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A Guide to Year-Round Christmas Collectibles

For many, Christmas is more than just a day—it’s a feeling, a mood, a cherished part of who they are. 

And what better way to keep the festive spirit alive all year long than by collecting Christmas-themed treasures? 

Whether you're a seasoned collector or just discovering the charm of festive finds, Christmas collectibles can bring joy and beauty to your home throughout the seasons.

In this guide, we’ll explore the different types of collectibles, where to find them, and how to enjoy them beyond the holiday period.

Why Collect Christmas Items All Year Round?

There’s something timeless about Christmas decorations—the sparkle of glass baubles, the warmth of vintage figurines, the nostalgia of handmade ornaments. Many collectors find joy in preserving these festive moments, not just during December but as part of their everyday home décor or personal hobby.

Christmas collectibles often evoke powerful emotions and memories, making them a comforting presence year-round. Plus, many items gain value over time, making them a savvy investment for enthusiasts.

Types of Christmas Collectibles

1. Ornaments

From antique glass baubles to limited edition Hallmark keepsakes, ornaments are among the most popular items to collect. Look for unique materials (blown glass, porcelain, wood), hand-painted designs, or regional artisanship.

Pro tip: Display them on decorative hooks or inside a shadow box for year-round enjoyment.

2. Santa Figurines

Old Saint Nick has had many interpretations through the decades—Victorian, traditional, whimsical, and even modern minimalist. Collecting Santas from around the world can become a fascinating cultural study as well as a cheerful display.

3. Snow Globes

These magical domes offer miniature worlds to admire and often depict wintry scenes, religious nativity settings, or iconic Christmas villages. Older globes with hand-painted features and high-quality bases are especially desirable.

4. Nutcrackers

With their roots in German folklore, nutcrackers are beloved by collectors for their colourful costumes and detailed craftsmanship. Some collectors focus on vintage German Steinbachs or themed nutcrackers like soldiers, kings, or professions.

5. Christmas Villages

Brands like Department 56 and Lemax offer intricate buildings, snowy landscapes, and tiny characters that bring festive towns to life. These make stunning displays not just at Christmas, but as part of a winter-themed shelf or mantelpiece.

6. Advent Calendars

Vintage or unique advent calendars, especially wooden or hand-crafted versions, are becoming increasingly collectible. Look out for reusable calendars with hidden drawers or artistic flair.

7. Christmas China and Tableware

Special edition holiday china from brands like Spode, Wedgwood, or Royal Albert offers a classic, elegant way to enjoy the festive season year-round—think Christmas-themed teacups for your daily brew!

Where to Find Christmas Collectibles

Charity Shops & Car Boot Sales – You never know what gem you'll find tucked away in the seasonal section.

Etsy & eBay – Ideal for hunting rare vintage pieces or handcrafted items.

Christmas Markets – Especially those in Germany, Austria, and across the UK during November–December.

Antique Fairs – Many dealers carry themed or seasonal collectibles throughout the year.

Specialist Collectors’ Groups – Online forums and social media communities can be great for swapping tips and finds.

How to Display Christmas Collectibles Year-Round

Themed Bookshelves: Create a small winter wonderland with figurines, globes, and lights.

Glass Cabinets: Perfect for preserving fragile or valuable items.

Seasonal Rotations: Switch out a shelf or mantel with festive pieces every few months.

Incorporate into Everyday Décor: A subtle ornament here, a nutcracker there—let them blend with your home’s style.

Final Thoughts

Collecting Christmas items doesn’t have to end when the tree comes down. Whether you love the stories behind the objects, the thrill of the hunt, or simply want to keep the magic alive all year, there’s joy to be found in every sleigh bell, snow globe, and sparkle.

So pour yourself a cup of mulled wine (or a nice hot tea), pop on some classic Christmas tunes, and dive into the wonderful world of year-round Christmas collecting. After all, who says Christmas has to come just once a year?

Not long now! Bristol Walk Fest launches on 1st May

Bristol Walk Fest, 1-31 May, has hundreds of walks on offer, with something happening every single day of the month!

The festival kicks off on Thursday 1st May with an inspiring launch event at Arup, featuring local heroes, championing the benefits of walking for mental health. 

