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Monday, November 17, 2025

The Case of the Missing Santas- A Tall Tale

 " I think someone broke into the house," I said to Mr. Pinker with a frazzled look on my face. 

"Hmm I don't think so . Why do you say that ?" he asked.  

"Well it's just not here! It's not here!"  I replied frantically as I  rummaged through the shelf. 

" Calm down, dear. Now tell me.  What is missing ? " he asked puzzled. 

                                            

"Three of my Santa cross stitches!  There is Candy Cane Sprinkles , A Cup of Christmas Cheer- Santa Mug  and Candy Canes, Holly and Evergreens !"


 " I always store them in the same place , and they are just not here, " I cried as a lump in my throat tightened and I choked back the tears.😢🥲
 

Mr. Pinker rolled his eyes. "Hmm I think I have heard this story before. Didn't you lose a cross stitch a couple of years ago, and you swore up and down a bandit had stolen it  while all along it was sitting in plain sight? "

Immediately my mind raced back to the  Case of the Mysterious Disappearance of Prim Winter Blessings in January 2022.  Do you remember that caper? 


"Hmmm I have no recollection of that ." I slyly fibbed. In my defense, I needed immediate help to have this newest case of "cross stitch abduction" solved. So what's a girl to do.  🤷

                                                     

"Are you going to help me find them?" I asked as I bit my lower lip nervously. 

 "Of course, I am, dear. I am sure they are right where you left them.  " ( Oh boy, I have heard that one before. 🙄🤣 Isn't that a Mom Quote?) 


Mr. Pinker and I looked high and we looked low. But no Santas were to be found.  

With tears in my eyes, I finally said, "I just don't think I can go on without them.  How can I  decorate my buffet while they are being held hostage by some loathsome, wily Santa loving bandit?"

Mr. Pinker just shook his head." I am sure you can put something in their place until you find them , he reasoned.

 So with my shoulders dragging and my head slumped, I went to the "she shed" and pulled out some Santa cookie jars. I soon began to put them on the buffet and added in some other stitched pieces to fill the spaces while all along my heart was aching for the kidnapped "Santas".  After working for a few moments, I paused and looked over my work.  Hmmm,  maybe a new themed buffet was developing-  Santas and Gingerbread. We shall see I thought. 


I will continue working on the Case of the Missing Santas" this week. If you hear of any word  on the streets  on any of the 3 missing Santas , let me know ASAP! Meanwhile , I may see about renting a billboard in town to get the word out. Hee! Hee!  Sniffle ! Sniffle!  I hope this case  will not be a similar to  the Case of the Lizzie Kate Summer Smalls . I stitched  one of the Summer Smalls over 7 years ago ,and it too mysteriously disappeared and is still missing to this very day. A real mystery indeed. 

Alrighty , Sweeties, I am off to put my sleuth hat on and do more detective work. Watch out for those Santa cross stitch bandits. Or as Mr. Pinker advises " Just remember where you put your stuff! " Hee ! Hee!  Sniffle ! Sniffle! 



Have a fantastic day. Love ya'! 

As Always...


Happy  Stitching and Quilting,

 y'all

Melisa 

"Seeing isn't believing. Believing is seeing. " 

Hugs and Stitches!!!!🤗🧵❤

Dedicated to my dear sister, Amy. I love and miss you so much.. Love you , Amo. 

🦃🦃🦃🦃🦃🦃🦃🦃🦃🦃🦃🦃🦃🦃🦃🦃🦃🦃 

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54 comments:

  1. Hi, 2 cups of coffee and a little time to read the last posts. Gave me some laughs. Oh I know how you feel not finding the things. Remind me that I must have a ghost in my house who hide things. Hahaha.
    Have a wonderful day,
    Gabi

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    1. LOL doesn't that always happen? When you really need something , it seems to just disappear. I am still looking for the pieces. I have my fingers crossed I will find them soon. Thank you for the sweet visit, Gabi. Hugs.

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  2. I'm sorry you can't find the cuties but I will boldly admit that I took them. Yep, they are living with me and they say "Hi". ROFLOL
    So, you either misplaced them or I have them. HMMM inquiring minds want to know. LOL
    I am very crazy about the Gingerbread cuties. They belong with the cute Santas. LOL
    Have a wonderful Monday - big silly hugs, DarleneJ

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    1. Eeeh! Well there is the culprit! Hee! Hee! Well that is ok if you have them then because I know the Santas would be in good hands . LOL. I think the Santa cookie jars are enjoying those gingerbread stitches . Can you believe my kiddos and grandkids will not eat cookies out of a cookie jar? Silly little munchkins. Oh well, at least I can decorate with them. Thank you for the giggles, Miz Darlene. Happy Happy Monday. Hugs.

