Collecting Christmas: Book Reviews

By Barbara Nicholson Bell

There's still time to order a book or two on collecting vintage Christmas ornaments, decorations and lights, either for a gift or for yourself. These books are a sampling of what's available at Amazon.com, and ordering two or more together will give you free shipping!

Christmas: 1960-Present: A Collector's Guide, by Robert Brenner. 076431484X

This paperback from Schiffer Publishing was published in November, 2002, and is already difficult to find. If you are interested in ordering it from Amazon as a gift for the holidays, you might consider giving a gift certificate instead, so the recipient can order the book after Christmas.

Robert Brenner is a respected authority on collecting vintage Christmas ornaments, and has written other titles for Schiffer. Following upon his Christmas: 1940-1959, this volume focuses on the second half of the twentieth century, from the 1960's to the present. You'll be especially interested in his focus on the highlights of each decade in respect to the technical innovations. The values are given as current as of the time of publication. There are over 500 photos to help you identify ornaments and decorations. This is a good reference volume for collectors of modern ornaments. The list price is $29.95, although you may find a better price among the used listings.

Christmas Antiques, Decorations and Traditions, by Constance King. 1851492976

Constance King's book, published by the Antiques Collectors Club, is a little older than Brenner's volume, as it appeared in 1999. The author follows the evolution of the modern celebration of Christmas from the mid-1800's to the present. She includes traditions such as the Yule log, Nativities, angels and fairies, and the Christmas tree. Using her own collections, she relates these "modern" artifacts to their roots in ancient pagan ceremonies and medieval celebrations. Vividly illustrated, the book covers far more than just collectibles and ornaments. Amazon carries it for $27.65, and you can probably order it now and receive it by Christmas.

Pictorial Guide to Christmas Ornaments and Collectibles: Identification and Values, by George Johnson. 1574323482

You'll want to take this new (2004) edition, published by Collector Books, with you to the antiques shows and flea markets, although in its 400-page hardcover version you might decide on a backpack! This is really a directory or price guide, without much narrative. With nearly 2000 illustrations, the descriptions include size variations, manufacturer, reproduction information, rarity, and current values. There are brief notes on history as well. Available from Amazon for $20.97, with quick delivery.

Christmas Pins Past and Present: Identification and Value Guide, by Jill Gallina. 1574323490

Just about every woman of a "certain age" has at least one Christmas pin to wear during the holidays. Schroeder Publishing released Gallina's price guide in 2003, and it is a valuable reference for both Christmas collectors and jewelry collectors. Many of the major Christmas pin designers of past and present, including Trifari, Carolee, Monet, Stanley Hagler Anke, Bauer, and others are represented here. Over 400 new pins have been added to this edition, which now features over 700 of these glittering beauties in more than 325 detailed close-up photographs. There are Christmas trees, wreaths, Santas, sleighs and sleds, bells, reindeer, stockings, angels, candy canes, ornaments, candles, snowmen, and even a section on patriotic Christmas designs. A directory of Internet sites that specialize in Christmas pins is an added feature of the book, as well as a helpful bibliography and index. You can find it at Amazon.com for $13.97.

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.