Dear Lee,

Try this collector’s quiz game at your Christmas party. 1) How did they decorate Christmas trees in Colonial America? 2) What is a kugel? 3) When was the first Santa Claus used to promote sales at a store? 4) When was the first time a Christmas tree in the United States was decorated with electric lights. 5) Who sent the first Christmas card? 6) How old is Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer? 7) When was the song “Drummer Boy” first recorded? The answers are here

These are all part of the traditions of an American Christmas. Some were not around when we were children. Everything changes. Collectors and dealers who moan that the good old days are gone, internet sales have altered the market supply, and young collectors don’t want the antiques of the 19th century forget that collectors 100 years ago thought Victorian was in poor taste, Mission was ugly, and no one wanted folk art. Still there are things about the collectibles market we still find confusing. Why is it okay to repaint a carousel horse but not a toy tin horse? Should a piece that is “cabinet size” cost more or less than a similar large piece? If picture size and shape (it should fit over the sofa) is so important to price paintings of the past why are so many modern paintings enormous and very expensive? Why does a Barbie doll have to be in near mint condition to sell well but a teddy bear’s price changes little if it is in “played with” condition? What does a tool collector do when some collectors want old worn finish; others prefer waxed and polished tools? Why does a Bakelite bracelet cost more than a gold one? Would you spend more than $1,000 for an old spark plug, lunch box, fishing lure, cigarette lighter, candy container, telephone insulator, or a lady head vase? Serious specialists are happy to get these rarities at these prices. They COLLECT! So next time someone questions your dedication to a collectible be consoled. You are not alone. There are many of us like you.

We hope you get the holiday gifts you desire and have a happy, healthy, New Year with no disasters and many joys.