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  3. I'm going through the " it was just right there!" stage🤣 always enjoy your post ❤️

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    1. LOL I think I go through that stage everyday especially with my phone. Hee! Hee! At least I am not the only one. Thank you so much for the sweet Monday visit, Helen. Have a great week. Hugs.

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  4. I know the Santas aren't at my home. Whenever I misplace something, it stays lost until after I don't need it. I'm pretty sure they'll turn up around Valentines day. Happy stitching!

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    1. LOL that is usually what happens to me , Gretchen. Yep, I wouldn't be surprised if they magically appear around Valentine's . That would be my luck. Hee! Hee! Thank you for the sweet visit and bringing a smile to my day. Hugs.

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  5. I'm sure you hid them so well that's why you can't find them.
    I'm sure they'll turn up sooner rather than later.
    Let us know how it goes...
    Hugs

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    1. LOL I don't know what I was thinking when I packed those Santas away. I must have been in a packing frenzy for I certainly hid them well . LOL Thank you for the sweet visit, Isabel. Warm hugs.

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  6. Oh No! A Santa thief! Good grief - is someone jealous of your gorgeous collection? Could it be the gingerbread men and women have banded together to make this their Christmas? Time will tell - film at 11. ;-) I sure hope you find your missing Santas - sounds like something I'd do - like buying a pattern several times because I can't find it. Keep us posted - and don't rule out Mr. Pinker - he may have something us his sleeve :-D Blessings!

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    1. Oooh that is an idea. Those jealous gingerbread men may want to take center stage. Hee! Hee! I am still searching like a hound dog. I am on a mission LOL. Hmmm Mr. Pinker ? Well just maybe. Hee! Hee! Thank you for the sweet visit, Donna. And yep I have bought the same pattern twice too. Hugs and Blessings.

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  7. Perhaps it's a Santa convention in progress somewhere??? Or........when my two were young and things mysteriously went missing we said "Brucer's got them" --an imaginary thief who lurked in secret corners of our home!! :)))) My son even drew little pictures of the "never seen" Brucer looking just like a cartoon bandit--mask and all!! Ahhh what fun days--despite the frustration of lost items....now and then Brucer re-appears here, too ....;))))
    Hope you find your missing Santas ("Now where would I go if I were a Santa in hiding" hmmmmm???) hugs, Julierose

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    1. Aaaw what a sweet memory, Julierose. I just may have a Brucer myself. The grandkiddos still cannot find the Elf on the Shelf that lives here. He has totally disappeared. Hopefully my Santas will not meet the same fate . Hee! Hee! Thank you for bringing a smile to my day. Warm hugs.

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  8. I'm sorry to admit I laughed out loud at your tale! You are hilarious. I would suspect a Santa bandit too! I sure hope you find them, I know the feeling very well. ;)

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    1. JAJJAJA lo mismo me paso a mi Linda y es que es tan simpatica melisa que me alegra cada vez que leo sus historias! jajja abrazos y mucho gusto. soy Dianet por cierto

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    2. LOL , I have gone through my cabinet and shelves 50 times and cannot find those fellas anywhere. Now where could they have gone? Gosh what a quandry. Thank you so much , Linda for the sweet visit. I am still looking high and low. Hugs and Blessings.

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  9. Oh Melisa, I hope they turn up soon. But thank you for the giggle this morning.

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    1. Aaw thank you so much, Robin. I am sure they will mysteriously reappear when I least expect it. I just hope it is before Christmas. LOL . Meanwhile the search continues. Have a great week. Big hugs.

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  10. Hope missing pieces show up soon. That's not the best way to kick off your holiday decorating.

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    1. LOL it is not, Kate nor a great start to the week. I am on a mission to find those Santas. Meanwhile it gave me a chance to change up the buffet which is a good thing. I hope you have had a great day. Warm hugs.

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  11. They will show up, but I know the feeling of something being lost. Hugs !!

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    1. Aaw thank you so much for the sweet encouragement, Annelies. It is so frustrating, but it feels good to laugh about it too. Hopefully , the Santas will return from the North Pole soon. Hugs.

