Today's Hot Christmas Collectibles
By Barbara Nicholson Bell
Three years ago I wrote an article on vintage Christmas collectibles, ranging from goose feather trees to delicate glass ornaments. I thought I'd update that theme by providing you with some of the better Web resources for the wonderful collectibles of today. Most of these sites carry more than those I've listed, so if you don't see what you want at one, try the others.
Collections are, of course, a marvelous aspect of holiday decorating. Setting up your village and accessorizing it with "snow", townspeople, and miniature lights can become a tradition to enjoy every year with your children. My own collection of nutcrackers grows every year, and has graced the mantel, various tabletops, and last year filled a glass-front four-shelf display cabinet. I may have to slow down on adding to the collection, however, as I am running out of display ideas!
Please let me know about your Christmas collectible traditions, and share with us how you display them and your favorite piece or memory associated with the collection!
- Christmas Past, in Denver, Colorado, is an authorized dealer of Hallmark collectibles, including ornaments, Kiddie Cars, and Merri Miniatures. Also carries Enesco and Carlton collectibles, and many retired pieces going back to 1974.
- Christmas International specializes in European collectibles, including Russian Santas and nesting dolls, German nutcrackers, Annalee and Mary Myers figures, and many others. There is a Nutcracker Collectors' club, and if you purchase a nutcracker from this shop you will receive a discount on future purchases.
- Forever Christmas, dealers in a large spectrum of collectibles, including Boyds Bears, Byer's Choice Carolers, Dept. 56, Radko ornaments, Fenton glass, Precious Moments and Polonaise glass ornaments. Some retired pieces are still available as well.
- The Spruce House, designers of well-loved collectibles such as Margaret Furlong and Lynn Haney are among the many represented by this Colorado shop. Also, a very extensive resource for Dept. 56 villages and accessories.
- The Christmas Depot claims to be the Web's largest Christmas superstore, and yes, it probably is! Operating from Bayonne, New Jersey, this site has everything covered! "With over 10,000 illustrated Christmas product listings, we offer the best selection of Christmas trees, lights, garlands, ornaments, animated figures, holiday music boxes and outdoor decorations available anywhere on the Internet."
- Simply Christmas lives up to its name. Some unusual collectibles here, such as Pipka, Charming Tails, and Celtic Christmas (including glass bagpipers and Irish pots o'gold!)
- Christmas Gifts, among the usual Radkos and Precious Moments pieces, you'll find San Francisco Music boxes, Hummel figurines, Snow Babies, and Ulbricht nutcrackers at Christmas Gifts, where "holiday shopping is in the bag!" Groan...
Have fun, collectors, adding to your collections this year. I know you'll find that something special to give as a gift or to make your own holiday very rewarding.
About the Author:
I have been a writer all my life, a collector of various interesting and old things, a traveler and an artist. More importantly, I've been a mother to four fine sons and grandmother to one very smart young lady. In these capacities and a few miscellaneous others, I've pursued a number of careers. I formerly wrote for Suite101.com on the topics Antiques & Collectibles and Design How-To (formerly, Interior Decorating for Beginners) as well as managing the Arts & Crafts section and several courses and newsletters to do with gardening, the home, and family. My articles have been gathered in two Best of Suite e-books entitled Antiques & Collectibles: The Design Periods, and The Collector's Encyclopedia, vols I & II.
Another stage in my life begins as Editor for Suite101's Home and Garden section. I can now legitimately focus on my passions for interior decorating, gardening and writing all at once!
Recently I was assigned the Health section as well. As the health of my family and myself are of utmost importance to me, I feel honored to have this responsibility. Meanwhile, if other avenues of self-expression present themselves to me, I may follow them as well. Some other very important interests include my husband Russ, Paris (and everything French), and golf.
Article courtesy of Suite101.com.
