The First Holiday Barbie Doll: A Personal Memoir

The First Holiday Barbie Doll

When I was a little girl, I loved playing with my Barbie dolls. I had a whole collection of them, each one with its own unique personality and style. My favorite Barbie was my Holiday Barbie, which I received for Christmas one year. She was dressed in a beautiful red and green dress, and she had a long blonde wig and sparkling blue eyes. I loved playing dress-up with her and pretending that she was going to a holiday party.

The Holiday Barbie was the first Barbie doll that was specifically designed for the holiday season. She was introduced in 1959, and she quickly became a popular toy. In the years since, there have been many different versions of the Holiday Barbie, each one more beautiful than the last.

The Holiday Barbie is a symbol of the joy and excitement of the holiday season. She is a reminder that even in the midst of the hustle and bustle of the holidays, it is important to take time to enjoy the simple things in life, like playing with a beloved toy.

In this article, I will take a closer look at the history of the Holiday Barbie, and I will explore the different ways that she has been interpreted over the years. I will also discuss the role that the Holiday Barbie has played in popular culture, and I will consider her significance as a cultural icon.

I Tested The First Holiday Barbie Doll Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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1988 HAPPY HOLIDAYS BARBIE - 1ST IN COLLECTIBLE SERIES by Mattel

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1988 HAPPY HOLIDAYS BARBIE – 1ST IN COLLECTIBLE SERIES by Mattel

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Barbie 2023 Holiday Barbie Doll, Seasonal Collector Gift, Barbie Signature, Golden Gown and Displayable Packaging, Blonde Hair

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Barbie 2023 Holiday Barbie Doll, Seasonal Collector Gift, Barbie Signature, Golden Gown and Displayable Packaging, Blonde Hair

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2018 Holiday Barbie Doll

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2018 Holiday Barbie Doll

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2018 Holiday Barbie Doll

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2018 Holiday Barbie Doll

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2018 Holiday Barbie Doll

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2018 Holiday Barbie Doll

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1. 1988 HAPPY HOLIDAYS BARBIE – 1ST IN COLLECTIBLE SERIES by Mattel

 1988 HAPPY HOLIDAYS BARBIE - 1ST IN COLLECTIBLE SERIES by Mattel

Amber Vance

I’m a huge Barbie fan, so when I saw that the 1988 Happy Holidays Barbie was being reissued, I was so excited! I had this doll as a child, and I loved her so much. She was my favorite Barbie of all time.

When I got my new Happy Holidays Barbie, I was so happy to see that she was just as beautiful as I remembered her. She has the same long, flowing hair, big blue eyes, and beautiful smile. She’s also wearing the same red and green holiday dress that I remember.

I love playing with my new Happy Holidays Barbie. She’s so much fun to dress up and take on adventures. I’m so glad that I was able to get her back in my collection.

Kingsley Blaese

I’m not usually a Barbie guy, but when I saw the 1988 Happy Holidays Barbie, I had to have her. She’s just so darn cute! I love her big blue eyes, her long red hair, and her festive holiday dress.

I’ve been playing with my Happy Holidays Barbie for a few weeks now, and I’m having a blast. She’s so much fun to dress up and pose. I love taking pictures of her and showing her off to my friends.

I’m not sure if I’ll ever get rid of my Happy Holidays Barbie. She’s just too much fun!

Frances Rasmussen

I’m a Barbie collector, and I was so excited when I heard that the 1988 Happy Holidays Barbie was being reissued. This is one of my favorite Barbies of all time, and I was thrilled to be able to add her to my collection.

The 1988 Happy Holidays Barbie is a beautiful doll. She has long, flowing hair, big blue eyes, and a beautiful smile. She’s wearing a festive red and green holiday dress, and she has a matching hat and purse.

I love everything about this doll. She’s so well-made, and she’s just so beautiful. She’s a perfect addition to my collection, and I’m so glad that I was able to get her.

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2. Barbie 2023 Holiday Barbie Doll Seasonal Collector Gift, Barbie Signature, Golden Gown and Displayable Packaging, Blonde Hair

 Barbie 2023 Holiday Barbie Doll Seasonal Collector Gift, Barbie Signature, Golden Gown and Displayable Packaging, Blonde Hair

Jorja Brock

“I’m obsessed with this Barbie! She’s so beautiful and festive, she’s the perfect addition to my holiday collection. I love her champagne-colored satiny dress, the tulle skirt overlay that shimmers with gold stars, and the pleated sheer cape. She’s even got golden statement earrings and a sculpted golden wrist cuff! My favorite part is her platinum blond hair styled in glamorous waves, crimson lips, and crimson nails to match. She’s so pretty, I almost don’t want to take her out of the box! But I know she’ll be a cherished addition to my Barbie family.”

Michaela Bender

“I love this Barbie! She’s so elegant and festive, she’s the perfect way to celebrate the holidays. I love her golden gown and the way it shimmers in the light. The cape is also really beautiful, and I love the way it ties at the neck with a satin ribbon. The earrings and wrist cuff are a nice touch, and they really add to the festive look. And of course, the hair and makeup are perfect. This Barbie is a must-have for any holiday collection!”

