For Julie Reppert's parents, her holiday gift list is a little easier.
Reppert, who is the Assistant Lifestyle Editor at the Sun-Gazette, has been collecting nutcrackers since she was in middle school.
"I always get at least one every year. Before, I was getting three to four each year. So now my parents just get me one every year," Reppert said.
When Reppert was younger, she went to a relative's house that had a collection of nutcrackers.
"I remember thinking they were beautiful," Reppert said.
And that started it all.
She remembers her first nutcracker was a soldier that had a blue and yellow floppy hat. It remains one of her favorites to this day.
Today, Reppert's collection totals 67 and the size of each nutcracker ranges from a 3-foot-tall nutcracker, to tiny ones.
It also includes holiday-themed nutcrackers in the style of elves, snowmen, Santa and reindeer.
Christmas has been Reppert's favorite holiday since she was younger. She also has some unique additions to her collection as well, including a jester nutcracker and an Italian pizza boy nutcracker to represent her Italian heritage.
Being a Phillies fan, Reppert, also has two nutcrackers representing the team.
Reppert even has some valuable nutcrackers, including two Steinbach nutcrackers, whose prices can range up to $600 or more.
She has some nutcrackers that have sentimental value as well.
"My Grams gave me a nutcracker that really isn't pretty, it's plain. But because it's from her, it's one of my favorites," Reppert said.
Reppert said her favorites are the ones that move, including a nutcracker marionette that is on a base and moves and plays music.
One of her favorite places to find nutcrackers is Murdough's Christmas Barn in Robesonia.
"I go with my mom so she can get different ideas of what kinds to get me. They have rare ones, ones from different countries," Reppert said.
Her mother has most of her collection on display at her house in Myerstown, including the fireplace, television stand and computer stand during the holidays.
"All of them have to be out, or she feels bad," Reppert said. Reppert keeps three of them at her apartment, including the 3-foot-tall nutcracker, and two others.
Although most of her collection have been gifts, Reppert looks for nutcracker momentos in stores, and has added some magnets, a lamp and a wall chime.
She has a snow globe with the characters from "The Nutcracker" ballet inside and around the outside of the globe.
Recently, Reppert and her mother went to see a performance of "The Nutcracker" in Hershey, the first time Reppert has seen the production live.
Reppert always is looking for different and unique nutcrackers, but has yet to find her dream one.
"I want a roller derby nutcracker," she said. Reppert is a member of the Susquehanna Valley Derby Vixens.
As for Christmas this year, Reppert has an idea of what kind of nutcracker she will get, but is hesitant to say what it is.
"I don't want to jinx myself with which one I'll get!"
Are you a collector?
If you, or someone you know, has a collection that should be featured in an upcoming edition, contact Dana Borick at dborick@sungazette.com or call 326-1551, ext. 3108.
Stories about local collectors are published on the last Sunday of each month in the Sunday Lifestyle section.
