Krazy About Kitschmas Trees Part Deux

All-Pop's artificial Christmas tree extravaganza continues.

Some fun facts about artificial Christmas trees (courtesy of wikipedia):

The first fake Christmas trees were made in Germany in the 19th century, and made from goose feathers dyed green. Huh.

In 1930 the Addis Brush company made the first artificial Christmas tree with brush bristles.

In 1958 the first aluminum artificial Christmas trees were made.

In the midcentury US, artificial Christmas trees became increasingly popular until they hit the peak of their popularity around 1965. That year the animated Christmas special, A Charlie Brown Christmas aired for the first time. Artificial Christmas trees were portrayed negatively in it, and the cartoon is credited for the decline in popularity of fake trees.

Nowadays, artificial trees are more popular again and sales are growing.

Kitschmas Trees

Okay, now that we've got Thanksgiving out of the way we can move on to the main attraction - Christmas.

Christmas has a rich history of kitsch. I mean, the trappings of modern Christmas are almost entirely made up of kitsch. It's practically an annual celebration of kitsch. And I say this as someone who loves Christmas in every sense.

For me, few things sum up Kitschmas - the kitschy side of Christmas - like artificial Xmas trees. Or is it that I love old photos of fake Christmas trees? Actually, yeah, I think it's the photos. The best have a certain atmosphere and aura to them that is amusing, but also quite beautiful in their way.

I like the boy and his father - as if they're out in some snowy landscape looking for the perfect tree to cut down and drag back to the family farmhouse. Should they pick 2, 3 or 4?

You Want to See the Future??

Of course you do! Who doesn't? Okay, maybe you don't, but at least it's fun trying. And we've got three new products that will help you try :)

The Fortune Teller Oracle postcard makes for a fun way to say hello to a friend who might be wondering what the future holds in store for them. They simply cut out the spinner, use a pin to attach it to the 4 different dials, and then ask any question they want of the Oracle!

Or, you can just put this cool looking card on your fridge :)

Another postcard, to get answers to your questions ask the Daisy Fortune Card, then lift up the petals of the daisy to get your answers.

The Firelite Fortune Teller set is a handy kit you can use to repurpose a standard deck of playing cards into a powerful tool to "tell your fortune the way the gypsies do!"

All three are very nicely made replicas of items originally made back in the early half of the 20th century - around 100 years ago. Interesting how there was apparently so much interest in such products, no?

Obsession of the Day: Schlager

Learn more about Schlager music here. Basically, it's schmaltzy easy listening pop that you would have heard on the radio in Europe in the 50s, 60s and 70s. A lot of it is pretty damn good, or at least entertaining in a kitschy campy sort of way. Just as there's been a renewed interest in light jazz and exotica from the 50s and 60s here in the US, there's a similar sort of Schlager revival that's been going on in Europe.

Happy Birthday Anni-Frid "Frida" Lyngstad

Happy Birthday to Anni-Frid "Frida" Lyngstad!
  
Interesting fact: Did you know that according to this, Frida is also known as "Her Serene Highness Princess Anni-Frid Synni Reuss, Countess of Plauen." Pretty badass.

This isn't the greatest ABBA song ever by any stretch, but there's something kinda cool and raw about this video for the song "Ring, Ring" - and Frida looks particularly great (in case you don't know - she's the brunette).

Luchador Figures ARE BACK!

Some of you have asked when they're going to be back in stock, and now, finally,  plastic lucha figures are here!

And just like always, they're already getting snatched up. So order soon.

My favorite thing is seeing my kids have their luchadors fighting all the other toys in the house. Up to now, I've seen them take on a few dinosaurs, a couple of stuffed animals and an evil plastic wizard. They've won so far!

It's Like Eating Fall

So Seasonal, So Delicious. Must have it!

Santo and Blue Demon vs. The Mummies of Guanajuato (Las Momias de Guanajuato)

Damn! Santo and Blue Demon are fighting the Mummies of Guanajuato? Crazy! It's a good thing Santo sends Mil Mascaros to go get the golden fire pistols! Mummies go right up. Those mummies are a major tourist attraction, so good job Santo and Blue Demon - you just put some Guanajuatans out of work.

Also, check out Mil Mascaros' super cool green dune buggy hot rod.