Ornament Review: Santa's Happy Helper - A Year of Disney Magic #5 - 2014 Hallmark Ornament

Stars: 5 out of 5

Pros: Warm and friendly looking Mickey decked out for the holiday

Cons: Tips back a bit but still looks good in that position

The Bottom Line:

Hey there, Ho Ho Ho

Jolly Mickey as Santa

Fun decoration

Mickey is Ready to Take on His Role as Santa’s Happy Helper This Year

I didn’t track the numbers either year, but I would think that the December ornament from last year’s Peanuts series and this year’s A Year of Disney Magic would be the most popular from either series.  Why?  Obviously, those collecting the entire series would want it, but additionally, those who just like cute Christmas ornaments would want to get it.  I mean, who wouldn’t want to buy Santa's Happy Helper?

For that matter, can you believe we are five months into the series and just now getting Mickey?  He does have three appearances in the series, and this is the first one.  Since he’s being Santa’s helper this year, he’s decked out in a red Santa suit and hat.  Slung over his back is a green toy bag with a red patch on it.  He’s got one hand raised in the air, and he’s smiling warmly.

And that’s what makes this ornament so appealing.  Mickey is obviously enjoying himself, and that just makes you want to smile back at him.  He looks very good in the Santa suit, too.  When you consider how jolly both Santa and Mickey are, it’s like Mickey was meant to play this part.

Unfortunately, the balance on this ornament is off, but it’s not that bad.  When you slip a hanger through the loop between Mickey’s ears, you find he tips back some, but this is a base where he still looks fairly straight.  You’ll only notice if you really look closely.  This is especially true if you are using the optional Mickey Head Stand Hallmark sold back in July and put Mickey in the last spot.  The base of snow he is on is big enough that is hits the side of the stand, which actually helps prop him just a little straight.  I’m sure you can do a similar thing if you hang him on your tree.

Speaking of that base, it is perfectly flat on the bottom, so Mickey as Santa can be used in any display you want to include him in.  You’ll also find the 5 in a Christmas tree, Hallmark’s series symbol, on the bottom.  And honestly, without this base, you’d never know Mickey wasn’t hanging straight.  That’s how well the sculpt works in either position.

Whether you hang it or set it out, Santa's Happy Helper is a fun ornament to enjoy as part of the yearlong Disney series of as a special Christmas decoration.  Really, how can you go wrong?

What could be more magical than the entire Year of Disney Magic?

Original Price: $12.95