Celebrate 365 - A Journal for Ornament Enthusiasts

In the world of publishing cutbacks and magazines ceasing publication, this small journal is still going strong ten years after debuting in October 1999.

Want to find out about things you definitely need, but didn't even know existed? Subscribe to Celebrate 365!

Although some might balk a bit at the $48. yearly subscription, that is usually far less than the cost of just one holiday collectible. Do I think it's worth it? Well, I've subscribed for all ten years, so I must be a satisfied customer.

Celebrate 365 celebrates the big number ten in October 2009. Ten years ago it was a newsletter type of publication and has grown into a slick, glossy quarterly magazine devoted to holiday enthusiasts. Although the initial issues were geared, but not limited, to glass ornament collectors, Connie Porcher's Celebrate 365 covers all things holidays. From the blown glass ornaments that were the inspirations for starting the newsletter, to contemporary folk art from original artists, as well as companies that produce new items and those that reproduce vintage pieces -- if it's something a holiday enthusiast is interested in, Connie has most likely written about it.

When the newsletter started, the majority of the pages were black and white, but are now full color and worthy of awards for both the cover designs and well-laid out articles. Although there are advertisements sprinkled throughout the magazine, particular care is taken with them to compliment the articles and the collections shown in each particular copy.

October 2009's issue is a particular joy for Halloween collectors, especially the centerfold of Ghouls, Ghosts and Halloween Delights showcasing 24 different designs from a variety of companies and artists. This particular issue has features on Robert Brawley, the Halloween Fanatic; Behind the Design with Johanna Parker that is a step-by-step photo spread on creating a piece of folk art and Behind the Design with Lori Rudolph, an interview with the cover artist who is also known as RetroRudolphs on Etsy and (retro-rudolphs)eBay.

Another feature I've enjoyed is Meet the Folk Artists an occasional feature that showcases a variety of upcoming folk artists with short profiles, contact information and photographs -- 16 this month alone.

There is only one problem with the magazine -- I find too many new things I "need". It's definitely responsible for helping to increase my holiday collections ten-fold. But if I didn't get it, life wouldn't be nearly as much fun!