Claus fanatic.

        What: A collection of what she estimates to be more than 700 Santas.

        Where: Throughout the Mason home she shares with husband, Dave and their one-eyed cocker spaniel, Tella.

        Jolly old elf: “I don't know exactly how many Santas I have,” she admits. “My last count was several years ago and there were 500. Since then, I've kept on buying. So, my best guess is over 700.”

        Down through the chimney: “The first Santa Claus I bought was one that sits in a car,” she recalls. “That was back in 1977 at an auction. I'd say that was the beginning of an out of control collection!”

        “Since then,” she continues, “I have found them anywhere and everywhere. But most of my Santas come from friends and family. That's one of the great things about being a collector. People are never at a loss as to what to give me.”

        Lots of toys and goodies: Mrs. Moeggenberg's friends certainly come through. For example, two of them bought her 40 Santas each to commemorate her 40th birthday.

        “It was great,” she recalls. “They came up with all sorts of things like soap, ornaments, toys, and figurines. Needless to say, I had a Christmas theme party, and my birthday is in June.”

        Bearded one: “I also like to look for Santas when we go on vacation,” she says. “That's my thing. It just makes my trip when I can bring back another Santa. So, I have them from everywhere we've been.”

        Oops! Mrs. Moeggenberg has been known to go overboard in her pursuit of the jolly old elf.

        A few years ago, on a boating trip on the Muskingum River, she decided to visit the White Pillars Christmas House in Zanesville. “I didn't realize it was as far away as it was,” she laughs. “The taxi bill ended up being something like $70. I didn't realize it would be that expensive.”

        Up on the housetop: In addition to the Santa Claus collection inside the house, the Moeggenberg's festoon their home with between 25 and 30 thousand lights. This includes five lit Santas in the front yard. They begin decorating around Halloween and by Thanksgiving, they are ready to flip the switch. Their display stays up until after the first of the year.

        “Most people think I have a Santa Claus problem,” she says. “And, they're right, I do. But, I can't think of any two words that evoke more magical memories.”

        Looking for something to entertain the kids? The Moeggenberg's are hosting a fund-raiser to benefit Habitat for Humanity next Sunday, from 5 p.m.-9 p.m. It is open to the public and guests are invited to visit Mr. and Mrs. Claus in their charmingly decorated backyard gazebo. Guests are asked to make a donation. This is the second year for the event. The Moeggenberg residence is at 8485 Timber Lane in Mason. Telephone: 398-4889.
       

        Share your prize possessions with Marsie Hall Newbold by mail: c/o The Enquirer, Tempo, Prize Possessions, 312 Elm St., Cincinnati, OH 45202; or e-mail: marsolete@aol.com.
       

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