What to do with magazines that you enjoy when finished reading them is often a quandary. You may tear out interesting articles or recipes and toss the rest of the magazine. You may also give them to a friend or relative or to a thrift store so others may have access to the magazines. Or, you may just store them away somehow. Well I tend to do the last mostly, and find quite a job in finding space for them as well as trying to keep them in order to facilitate access.
One group of magazines, though, is no trouble for me. This is my collection of Christmas issues and covers the years 1989 to 2006. Just before and during the Christmas holidays, I take out stacks of these magazines and keep them at hand for inspiring reading as I enjoy planning and preparing for Christmastime.
These are those to which I have subscribed.
Country Living
House Beautiful
Traditional Home
House and Garden
Veranda
Victoria [I need only 1992 issue to complete run from 1989]
Elle Decor
Colonial Homes
Early American Life
Metropolitan Home
Of these titles I only bought specific issues as desired, including Christmas issues:
Southern Living
Martha Stewart Living
Victorian Decorating & Lifestyle
Victorian Homes and Gardens
Home
Mary Engelbreit’s Home Companion
Mary Emmerling’s Country
The English Home
Better Homes and Gardens
Good Housekeeping
Ladies Home Journal
Women’s Day
Family Circle
Gourmet
I have a list on four 3x5 cards of the above magazine titles indicating the years I have the December issues. That way, when in a thrift store and I see Dec. issues of magazines, I can quickly check to see if that particular one is needed.
My records show that I really went all out in December 1999, buying Christmas issues of all 15 of the following -- except for the ones to which I was subscribing at the time:
American Homestyle & Gardening, Better Homes & Gardens, Colonial Homes, Country Living, Country Living Gardens, Country Victorian, Elle Décor, Family Circle, Home Magazine, House & Garden, House Beautiful, Martha Stewart Living, Traditional Home, Victoria, and Victorian Homes.
Latest Thrift Shop Finds for Collection
Today, Wednesday November 7, I made a brief visit to the Hospital Thrift. Checking the magazines near the entrance I found 2005 & 2006 Christmas issues of two magazines:
Better Homes & Gardens - December 2005 & 2006 issues
Country Home - December 2005/January 2006 & December 2006/January 2007 issues
I also picked up Country Home – August 2006 issue for its articles on antiquing and collectors. Also, 4 embroidery hoops, a small bag with notions, a tiny wood applique of a Scottie, and one paperback book. Total cost was $2.40.
I trust you are each having as much fun anticipating the coming holiday season as I certainly am.
