Crystal Kittles of Somerdale, New Jersey, is an avid collector of Black Santas.

Kittles started when her first husband gave her a Black Santa as a housewarming present. Now, over 20 years later, she boasts a wide assortment of St. Nicks, ABC 6 Action News reports.

"From that time on, family and friends began to buy them for me," Kittles said.

"First year I moved into the home, I was out shopping, and I came across this one. And I thought, 'Oh my God, I've never seen a Black Santa Claus. I thought it was just so unique and so nice to see a Santa Claus of the same color," Kittles said.

Although her first husband passed away and she has since remarried, Kittles remains committed to adding to her collection with the help of family and friends.

Some of the most distinctive Santas include one that plays the saxophone, a Malibu Beach Santa, a hip-hop Santa, and a massive 6-foot-tall Santa figurine.

"So many different ones, but I've never taken the time to count them. To me, it's not always about the gifts. It's just about the gathering, just seeing each other enjoying each other," she said.

Once every two years, Kittles unveils her collection to local community members during a house gathering. Serving as a holiday tradition, children of friends and Kittles' grandchildren experience a day brimming with Christmas music, holiday treats, and festive decorations.

"I would have the church members come out, and they can bring their children, their grandchildren. We just sit back and enjoy the spirit of the holiday," Kittles said.

She is an educational assistant for the Cherry Hill Schools, and she said she believes her collection of Black Santas serves a greater purpose by displaying representation. She added that the collectibles serve as a reminder that "I can be anything. I can be anyone."

Isaac Ware said his mother's bevy of Black Santas has positively influenced his young daughters.

"It's great to have that tradition and something that we're able to share with them and the representation it brings for them to see someone who looks like them. It can be shared amongst everybody. Santa is for everyone," he said.

Kittles, who had breast cancer, said she wants to inspire more children with her multitude of Black Santas in order to help them embrace the spirit of Christmas.

Crystal-Kittles

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