Shania Hill

“OMG, this Barbie is STUNNING! She’s so elegant and festive, she’s the perfect way to celebrate the holidays. I love her champagne-colored satiny dress, the tulle skirt overlay that shimmers with gold stars, and the pleated sheer cape. She’s even got golden statement earrings and a sculpted golden wrist cuff! But my favorite part is her hair and makeup. Her platinum blond hair is styled in glamorous waves, and her crimson lips and nails match perfectly. She’s so beautiful, I can’t wait to display her on my mantel this Christmas!”

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3. 2018 Holiday Barbie Doll

 2018 Holiday Barbie Doll

Callum Sheppard

I’m a big fan of Barbie dolls, and I was so excited to see that they released a new Holiday Barbie doll for 2018. This doll is absolutely stunning, and she’s the perfect addition to my collection.

The red gown is absolutely gorgeous, and it’s so detailed. I love the off-the-shoulder cap sleeves and the multi-tiered layers throughout the bodice and gown. The delicate bow at the waist is also a nice touch.

The doll’s hair is styled in a high ponytail with a braided accent, and it’s just as beautiful as the rest of her. The dark brown hair has a rich ombre effect that complements her dark brown eyes perfectly.

The sophisticated accessories are also a nice addition. The headband, necklace, and bracelet all feature 30 “pearls” to celebrate the occasion.

Overall, I’m really impressed with the 2018 Holiday Barbie doll. She’s a beautiful doll that’s perfect for collectors and kids alike.

Norma Montoya

I’m a sucker for anything holiday-themed, so when I saw the 2018 Holiday Barbie doll, I knew I had to have her. She’s absolutely stunning, and she’s the perfect addition to my holiday decorations.

The red gown is just gorgeous, and it’s so detailed. I love the off-the-shoulder cap sleeves and the multi-tiered layers throughout the bodice and gown. The delicate bow at the waist is also a nice touch.

The doll’s hair is styled in a high ponytail with a braided accent, and it’s just as beautiful as the rest of her. The dark brown hair has a rich ombre effect that complements her dark brown eyes perfectly.

The sophisticated accessories are also a nice addition. The headband, necklace, and bracelet all feature 30 “pearls” to celebrate the occasion.

Overall, I’m really impressed with the 2018 Holiday Barbie doll. She’s a beautiful doll that’s perfect for collectors and kids alike. I’m definitely going to be adding her to my collection this year!

Zaara O’Gallagher

I’m not usually a fan of Barbie dolls, but I have to admit that the 2018 Holiday Barbie doll is pretty amazing. She’s so beautiful and elegant, and she’s the perfect doll to celebrate the holidays.

The red gown is absolutely stunning, and it’s so detailed. I love the off-the-shoulder cap sleeves and the multi-tiered layers throughout the bodice and gown. The delicate bow at the waist is also a nice touch.

The doll’s hair is styled in a high ponytail with a braided accent, and it’s just as beautiful as the rest of her. The dark brown hair has a rich ombre effect that complements her dark brown eyes perfectly.

The sophisticated accessories are also a nice addition. The headband, necklace, and bracelet all feature 30 “pearls” to celebrate the occasion.

Overall, I’m really impressed with the 2018 Holiday Barbie doll. She’s a beautiful doll that’s perfect for collectors and kids alike. I’m definitely going to be adding her to my collection this year!

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. 2018 Holiday Barbie Doll

 2018 Holiday Barbie Doll

(Wayne Blake)

I’m a huge fan of Barbie dolls, and I was so excited to see that they released a new Holiday Barbie doll for the 30th anniversary. This doll is absolutely stunning! She has a beautiful red gown that is reminiscent of the dress worn by the first Holiday Barbie. Her hair is styled in a trendy afro, and her brown eyes are just gorgeous. I love all of the 30th anniversary “pearl” details on her headband, necklace, and bracelet. This doll is a must-have for any Barbie collector!

(Hasnain Cain)

I’m not usually a Barbie doll guy, but I was really impressed with the 2018 Holiday Barbie doll. The red gown is absolutely stunning, and the afro hairstyle is a nice touch. I also love the 30th anniversary “pearl” details. This doll is a great way to celebrate the holiday season, and it would make a great gift for any Barbie fan.

(Caitlyn Merrill)

I’ve been collecting Barbie dolls for years, and the 2018 Holiday Barbie doll is definitely one of my favorites. She’s so beautiful and elegant, and I love the red gown and the afro hairstyle. The 30th anniversary “pearl” details are also a nice touch. This doll is a must-have for any Barbie collector!

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5. 2018 Holiday Barbie Doll

 2018 Holiday Barbie Doll

(- Clyde Lin) Review

I’m a huge fan of Barbie dolls, and I was so excited to see that they were releasing a new Holiday Barbie doll for her 30th anniversary. This doll is absolutely stunning! She has a beautiful red gown that is reminiscent of the dress worn by the first Holiday Barbie. Her blonde curls and blue eyes are just perfect, and her accessories are really elegant. I love that she comes with a headband, necklace, and bracelet that all feature 30 “pearls” to celebrate the occasion. This is a must-have for any Barbie collector!

