The modern ornamental nutcracker emerged in 19th Century Germany, with wooden figures resembling soldiers, kings, miners, and more. These became associated with Christmas with the 1892 debut of Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite ballet, which became a holiday tradition. U.S. GI's brought German nutcrackers home during WW2, spurring a wave of collecting. And several makers, such as Steinbach, have produced limited editions that are highly collectible.

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Papa Teds Place

Papa Teds Place

Theodore H. Althof, Jr's beautiful collection of vintage dimestore cardboard Christmas 'putz' village houses. Start… [read review or visit site]

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Antique Christmas Lights Museum

George Nelson's incredibly detailed chronicle of vintage Christmas tree lighting. Browsable by decade and special t… [read review or visit site]

Bohemian Christmas Decorations

Bohemian Christmas Decorations

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Old Soviet Christmas Cards

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This site showcases over 1000 old Soviet Christmas and New Years cards from 1950 to 1990. Browse through page after… [read review or visit site]



Other Great Reference Sites: Christmas

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