From vintage cookie cutters to aluminum Christmas trees, there's something for every taste in the holiday collecting world. But we're not even close to the merry season, right? Why focus on Christmas now?
Well, you can often find bargains on vintage holiday decorations when they're not in high demand. Treating yourself to an out of season bargain hunt at your favorite flea market, antique mall or even shopping online can add a little lift to your spirits and bring back some Christmas magic right when you need it most.
And, if you're not a collector of holiday items already, starting now means you'll have a nice grouping of collectibles to display by the time December rolls around again. Clever ideas abound in this collecting niche, which makes exploring even more fun.
If you think the true meaning of Christmas has been diluted with blatant commercialism, perhaps a collection of nativity scenes would be appreciated in your home. A grouping of angel ornaments, whether old or new, can also make a striking statement when artfully hung on the seasonal garland.
For the gardener or outdoorsman, themes include items decorated with poinsettias, holly and realistic reindeer. From decorative dishes to porcelain figures, all these subjects add a touch of festive enchantment to a home when grouped in a collection.
Jewelry lovers will find holiday pins loaded with rhinestones and colorful enamel. And although sparkling Christmas tree pins get more attention than wreaths, sleighs and bells nowadays, all these adornments brighten pillows and lapels. Best of all, they don't take up much storage space.
The baker in the family can hunt for shapely cookie cutters sure to please St. Nick. Or how about vintage chocolate molds designed to shape holiday treats? And don't forget all those glorious holiday cookbooks brimming with delectable recipes.
You get the picture. Keeping the Christmas spirit alive all year long isn't as complicated as you might have thought. But where do you find Christmas items when it's not Christmas anymore?
Although your thoughts may only turn to holiday decorating and all that goes along with it after you put away the Thanksgiving leftovers, Christmas collectibles can be found all year long. You just have to train yourself to not to overlook them.
There's always shopping online. Every day of the week holiday specialty shops and auction sites offer new items to browse. These will range from the oldest German belsnickles to last season's Pez dispensers with Santa shaped heads.
Boxes of old ornaments and decorations turn up frequently at garage and estate sales as well. Older items from the '60s on back to the Victorian era are always collectible, but remember that some of those Hallmark ornaments from the '70s and '80s can be valuable as well.
Of course, you might just decide to buy what appeals to you rather than watching for valuable collectibles. That's okay, too. Each time you take a moment to admire a Christmas treasure you'll bring a little holiday delight into your day whether it's worth ten dollars or ten cents.
In antique malls, some dealers display their Christmas wares only seasonally, but others keep them out all year long. This goes for online shops as well. Always take a look, just to make sure you're not missing something that would really set off your collection.
Groups of like items work well together no matter the age. Santa figures, for instance, often mimic older styles so mixing new and vintage looks great. Take the time to peruse old postcards with holiday themes, too. These delightful collectibles tend to pop up all year round.
If you really want to get into the spirit when you get your festive haul home, create a Christmas room to house your treasures until it's time to spread them around the rest of the house. Each time you walk into this special space you'll get a little thrill. Youngsters in the family will love peeking around the corner to get a glimpse of Santa when he should be far away at the North Pole.
Packing things away all year long can be fun as well. When it comes time to decorate, I guarantee you'll pull out a few decorative collectibles you forgot about purchasing throughout the year.
So, if you've read this list of suggestions thinking, "I'll take one of each," then you're already hooked. Take the idea, fly with it and see where it takes you throughout the year.
Vintage Postcard Scan from the Collection of Pamela Wiggins
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