Where to Buy Vintage Christmas Song Records

Thinking back to childhood days, I can still recall the thrill I felt when I pulled out an old Columbia recording of Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, one featuring Gene Autry. Listening to the music and story was only part of the pleasure. Holding the cover of the record in my hands and scanning the artwork on the front and back was also a thrill. A few years ago, we bought a record player and started collecting vintage records again. We didn't have to do this, of course, not when traditional music, including Christmas carols and musical specials, could easily be found on CD. But somehow the sight of an old-fashioned record player spinning Christmas carols seemed to fit perfectly with the crackling fire, snow-covered trees outside our house and the smell of holly in the air. All we needed was a glass of eggnog to create the perfect holiday scene.

Collecting vintage Christmas records isn't hard to do - if you know where to find them

While it may seem baffling to try and find collectible or older holiday music, there are plenty of stores and venues that sell music from the 30s, 40s and 50s. You just need to know where to look - and the pros and cons of each venue. Here's a quick rundown on the some stores and other places to find vintage Christmas records.

Try looking for classic Christmas records at Half Price bookstores or used book dealers

Antique or collectible records at a bookstore? Absolutely! Our Half Price bookstore routinely carries older Christmas records. I've seen albums featuring Bing Crosby singing White Christmas as well as singers such as Dean Martin, Judy Garland and Elvis Presley. You might even find collection of Christmas music by the Osmond Family or Motown classics, including those from The Jackson Brothers, with the now infamous Michael Jackson.Of course, there isn't any telling what you'll find at a used bookstore or Half Priced books but searching is really a huge part of the fun. You can find locations here: www.halfpricebooks.com/

Best for: shoppers willing to take a chance. If you are looking for a specific recording, there is no guarantee it will be there - but you might another vintage record that is equally wonderful. Holiday window shoppers and browsers should have a field day looking at vintage Christmas records in old bookstores.

Special tips: unless the record is still wrapped in plastic, has the original price sticker and has never been opened, check carefully for condition and scratches.

Ebay is another good choice for collectors of older or collectible Christmas records

Not surprisingly, you can find nearly any Christmas album at Ebay - if you are willing to play the price. Most recently, I found some old recordings of The Littlest Angel there. Put in an artist like Burl Ives or Johnny Mathis or even Barbra Streisand and you're likely to unearth a Christmas gem. You can find Ebay by going to Ebay.com, found here: www.ebay.com

Best for: those who know what they want and are willing to pay the price. Check seller feedback carefully and be sure to look for condition guides so you'll know exactly what to get.

Special tip: try to shop early. Christmas season on Ebay often ends before November and bargains are snapped up by then.

Vintage Christmas records may be hiding in a corner of an antique store or at an estate sale

I've often found older holiday records in these locations. You may have to deal with some dusty corners and be sure to look at both the upper shelves and under old tables to find the Christmas records but your work can be rewarded with a great find. You may also be able to haggle or work out a lower price, as this is considered the norm in some antique stores and at some estate or garage sales.

Best for: bargain hunters who know they'll have to take the luck of the draw. Maybe they'll find an old Christmas favorite - maybe not.

Special tip: check condition and remember that the price may be negotiable.

Golden Glow is an online wealth of information for those looking for vintage Christmas records and other holiday items

This site, found here: www.goldenglow.org/christmas-music.htm is a treasure trove for lovers of antique Christmas items, including music. Check it out to find out when conventions are held as well as to get tips on collecting vintage Christmas records.

Best for: people who love all sorts of Christmas items and like to mingle and meet other people who share their passion.

Special tip: be sure to check the site for dates of upcoming conventions. You may be able to find older holiday records at one of these

Looking for a mix of vintage and older rock groups singing Christmas music? Try Sound Stage Direct

If you have eclectic tastes and don't mind mixing Jimi Hendrix with A Charlie Brown Christmas or Elvis' Christmas Album, then this may be a site you'll enjoy exploring. Since the company carries a wide variety of music, be sure to put the words, Christmas music, in the search form. The Elvis album will cost you more than $30.00 but you could buy a Booker T and the MGs album, Christmas Spirit, for about 15.00. You can find the store here; www.soundstagedirect.com/

Best for: those with diverse tastes and collectors of vintage rock albums.

Special tip: To find Christmas music here, it helps to have the name of the artist or singer or take your chances doing a search using the words, "Christmas" or "Christmas music".

Craig's List (usually found as one word, Craigslist) has often had old record collections for sale, including Christmas music

Of course, it can be hit or miss if you use this option. However, it is worth checking the classifieds, being sure to look in the collectibles section. You might just find Johnny Mathis and his Merry Christmas album. You just never know what might turn up with Craig's List, found here: www.craigslist.org/about/sites

Special tip: put safety first and never meet anyone from CraigsList unless you already know the person, have a friend along with you or take other security precautions.