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  12. It was the Grinch! Maybe if you feature him in some designs, he will give them back!?!

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    1. LOL I bet it was the ole, Grinch! Hee! Hee! Now wouldn't he be a fun one to stitch. The whole family is going to wear Grinch PJs this year. Maybe my Santas are mad and have disappeared because of that. LOL. Thank you for the sweet visit, Kathy. Hugs.

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  13. good morning missing santa Melisa.
    i have tears in my eyes for the missing Santas. i will keep a good lookout for them. if i find them i will send them your way right away. i'm so sorry about your missing santas. it makes me sad for you.
    i did print off the missing santa patterns. thank you Melisa. they are so cute. it's no wonder you are sad. they are adorable.
    how was your Sunday? you were a busy little beaver. was the nephew's party a hit? i'm sure it was.
    we got some much needed rain finally. it certainly wasn't what was anticipated, but i am very grateful for the rain we got.
    i hope you have a wonderful, blessed day Melisa.
    blessings and love are on the way to you.
    Debra Broyles
    hugs!!!

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    1. Good afternoon, dear Debra. I am so glad that you received the rain. Did it cool things down a bit? I sure hope so. I always enjoy a gentle rain as long as I do not have to drive in it. Our Sunday was good. The nephew had a wonderful celebration. He is growing way too fast. Today I have been pulling out more Christmas stuff ; I am on a mission to find those ole' Santas. LOL. I hope your week is off to a good start. I hope to spend some time at the sewing machine tomorrow- fingers crossed. Warm hugs from the holler Have a beautiful day, sweet friend.

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  14. Oh I so enjoy your posts 🎄 they always start my day with a smile 🎄(nwpaintedlady)

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    1. Aaw thank you so much, dear Sharon. I was thinking about you today when I was thrift shopping as I looked at antique potteries and dishes. I hope you are doing well. Warm hugs

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  15. Hola corazon
    Ya pusiste la alarma en la ciudad para que aparezcan los Noeles????? jajja que super simpatica esta esta entrada....pero preocupante jajja sera que NO quiere trabajar Noel este año? o simplemente esta jugando a los escondidos contigo? jajja Nada amiga a veces uno no ve lo que esta ahi, veras que te aparece cuando menos los buscas. Eso si, tomalo por las orejas una vez los encuentres jajjaja Mil besos y a seguir creando!!!! Yo también tengo mucho trabajo. Pues me faltan bordar mas de tus bordados y sabes que ? los míos los he dejado de lado ay!!!! jaja
    mil besos y abrazos con mi cariño de siempre y saludos al sr Pinker! es un santo ! jajja
    te quiero amiga
    Dianet de parchesdeamor

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    1. Oh yes, I have sounded the alarm and put an all out alert for those Santas. Hopefully, they will be home and on display soon. LOL ,But you are right, I am sure they will show up when I least expect it- I just hope it is before Christmas . Oh I am so touched that you like my little stitches, but be sure to be working on your beautiful designs. You make the cutest pieces. I am so enjoying the Halloween Potion Jar. It is adorable. I hope I finish it this week. Have a wonderful week, Sweetie. Warm hugs and lots of love.

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  16. I hope your Santas turn up soon. They are probably out having a merry ole time. I just found some of my Autumn decor this past weekend that I thought had gone missing.

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    1. Aaah well you had a bandit too? LOL. I am so glad you found your Autumn decor . Maybe you can enjoy with your Thanksgiving pieces. Hopefully my Santas will return in a jolly mood very soon . LOL Thank you for the sweet visit, Lisa. Have a fabulous week. Hugs.

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  17. Did you check in the freezer?? Don't ask how I know about those pesky freezers! fingers crossed they show up soon!

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    1. LOL , I should check there. That reminds me that my daughter misplaced the remote and her hubby found it in the freezer! Ha! Ha! Thank you for the sweet giggle, Alycia. Happy Monday. Hugs.

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  18. Oh, I do hope they turn up soon, Melisa! It's so frustrating and I think we've all been there :) Just last week I spent hours searching and searching for (what I thought was) a framed Thanksgiving finish. I, too, enlisted my husband's help--and when he asked if I was sure it was framed, something tickled my memory. Headed to my notebook of unfinished finishes and, lo and behold, there it was! In my mind, I was sure I had framed it already. I'm just glad it didn't totally disappear. Now to find a frame! Best of luck tracking down those wily Santas! ♥

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    1. Aaaw - well you know the feeling I am going through- so frustrating isn't it. I am glad you found your Thanksgiving piece. Will you fully finish it for this Thanksgiving? I like the idea of putting unfinished pieces in a notebook that is a wonderful idea. I am going to keep searching. Hopefully mine will reappear soon. Warm hugs.

