What a catch

If this had been the only ornament I found at Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland, it would have made the trip worthwhile. I think that’s all I have to say.

Precious Moments porcelain bisque “Catch the Spirit of Christmas” 2011 penguin in pink hat fishing for present with candy cane pole

Acquired: September 23, 2011, Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland, Frankenmuth, Mich.

Number: 0954

Size: 3 inches tall

Price: $22.50

Fun on the ice

You can tell they’re having a good time by the big grins on their long pointy beaks. The ice fishing penguin looks pretty happy with the big gift-wrapped fish he’s holding.

Kurt Adler pair of skating and fishing penguins

Acquired: October 14, 2007, Christmas Past, New Hope, Pa.

Number: 0384 0385

Size: 5 and 4.5 inches tall

Price: $9.95 each

Kris Kringle, part V: Chilly Willy

These Chilly Willy ornaments really brought back some memories. He was the creation of Walter Lantz, who is more famous for his Woody Woodpecker, my favorite cartoon character. I liked Woody, not because he was any funnier than Bugs Bunny or Mickey Mouse and their friends, but because of his infectious staccato laugh and because I could do a pretty good drawing of him when I was very young. Willy probably made an impression too, though I don’t remember trying to draw him. I mentioned to Marge that the pole was broken on the fishing Chilly Willy, thinking she might have another copy. But most of the ornaments in her store are one-of-a-kind. She sought out collectibles like the Hallmark serial issues. “I’ll give it to you half off,” she said.

Fishing Chilly Willy
Acquired: Sept. 2, 2007, Kris Kringle, Scottsdale, Ariz.
Number: 0372
Size: Fishing, 4.5 inches tall; skating, 3.5 inches tall
Price: $5 (half off from $9.99)

Skating Chilly Willy
Acquired: Sept. 2, 2007, Kris Kringle, Scottsdale, Ariz.
Number: 0373
Size: Fishing, 3.5 inches tall; skating, 3.5 inches tall
Price: $6.95