Linda Karstens enjoys her Hallmark ornaments collection.
Rural Bagley woman has an annual tradition to purchase new Hallmark ornaments for her collection.
By Rich Wicks | Panora Times
Linda Kastner of rural Bagley has a collection that she’s adding to — gradually. Kastner collects Hallmark ornaments, and each of the sets generally has one new piece offered each year.
The two Hallmark sets that have caught Kastner’ eye are called Mary’s Angels and Snow Buddies. She explained how she initially started collecting them in 1989.
Dozens of angels adorn the Karstens’ living room.
“I was shopping in a Hallmark store many years ago, and I saw these little angels, and I just loved it, so I bought one,” Kastner said. “I brought it home, and I realized that it was the second in a series. Well, I kind of wanted the first one, so I looked around and finally found one.”
Kastner explained that Mary Hamilton is the creator of the Mary’s Angels line, and although the pieces may look similar from a distance, each year’s angel is unique from the others. Some are holding a teddy bear or toy, while others may have a musical instrument.
Kastner also said Hallmark offers a special, larger piece in addition to the annual Mary’s Angels ornament every fifth year. She enjoys adding those larger pieces to her collection and demonstrated how some of the pieces light up and play music.
A few years after starting on the Mary’s Angels collection, Kastner discovered Snow Buddies.
“Snow Buddies isn’t as big a collection. I didn’t think I’d be collecting them for 27 years. Each one is a snowman, but each one has a different outfit on and different little animal with them,” Kastner said. “Usually, I get one set or the other out every year. When I put them out and then people are here, they just love them. I think they’re so pretty.”
Surprisingly, Kastner hasn’t had any pieces in her collections lost to breakage.
Mary’s Angels band and chorus appear ready for a song.
“When I get them out or put them away, I’m so careful so I don’t break off a wing or something,” she said. “When I’m done with them, I wrap them back up and put them in their box. After 38 years, this takes some time to get them out, and I don’t usually get them out until after Thanksgiving.”
Kastner said she has an annual tradition to make sure she gets the new ornaments for her collection.
“They come out in July, so I try to get in there in July and pick up my two little ornaments,” Kastner said. “I forgot about it one year until fall, and when I went in to pick one up, they were gone, so I kept searching around in Hallmark stores until I found one.”
The pieces are designed so each can stand on a flat surface or be hung from a tree. Kastner usually sets them out to allow for better viewing. She plans to keep adding pieces every year, as available.
“You know, when you get this far along with something, you can’t quit,” Kastner said. “You’re dedicated now.”
Asked if she expects Hallmark to keep making the pieces, Kastner said, “As long as there are people like me, I suppose they will.” n
