ABC’s of Christmas Collectibles
From Advent Calendars to Wreaths, and More
Millions of celebrants spending millions of dollars make Christmas a bonanza for collectors.
Advertising- manufacturers pull out all the stops in their Christmas advertising campaigns. Probably the most successful of all time was the Coca-Cola campaign of 1931, in which artist Haddon Sunblom gave us the rosy cheeked, fur and velvet clad Santa Claus we know today. Collectible advertising includes ads from publications, special edition tins and packages, store displays, die-cuts, and advertising postcards.
Advent Calendars-the first one was printed in 1908, and since their introduction, have been made of paper, cardboard, wood, and fabric.
Books-look for vintage, well preserved copies of illustrated children’s books, especially those illustrated by Frances Brundage (1854-1937), Kate Greenaway (1846-1901), Richard Doyle (1824-1883) and Tasha Tudor (1915- ) Twas the Night Before Christmas is probably the best known, but other popular volumes include early Christmas Cookbooks, and, of course, handsome editions of A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens.
Candles & Candle Holders-always a big part of holiday decorating, from figurals to geometrics, both candles and candle holders are available in an almost infinite variety of vintages, materials and price ranges.
Cards and Postcards-the first Christmas card was created by Henry Cole of London in 1843, and people have been sending Christmas greetings via post ever since. The most beautiful and highest quality cards were produced from 1890-1930, and these are avidly sought by collectors.
Candy Containers-the most collectible of these are German made, and were meant to last no longer than the holiday itself.
Dinnerware-Christmas dinnerware was introduced by the Victorians and is still highly popular today.
Dolls-Special edition Christmas dolls abound, from American Girl to Barbie to Madame Alexander.
Nativity Sets-first appearing in 13th century Italy, nativity sets have been fashioned from marble, wood, coral, plaster mother-of-pearl, pottery, wood, plastic, paper and more. These are probably the earliest of Christmas collectibles.
Nutcrackers-originated in Germany, where they began to be mass produced by Wilhelm Fuchtner in 1872. At first, the figures were always soldiers, but now are available as golfers, skiers, tennis players, bakers, famous personalities and more. Although inexpensive Nutcrackers made in China are everywhere, collectors look for nutcrackers from Fuchtner, Christian Steinbach, or Christian Ulbrecht.
Ornaments-The earliest were edible, then homemade. Store bought ornaments appeared by the 1870's and companies like Hallmark and Radko specialize in them.
Plates-Meissen, Wedgewood, Spode and Royal Copenhagen were producing collectible porcelain plates by the middle of the 18th century, but Bing & Grondahl was first to create the limited edition plate. By 1910, Rosenthal and Royal Copenhagen were producing annual Christmas plates, and by the 1950’s millions were produced annually in every price range,by a long list of manufacturers.
Santa-although Santa’s looks have changed over the years, he’s always been a popular Christmas collectible. Because he’s been so well documented, it’s often easy to determine the age of a Santa figure. From the tall and thin St. Nicholas, to the Jolly old Elf we love today, Santa has been rendered in every possible form and material, and his likeness can be found on every type of Christmas collectible.
Tablecloths-Christmas linens are eagerly sought by those who love textiles. Whether it's handmade lace, Irish linen, or the colorful screen print patterns of the 1930’s and 40’s, no Christmas dinner is complete without its festive covering.
Wreaths-the circle form symbolizes everlasting love, and the wreath is found in a variety of materials and forms, from ornaments to table décor.
source:Christmas and Other Holiday Collectibles by Dawn Reno Langley House of Collectibles 2006
