We are
well into the holiday season, and with Christmas just around the corner I hope
you all are enjoying this beautiful season.
What a
perfect month to take a look back at why so many people started collecting
Barbie.
Did you
know that the very first official collectible Barbie doll happened to be the
1988 Happy Holidays Barbie? Many adults
became enthusiasts for the first time when this adult version of Barbie was
introduced.
This brand new Barbie doll
was dressed in a beautiful long red shimmering gown that was trimmed with a
silver satin bow, highlighted with a red flower and green leaves which she tied
at her waist. A matching ribbon worn in
her long blonde hair complemented her ensemble.
 |
| 1988 Happy Holidays Barbie Doll |
The Happy
Holiday series was a huge hit, and the dolls sold out fast. Collecting Barbie
at Christmas was just so much fun!
The last
Happy Holidays doll from the series debuted in 1998, for a total of 20 dolls
released. Each year the dolls were available
in two versions; white or black, except for in 1988 and 1989 when Barbie was
only available as a white doll.
In 1993
Hallmark released a replica of the 1993 Happy Holidays Barbie in the form of an
ornament. Since that time Barbie
Christmas trees have become a big hit with collectors, who would buy up new
ornaments every year to add to their cute little trees.
 |
| 1993 Hallmark Ornament |
One of my
favorite things to do each Christmas, is to dress up my vintage girls in one of the fabulous
holiday gowns that are found on the various contemporary Holidays Barbie dolls. Thanks to Mattel, there are now a lot to choose from since 1988!
 |
1965 American Girl Barbie dressed in the 1989
Happy Holidays Barbie ensemble. |
 |
1967 Twist 'n Turn Barbie dressed in the 1991
Happy Holidays Barbie ensemble. |
Mattel
continues to release new Holiday Barbie dolls - as well as ornaments - every
year, but the very first official collectible doll, the 1988 Happy Holidays
Barbie, still commands the best price on the secondary market.
Merry
Christmas and Happy hunting!