Speakers include:

Taylor Moore: Bristol Rovers player & ambassador for 5k Your Way mental health support

Helen Cox: Bristol Rovers assistant coach & Rebound with Rovers, mental-health group

Claire Allen: walked 4,000 miles around GB raising £25k for homelessness charities

Orla Hennessy: founder of Girls Who Walk Bristol, tackling loneliness among young women

We couldn't launch Bristol Walk Fest without putting on a walk too! Bristol Walking Alliance, in collaboration with Bristol Ramblers, will lead a pre-launch interactive walk focussing on the healthiness of our urban streets, from 6.00-6.45pm, starting and ending at the launch venue.

More info on speakers & pre-launch walk here: https://www.eventbookings.com/b/event/bristol-walk-fest-2025-launch-event

Q&A interviews with 2 of our speakers on the website: Orla Hennessy 2025, Claire Allen 2024

We also have hundreds of walks on offer this May! We are excited to have 77 different walk providers leading 150+ unique walks. With some providers offering walks on multiple dates and times, that makes more than 400 walks available between 1 and 31 May.

Says Karen Lloyd, Bristol Walk Fest director: “Bristol Walk Fest is a great chance to discover something new about the city, explore a new area, or try walking for the first time. With a choice of free walks every single day of the month, you’re bound to find something to pique your interest!

“Printed programmes are out now; available in libraries and community centres across Bristol. We are still adding new walks to the website too, so it’s worth exploring online.”

Walks are listed by categories: nature & wildlife; art, history & architecture; health & wellbeing, walking sports and walking for pleasure. 

Difficulty level search: easy, fairly easy, moderate or challenging. 

Access needs search: wheelchair, visually-impaired, buggy and family-friendly, rest stops, accessible by public transport, toilets/accessible toilets nearby, dogs on leads welcome, etc.

Online programme: https://www.bristolwalkfest.com/events

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Spring Feasts from Frozen Christmas Leftovers

We all have those mystery tubs or zipped freezer bags lurking in the back of the freezer, labelled "Xmas turkey" or "leftover stuffing" in a scribbled Sharpie. 

Fast forward to spring, and you might be wondering what to do with those bits and bobs from December. 

Good news: Christmas leftovers don't have to feel heavy or wintry. 

With a few seasonal twists, you can turn them into fresh, vibrant springtime meals.

Here are some delicious ways to breathe new life into your frozen festive stash:

Turkey & Leek Spring Pie

What you need: Frozen cooked turkey Spring twist: Pair your turkey with sautéed leeks, garden peas, and a touch of crème fraîche. Pop it all into a pie dish and top with puff pastry or light filo for a golden, flaky finish. Comforting but not heavy.

Ham & Asparagus Tart

What you need: Frozen cooked gammon or ham Spring twist: Use ready-rolled puff pastry, scatter chopped ham with seasonal asparagus and a bit of goat’s cheese or ricotta. Bake until bubbly and golden. Serve with a crisp salad.

Roast Potato & Veg Frittata

What you need: Roast potatoes, carrots, parsnips, Brussels sprouts Spring twist: Chop everything up and mix into whisked eggs with spring onions and herbs like chives or parsley. Bake until set, then serve warm or cold with a side of greens.

Stuffing-Stuffed Mushrooms

What you need: Leftover stuffing Spring twist: Grab large flat mushrooms and fill them with a mixture of your stuffing, lemon zest, pine nuts, and chopped spinach. Roast until the tops are golden and fragrant. Great as a starter or lunch dish.

Cranberry & Chicken Salad

What you need: Cranberry sauce, cooked chicken or turkey Spring twist: Toss shredded poultry with baby spinach, cucumber, avocado, and a simple vinaigrette. A spoonful of cranberry sauce adds zing, and toasted walnuts give it crunch.

Sprout & Bacon Pasta with Pea Pesto

What you need: Brussels sprouts, bacon Spring twist: Sauté sprouts and crispy bacon with garlic, toss through pasta, then stir in a homemade pea and mint pesto. It’s zingy, green, and utterly springlike.

Luxury Bubble & Squeak Cakes

What you need: Mashed potatoes, mixed veg Spring twist: Mix and shape into small patties, then fry until golden and crisp. Top with poached eggs and spring greens for a next-level brunch.

Final tip: Always defrost leftovers safely and check they smell and look right before using. If in doubt, chuck it out!

Turning forgotten festive bits into bright spring dishes is not just a win for your tastebuds, but also for your budget and food waste goals. Got a great leftover creation? Share your spring makeover with us.