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  19. We all know the feeling when things go missing, and we swear they were put away in their usual place! I'm sure they will turn up soon, cheekily smiling at you when you swoop them up with cries of joy.

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    1. Isn't that the way it always happens? Usually I put them in a certain spot. So I had to enlist hubby to look too just in case I wasn't seeing them. LOL. Hopefully they will show up soon though. Thank you for the sweet visit, Jenny. Have a blessed day. Hugs.

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  20. Melisa, I am so sorry about your missing items. I have been in your shoes so many times, especially in the past few years. My living room is my craft room, so when we are expecting company I am forced to clean up. Nine times out of ten I can’t remember where I put everything. What I do, what I am suggesting to you to do is pray to St Anthony! It works every time and I am not even Catholic! Let me know if this helps. (It can’t hurt!)

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    1. Oh thank you so much, Gail. I will certainly do that. I must have been in a packing frenzy last year because I cannot imagine what I did with them. I have migrated my crafting to the living room too so I know what you mean about cleaning up and misplacing things. I cannot tell you how many projects bags are in "hiding " now. Wheww! But it is a pleasant surprise when I find them. LOL Thank you again . You brought a smile to my day. Blessings.

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  21. I enjoyed your post - started the day with a good laugh. You tell a good story. However, I understand the frustration of missing items. Last year I reorganized and labeled the storage containers with lists of contents after each holiday and then I couldn’t find one of the storage containers - LOL. Sometimes relaxing with a cup of tea or coffee and thinking about the last time I saw/ had the item helps me to remember where I put it. Good luck on your search. Have a great evening. Alicia

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    1. Aaw thank you so much, Alicia. It sure is frustrating isn't it? I sure hope you found your storage container of holiday goodies. Usually the one that goes missing is the one you really need . Right? A cup of coffee and sitting back trying to recollect is a good idea. I have been wracking my brain as to what I did with them. I am sure it will pop in my head when I least expect it. Have a great evening. Hugs.

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  22. I hate when that happens! You put those special items in a very safe place, but where?! I hope you find your Santa stitches - they are too cute, Melisa!

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    1. LOL isn't it so frustrating when that happens? Unfortunately that happens to me all of the time. Hee! Hee! I think I must have been out of my routine ; there is no telling where I put them. But they will turn up hopefully before Christmas. Fingers crossed. Thank you for the sweet visit, Diann. Hugs.

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  23. what a lovely post.....you certainly need to get on the case and solve it.....this is very important time of year.....thank you so much for entertaining us.....loved it.....vivian

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    1. Oh yes, I am on a Santa Finding Mission! LOL . I am so puzzled, but I am sure they will magically reappear soon. At least I sure hope so. Thank you so much for dropping by to visit, Vivian. I wish you a lovely week. Hugs.

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  24. I hope your mystery is solved soon!

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    1. Aaah thank you so much, Renee. I have my best guy on the case. Hee! Hee! So hopefully those Santas will be returned unharmed and ready to spread Christmas cheer. Have a beautiful day. Hugs.

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  25. LOL you may be right, Astrid. They are wanting a change for this Christmas season. LOL. Aaah I am glad you found your knitted Santas. Don't you just hate it when that happens? Hopefully my St. Nicks will be located before long. I have my fingers crossed. Have a blessed day. Hugs.

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  26. I wonder...has the Grinch been around your house?

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    1. Hmmm Now that is what I was wondering? How dare he! LOL Hopefully, his heart will grow and return my Santas soon. Hee! Hee! Thank you for the sweet visit . I wish you the most lovely week. Hugs.

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  27. Since all 3 of the missing pieces are framed, that would be my first thought of being with some other framed pieces. Orrrr....some poor soul needed a little Christmas cheer and couldn't resist picking from your bounty. Orrr...some little woodland elf or brownie is playing games with you and they will show up in some strange place down the road. Loved the Mom reference, "It's probably right where you left it". Oh, Boy! I can hear her saying that. Hmmm...Good luck in your search.

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  28. What a cute story, although I am sad to read about the missing Santas. I hope you find them soon!

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