It’s pretty kooky: a guy who’s repairing 30 plastic Santa Clauses in front of his house. 

This is what happened a month ago when I visited an exhibition in a very old town in the Netherlands, called Kampen. The guy was sitting on a camping chair with a screwdriver in his hand. He was surrounded by 30 giant Santa Clauses.

Made of plastic.

One flew around on a rocket, one dangled from a branch, and one was sleeping in a crescent moon.

How on earth is that possible, I muttered softly, fascinated.

We started talking.

The neighbors say I’m a hoarder, he whispers, a bit shy.

How so? I ask. Meanwhile, I peek through the lace curtains. 

Well, the man continues, I collect everything that has to do with Christmas. Christmas napkins, Christmas socks, Christmas potholders, Christmas glassware, Christmas tablecloths, and so on. My tiny house is filled to the brim, there is no space left.

Hmm.

I hold my breath for a few seconds. Aren’t you exaggerating? I ask, a bit confused. Because it’s only September?

Perhaps you’re right; the man smiles. But it does make me incredibly happy, he says.

I take a deep breath – of happiness. 

He reminds me a little of Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer. I feel he’s super kind and very relaxing. He is not concerned about money, fancy clothes, the latest iPhone, Squid Game or my all-time favorite: Peaky Blinders. And when he leaves to get the groceries, there are always thirty Santas waiting for him when he comes back home.

He’s a lucky guy.

After talking for half an hour, we say goodbye. I’ll be back soon, I promise. Yay! the man says. Then all my Santas will be enlightened.

On the way back home, I think about my brand new, witty friend. 

I love it. Ordinary people with surprising hobbies. Nothing complicated, just people like you and me. I recognize myself in him. The passion in which you can lose yourself completely. The bliss that seems endless.

I’m going back in December. Then I’ll bring mulled wine and we’ll continue chatting about life, hoarding, and Christmas stockings. 

Because I like people that follow their gut and don’t care what others might think. It makes life a thousand times more interesting. Off the beaten track, that’s where the magic happens.

I hope you have a lovely Sunday. Cherish every moment. Smile. Be curious. Have a chat with your neighbor who never says hi to you. He might be a passionate violinist. Or a hoarder with dozens of rolls of vintage wallpaper in the attic. Which he just happens to be about to take to the thrift store.

OMG...

Without a curious eye, life will be dull and monotonous. Look around you as if you are seeing the world for the first time. And never stop asking questions.

Do I hear a loud yes? Great! 

Oh, and start on time with your Christmas decorations.

Because seriously, it will be December before you know it.

Cheers!

PS: I hear you thinking...
I would love to take a course with Marenthe… 
Ok. Pay extra attention now, because I’ve got an important message. There’s a lot of great stuff coming up. I mean: A LOT. I can hardly sleep because I’m so excited :). I will keep you in the loop.