Christmas

Until the Victorian era, most Christmas trees were decorated with candles, cookies, and fruit, but in the mid-1800's German craftsmen began producing blown glass tree ornaments in shapes like stars, fruit, and angels, and the ornament tradition was born.

With the advent of electricity, Christmas lights and lighted trees became popular in stores and homes as the center of the Christmas celebration. Other Christmas decorations became popular as well, including crystal, plates, table decorations and dinnerware, nativity sets, celluloid Santa figurines, elves, reindeer, nutcrackers, and cardboard Putz village houses.

In the 20th Century, major retailers like Sears and Montgomery Ward began issuing Christmas catalogs, which themselves are now collectible. Department stores also featured model train sets at Christmas, helping to establish that tradition. Coca-Cola featured Santa Claus heavily in their early advertising, and Christmas Coca Cola items are now highly collectible.

Whether you're looking for a one of a kind sterling silver tree ornament or a Santa shaped chocolate mold, or simply a fun vintage Christmas record, there's plenty to choose from.