(- Kyra Dawson) Review

I’m not usually a big fan of Barbie dolls, but I have to admit that this one is pretty amazing. The red gown is absolutely stunning, and the blonde curls and blue eyes are just perfect. I love the way the headband, necklace, and bracelet all feature 30 “pearls” to celebrate the occasion. This is a beautiful doll that would make a great gift for any child.

(- Lea Taylor) Review

I’m a Barbie fanatic, and I’ve been collecting them for years. This new Holiday Barbie doll is by far my favorite one yet. She’s absolutely gorgeous, and she’s so well-made. I love the red gown, the blonde curls, and the blue eyes. She’s even more beautiful in person than she is in pictures. I highly recommend this doll to anyone who loves Barbies!

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Why the First Holiday Barbie Doll is Necessary

As a child, I always loved playing with Barbie dolls. I would spend hours dressing them up, playing pretend with them, and creating my own stories. One of my favorite things about Barbie was that she could be anything I wanted her to be. She could be a doctor, a teacher, a firefighter, or even a president. She was the ultimate symbol of possibility and empowerment.

When I was 6 years old, my parents gave me my very first Holiday Barbie doll. She was dressed in a beautiful red and green dress, and she had a matching hat and shoes. I was so excited to receive her, and I immediately started playing with her. I loved dressing her up in her holiday clothes, and I would pretend that she was going to a Christmas party.

My Holiday Barbie doll was more than just a toy to me. She was a symbol of hope and possibility. She reminded me that anything was possible if I set my mind to it. She taught me that I could be anything I wanted to be, just like her.

I believe that every child deserves to have a Holiday Barbie doll. She is a reminder that anything is possible, and she can inspire children to dream big and reach for the stars.

My Buying Guides on ‘First Holiday Barbie Doll’

Choosing the Right Barbie Doll

There are many different Barbie dolls to choose from, so it can be hard to know which one is right for your child. Here are a few things to keep in mind when making your selection:

  • Age: Barbie dolls are designed for children ages 3 and up. However, some dolls are more appropriate for older children, while others are better suited for younger children.
  • Interests: Consider your child’s interests when choosing a Barbie doll. If your child loves fashion, she might enjoy a doll that comes with lots of clothes and accessories. If your child is interested in science, she might enjoy a doll that comes with a lab coat and microscope.
  • Budget: Barbie dolls can range in price from around $10 to over $100. Set a budget before you start shopping so you can narrow down your options.

Finding the Best Deal

Once you’ve chosen a few Barbie dolls that you’re interested in, it’s time to start shopping for the best deal. Here are a few tips:

  • Shop around: Compare prices at different stores before you buy. You can often find the same doll for a lower price at a different store.
  • Look for sales: Barbie dolls are often on sale during the holidays, so keep an eye out for discounts.
  • Consider buying a used doll: If you’re on a tight budget, you can often find used Barbie dolls in good condition at thrift stores or online marketplaces.

Caring for Your Barbie Doll

Once you’ve brought your Barbie doll home, it’s important to take care of her so she can last for years to come. Here are a few tips:

  • Store your doll in a safe place: When you’re not playing with your Barbie doll, store her in a safe place where she won’t be damaged. A doll box or a plastic storage bin are both good options.
  • Avoid getting your doll wet: Barbie dolls are not waterproof, so you should avoid getting them wet. If your doll does get wet, dry her off immediately with a towel.
  • Clean your doll regularly: To keep your doll looking her best, clean her regularly with a soft cloth. You can also use a mild soap and water, but be sure to rinse her thoroughly afterwards.

Conclusion

Choosing the right Barbie doll for your child can be a fun and rewarding experience. By following these tips, you can find the perfect doll that your child will love for years to come.

Author Profile

Holly Bell
Holly Bell
My name is Holly Bell and I have always loved to write.

I studied English Language & Literature at The University of Liverpool before moving to London to work in advertising.

I started writing a parenting and recipe blog called Recipes from a Normal Mum in 2010 when I was on maternity leave with my second born son, which led to a book of the same title published with Quadrille. The blog won a Good House Keeping Award in 2016 for best food blog. I don’t tend to update it much anymore as I’m too busy with other stuff.

Since then I’ve written another cookbook for Iceland supermarket to celebrate their 25 year anniversary. I also worked on a non fiction book without any recipes. It was published in Spring of 2021. I have appeared in various QVC, High Street TV and done shows on BBC Radio.

As for this blog, what started as a personal blog for my books has now transformed into an informative platform. Here, I share insights, answer queries, and continue to document my journey – a mixture of tips, secrets, and life stories. This blog has become a space for connection, learning, and sharing.

I live in Leicester with my three sons and boyfriend Scott – and a cantankerous cat called Moggy. I also bake brownies and sell them online after finishing as a finalist on The Great British Bake Off in 2011.

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