IT’S that time of year when we dust off boxes of ornaments from the loft to deck out our Christmas trees.
And, according to experts, there are a few to keep an eye out for if you want an injection of cash before the holidays kick off.
One such decoration is a vintage German Belsnickle Santa figure, which are old-fashioned decorations usually made from papier-mâché.
Initially made as containers for sweets, these tall, stern-looking Santas can range in height from 8 to 13 inches, and rare ones can ensure an impressive payday on eBay – with one recently selling for around £720 ($900).
“So if you’ve inherited an old, slightly eerie looking Santa, don’t dismiss him – he could be one of the most valuable things in your Christmas box!” Nathan Shaw at PlayCasino.com explained.
And the Belsnickle Santa isn’t the only German ornament worth keeping a look out for.
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As the Kugel glass ornaments, from Germany in the 19th/early-20th century, can also be pricey.
Look out for the ornaments in a grape, pear or round shape, made from very heavy, thick glass in a rich colour like cobalt, cranberry or deep green.
Prices on eBay can range from around £50 to £100 for a large mercury glass “witches ball”, to £170 for a single vintage Kugel-style heart ornament.
“If you find one that feels oddly heavy for its size and looks old rather than modern ‘shiny’ glass, it’s definitely worth checking,” Nathan added.
And if you have inherited any decorations from the 1960s, then you may have something special without even knowing it.
The ‘spage age’ tinsel trees from the 1950s to 1960s are still as popular as ever, especially if they come complete in their original box.
The trees usually have a simple wooden or metal pole, along with silvery aluminium branches.
A vintage Walter Grafton aluminium ‘Silver Pine’ tree – around 2.6 ft high – recently sold on eBay UK for £98.75.
While larger versions of the trees can sell for up to £600.
Meanwhile, Panaura & Jewel Brite plastic decorations are also worth a fair bit.
The Panaura decorations are plastic baubles with foil and paper centres, with a lot of 12 of the vintage ornaments currently listed on eBay UK for £149.99.
While the Jewel Brite ornaments usually feature little scenes inside lightweight plastic casings.
Tips to make your home smell like Christmas
IF you want your home to smell festive this season, you’ve come to the right place…
- Simmer Potpourri: Simmer a pot of water with cinnamon sticks, cloves, orange peels, and cranberries for a warm, festive aroma.
- Essential Oils: Use a diffuser with essential oils such as pine, peppermint, and frankincense to evoke the spirit of Christmas.
- Bake Seasonal Treats: The smell of fresh-baked gingerbread, mince pies, or spiced biscuits can fill your home with holiday cheer.
- Scented Candles: Light candles with fragrances like mulled wine, fir tree, or spiced apple to create a cosy atmosphere.
- Decorate with Fresh Greenery: Incorporate fresh pine, holly, and eucalyptus into your decorations for a natural, Christmassy scent.
- Make Your Own Pomanders: Stud oranges with cloves and hang them around the house for a traditional and aromatic touch.
- Use Simmering Spices: Boil a mixture of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice in water on the stove to infuse your home with a holiday fragrance.
- Try Reed Diffusers: Place reed diffusers with Christmas-themed scents around your home for a continuous, subtle aroma.
A recent collection of 39 Jewel Brite decorations sold on eBay recently for £80, so despite them not being worth a fortune individually, big matching sets in good condition can add up.
And the last decoration to keep an eye out for is Pifco’s ‘Cinderella’ Christmas lights.
The sets were classic in the UK back in the day, and feature a string of lights with plastic Cinderella coach shades and small lanterns.
Those that are boxed, with the original Pifco branding and model numbers, are worth more.
With a fully working vintage set of the lights, complete with spare bulbs, sold for £150 on eBay.
