My Collecting Story

I began collecting Hallmark ornaments on a very limited basis in 1979 when I purchased a "First Christmas Together" glass ball for my new husband. I didn't buy any others until my oldest son was born in 1983 and I purchased a Baby's First Christmas. At that time funds were very limited and I, like many others, couldn't afford the expense of Hallmark. I either bought cheaper, (but equally sentimental) ornaments, or we made ornaments.  I bought another Baby's First Christmas in 1985 for my second son.  In 1989, the Christmas Kitty (1st in series) caught my eye. She was so pretty, I just knew I had to have her. Too bad Hallmark ended that beautiful series at just three.    :-(

In 1990, my daughter was born (another Baby's 1st Christmas!).  That year I let each of the boys pick out a Hallmark of their very own. Along with my Christmas Kitty we purchased 4 ornaments. My collection has since grown. I now buy 15-20 each year.   The kids each get to pick out one for themselves, but sometimes they get two! My boys are very much into Star Wars, so we have all of those, in fact I have to buy 3 of every one of the Star Wars....One set to hang on the family tree, and 2 extra sets to put away for their own trees when they leave home.  (It gets very expensive!!!)

In 1991 they were not into Star Trek, so we didn't start that series, when Voyager began as a TV series they decided that Star Trek was pretty "cool", we have gone back and picked up all of the Star Trek ships except for that 91 Enterprise........... maybe someday ;-)

I finally joined the Keepsake Ornament Collector Club after Christmas 1997. I found a kit for 1/2 price and I thought "what a bargain!"  I had never joined in the past because I didn't think there was a real benefit to joining. Boy was I wrong! Being able to purchase exclusive ornaments that compliment my favorite series was just one part I had missed out on. I didn't realize there were Conventions, Expos and Artist on Tour events that only members could attend. Being a member meant I got a chance to attend the 25th Anniversary Celebration that was held right here in Kansas City in 1998! It was the most exciting part of my whole year! Meeting 3400 other ornament collectors was a dream come true.

In 1999, I purchased a  membership for my husband, Mike, and we traveled to Las Vegas for the AOT! He was just about as excited as I was for this trip.  It held special meaning for us, as our 20th anniversary was celebrated that same week in September!  What a way to spend a second honeymoon! The hotel where the AOT was held (Mandalay Bay) was extraordinary!  I was able to meet up with some great online buddies and get to know them face to face!

A secondary market? What was that? Until I found the internet, I didn't know that you could buy older ornaments from years you had missed nor did I realize that there were other collectors out there like me until I found the Hallmark and Yulelog Collecting Bulletin Boards. I have been able to fill in my collection and start a few new (or should I say old) series by way of the internet and networking with others.  I have completed series' such as Porcelain Bears, Crayola, Holiday Wildlife and Mary's Angels. I am now in the process of getting the older ornaments from the 70's and 80's that I missed the first time around.

A couple of years ago, my 7 foot tree was not adequate anymore for my ever increasing collection.  Since space in our house is limited, I couldn't even think about adding a second tree, I had to get a taller one!  I bought a 9 foot slim tree, (it doesn't stick out too far into the room!)  Last year after years of searching, I finally found a rotating tree stand and now I am a happy camper!  I can sit and watch as my tree rotates and I get to see each and every one of my precious ornaments!  It is great! 

Mike and I now scour flea markets and antiques malls looking for that elusive ornament on my wish list. A few friends have asked me to help consolidate their collections, and I have purchased some from estate sales and auctions. If there is an ornament that you are looking for and just can't seem to find, let me know and I will add it to my search list. I hope I can help fill in that missing piece to your collection!

I love to talk about ornaments and I've met some very interesting people. But there are other things that I am interested in and involved with: photography and scrapbooking, computers, bowling,  PTA, Scouts, and my new favorite sport - archery.  I also love to "chat" so  if you would like to "talk" ornaments or anything else for that matter!

Have a great day!