The Vintage Christmas Decor To Look For At The Thrift Store (It Can Be So Valuable)

You may not know this, but there is a whole vintage Christmas subculture on the internet. These passionate collectors scour thrift stores, estate sales, and online resale markets for holiday accessories that can channel the magic of decades, even centuries, past. Yes, this Christmas decor trend is all about nostalgia, and among the most nostalgic, collectible, and valuable vintage Christmas decor you can thrift are nativity scenes, also known as manger scenes, creches, or the Latin term, presepio.

Nativity scenes typically consist of a collection of realistic figurines modeled after key figures from the nativity, or the birth of Jesus Christ, like baby Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. More complete sets will also include angels, shepherds, and three wise men, as well as farm animals like sheep, a donkey, and an ox. Often, the different characters will be featured inside a barn or a cave, but the millennia-spanning history of nativity representations means these valuable vintage Christmas items come in all configurations, shapes, sizes, and materials. To identify valuable examples, you should become familiar with famous manufacturers and consider the pieces' age, condition, and whether or not they're complete.

Nativity scenes are highly collectible vintage Christmas ornaments, especially, of course, for Christian communities. There are societies dedicated to these art pieces and a Guinness-recognized world record for a collection of 2,324 sets. Because the meaning of these tableaux is as tied to artistry as it is to spirituality, their popularity is not likely to decrease in any significant way in the future. This sets nativity scenes apart from trendier vintage collector's items you might find at thrift stores that have less longevity.

On the other hand, as coveted as they may be, they are also mass-produced every year around the world, meaning not every nativity set you find while thrifting will be inherently valuable. Age is one of the most important factors to keep in mind. Older, pre-20th century models will have already been swept up in auctions for personal or museum collections. Nevertheless, a creche from the 1920s, '30s, and '40s is likely to be more valuable than more recent examples, especially if it's complete and has been properly preserved. Large sets with characters that extend far beyond the Holy Family will attract similarly large figures. Antique Italian nativity scenes, for example, included everyday scenes from the local market or tavern.

Next, look for unique pieces that stray from the typical nativity representations, such as ones that are sculptural and abstract, or ones that include elements that represent their origins. Finally, it's always helpful to recognize prestigious manufacturers. Anri Italy creches, especially from sculptor Ulrich Bernardi, sell for thousands on eBay. Fontanini sets and Hummel figurines by the Goebel Porcelain Factory are also renowned worldwide.