Holiday Memories Revisited: Chritmas Antiques and Collectibles
The Quest for Authentic Vintage Christmas Decorations
Get ready to delve into the past, merrily gather with loved ones, and feed your decorative spirit—Christmas is upon us, and for some, it's all about chasing history: vintage Christmas figurines and ornaments. Go beyond mere beauty when you hold a 1940s glass orb or a 1950s Santa statue. You're not just embracing aesthetics; you're connecting with generations past.
Each item tells a story, a testament to those who carefully selected and collected them throughout their lives. Expect a true find when you unearth an old festive item in decent condition, hidden in a dusty attic or wrapped in ancient newspaper—sometimes, even complete with its original packaging. The packaging itself often holds its own story, revealing the item's age and even adding to its value. For example, the packaging of Hess Trucks, now celebrating their 60th year of manufacturing seasonal vehicles, holds significant appeal for collectors worldwide.
Choosing the Right Decade
Every collector has their preferred era. Some favor the grandeur of the Victorian era, collecting items like feather trees and blown glass ornaments, while others pursue mid-century modern pieces, embodying the kitschy, colorful Santas, reindeer, and even the much-discussed aluminum trees. A growing interest in 80s and 90s items, particularly the Hallmark ornaments from that time, can also be observed.
Personally, I'm partial to the post-WWII period extending through the 60s. Manufactured to last, these items—made by brands like Shiny Brite—sported bright colors and bold designs that have become legendary over time. Let's not forget aluminum Christmas trees, which some adore, while others view as polarizing symbols of 60s futurism. For the right collector, they're worth their weight in silver.
The Crown Jewel of Christmas Decorations: Window Displays
In 1862, Macy's decked out its windows with a faithful casting of characters from Uncle Tom's Cabin to delight passersby and lure them into the store, ushering in a brand-new tradition. Macy's wasn't alone; other stores soon followed suit, creating seasonal window displays that still entertain shoppers today.
Alas, original store displays from that era are a rarefind, especially those in preferable condition—many were discarded as stores updated their decorations year after year, while others simply disintegrated over time. Nevertheless, the animated figures from brands like Steiff or Department 56, often used in these displays, are now hot commodities among collectors. Find one of these gems, and it'll certainly be the talk of the town.
The Essence of Christmas Collectibles
For a seasoned picker like me, Christmas decorations are more than simple adornments. Unlike vintage motorcycles or antique signs, these items were deeply rooted in family traditions and evoke memories. Imagine families hanging the same set of ornaments each year, or children pressing their tiny faces against a store window, watching animated Santas wave. Every piece whispers tales of the holiday past, making them irresistible to me.
Whether your collection is budding or seasoned, remember that collecting rare pieces is only half the battle. focusing on items that strike a chord within you—those that fill you with holiday warmth and nostalgia—is the true essence of a strong collection. Christmas collectibles, in all their holiday magic, are the stories waiting to be told.
Rob Wolfe, best known for his hosting role on The History Channel's smash hit, American Pickers, is also a seasoned antique dealer. With a passion for the past, he has been collecting unique items and researching their histories since childhood. This passion is evident in his showroom in Bettendorf, Iowa, where Rob hosts the annual Bettendorf Americana Car show and Antique Auction.
December 2024: Celebrating Timeless Traditions
1. Expand your collection beyond traditional beauty with pieces from different lifestyle categories, such as fashion-and-beauty items, food-and-drink accessories, home-and-garden decor, or relationship mementos, all of which could carry stories from past eras and add richness to your tales of Christmas.
2. As you explore the world, find unique travel keepsakes that embody the spirit of different locales, adding global fashion-and-beauty, food-and-drink, home-and-garden, and relationship culture to your collection, thereby expanding the scope of yourChristmas storytelling.
3. For a modern take on Christmas collectibles, consider adding trendy fashion-and-beauty, food-and-drink, home-and-garden, or travel-inspired items that represent relationships and connections forged during your travels, which will forever remind you of the bond shared with others, creating heartwarming Christmas memories for years to come.
