Such is the case of Samantha and her cute nutcracker collection.
Samantha answers questions on how and why she started collecting and also what's next on her list.
How did you start collecting nutcrackers:
In first grade I was getting a nutcracker for a friend’s Christmas present and I thought it would be alright if I got one for myself as well.
How long have you been collecting:
I started collecting them in first grade so I would say it’s been eight years now.
Favorite type?
The traditional ones like from the Nutcracker ballet. I like the more unique ones as well as the traditional though.
What do one do you really want?
The one I really want is one of those tall ones that are about four feet tall.
How many do you have?
Well I have never really counted them so I did not really know for sure. When I counted them so I could answer this question, I was surprised that I have 32.
Display:
They are on their own self in my room. The taller ones are in the back and the smaller ones are further to the front. The shelf is up really high so the cats cannot jump up and knock any off or swipe some due to a certain thief of a cat named Jasmine.
Plans for your collection:
I am kind of holding off at the moment until I get that four foot one. I will start again once I get it. Also, I am just running out of room to put them right now. So I need to get another shelf or display case before I get more.
How much do you spend on your nutcrackers?
Other than the first nutcracker that I bought, I have not had to spend anything. Relatives are always asking me what I want for birthdays and Christmas, so I have basically gotten my whole collection for free.
Biggest disappointment:
A younger friend visited and thought my largest nutcracker was a toy. She broke the arm trying to make it move. It was ok, I wasn’t really mad. After all, there’s nothing a little glue can’t fix. The next time she came over it was the biggest disappointment, she did it again even though she was told it wasn’t a toy. Now I should make sure I keep my collection hidden when she comes over.
Most unusual:
Well, the weirdest ones I have are Alice in Wonder Land, a red Jack of Diamonds, and I’ve got a musical one too.
Most valuable:
I don’t really know. The value never really seems important really. I like to collect them just to see the different designs.
What was your first nutcracker:
A very basic red Nutcracker Suite design. It was most likely the cheapest one in my collection, but it’s the one that started it all.
Comments from Barb:
I love it when children collect things that are not considered age-related (think stuffed animals, Beanie Babies). It usually starts a life-time love and teaches them how to care for things that are not toys. It also helps parents and other adults during gift-giving time. It might not be the primary gift, but it's always fun to find just the right piece to add to a collection. And also is a good thing to look for when shopping at garage sales, flea markets and thrift shops.
