Christmas Style

Heirlooms to Last a Lifetime

(ARA) -Christmas is a time of year when families make new memories and cherish old ones. A big part of the tradition is taking out the family heirlooms and putting them on display for everyone to reminisce and enjoy.

Maybe you have the nativity scene that once belonged to your great grandmother, the wooden toy soldier collection your dad loved playing with as a child, or the statue of Christ your dad's favorite aunt used to cherish. No matter what the object, you cherish it because of the craftsmanship, fine attention to detail and the meaning it has to your family.

You probably aren't ready to pass these precious heirlooms on to your own kids yet, but if you're looking for a great gift idea for your child who is all grown up, how about getting them an heirloom to call their own. A good place to shop is at Franklin Mint.com.  

This year's holiday catalog is packed with heirloom quality collectibles, hand crafted by some of the most talented artists in the world. And if past years are any indication, the Father Christmas porcelain sculpture, created by Alejandro Lemus, will be a favorite. The most important Christmas visitor comes to life in a richly detailed Victorian-style porcelain sculpture. Hand-painted and accented in 24 karat gold, Father Christmas wears an opulent ring glistening with a rose-colored Austrian crystal.

The Life of Christ Collector Eggs by Faberge --  featuring one where Jesus walks on water, the miracle at Cana, Agony in the Garden, and the Nativity -- are also expected to be popular this holiday season. Done in the tradition of the famed House of Faberge, the eggs are beautifully sculpted, hand-painted, hand-numbered and crowned with an elegant finial accented with 24 karat gold.

For those who want to purchase a collectible, but are looking for something that is not holiday related, the Franklin Mint also offers beautifully hand-crafted wildlife sculptures, including a rare Bengal Tiger ready to explode into action, a powerful Bald Eagle about to take flight and a Great Horned Owl by acclaimed artist George McMonigle with its wings outstretched and poised for the attack.

There are hundreds of fine collectibles available from the Franklin Mint. To view an online catalog, log on to www.franklinmint.com.

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