Like many collectors, when I first started and was most passionate, I collected everything. It didn't take long for my collections to take over our house and life, so I started packing parts of it away. For years I've also rotated the seasonal items and although that helped, I still had lots of pieces that never saw the light of day. Cookie jars tucked into boxes, glass ornaments that only sparkled in the dark recesses of a closet and snowdomes that were never shaken.
That's why at Christmas time I often share my jars and ornaments with others by giving them away. It was probably three or four years ago that I first gave away over two dozen cookie jars at our annual open house. When I still hear from non-collectors how much they still love and use their jars, often telling me where it sits in their house or how it holds all their chocolate chips, I realized I made the right decision. So over the years I will usually have a tree of ornaments to pick from and give away at least a few cookie jars.
The items I give away are usually extras or ones that I just don't display for one reason or another. Like any gift you might give, I would never give away anything damaged in any way. The rules are simple. It must be something that I once loved, but no longer cherish. And it must be in excellent condition.
Perhaps this is something you can adapt for holiday parties by putting together a display of items you want to give and let friends and family choose their favorites. You'll be sharing your love of collecting and maybe even get someone started on the adventure of collecting.
