A Christmas Confession

By Trish Milburn

I was talking with a friend recently about the doll I'd bought my niece for Christmas, an adorable little Rapunzel doll from the new movie Tangled. I got it at the big Disney store in Times Square when I was in New York last month. We (me and the friend, not me and the doll) got to reminiscing about what kind of baby dolls we liked when we were kids. Here's the thing, I don't remember ever really liking baby dolls that much. Maybe when I was really little, but for the most part I was a tomboy. I liked Hot Wheels cars and Tonka trucks, bikes and Big Wheels, climbing trees and playing in the creek. But there was one exception.

Barbies.

Yes, I know Barbie has her detractors. True, she's somebody's idealized version of the female form, not realistic for a real person. But when you think about it, Barbie could also be seen as a positive role model in that she's had just about every career known to man. Who else do you know who has been...

a computer engineer


















a McDonald's worker















an airline stewardess



















a nurse












a news correspondent













and even President of the United States?

In fact, according to this list at Wikipedia, Barbie's had at least 65 different careers. She's one busy gal.

But if I have to be honest, it's not really about Barbie herself. It's about her clothes! I still like to walk down that overwhelmingly pink aisle at the store and look at all the new designs and collectible Barbies. And at this time of year, there's always a gorgeous holiday Barbie. More than once, I've wished I had some of Barbie's lush outfits.

2010 Holiday Barbie














I'm a fan of the Barbies of the World collection. Here's the Russian Barbie.














And I love the special edition collectibles, like...

Cleopatra
















Athena



















Marie Antoinette























And then there are the elaborate designs by fashion designer Bob Mackie. Here's his take on Lady Liberty.

Are you a Barbie fan? If so, do you have any favorite Barbies? Have any special Barbie memories?

Since it's the season of giving, one commenter from today will receive a surprise Barbie. You won't know which one until you open your package. :)

It's FINALLY here! The hackey hudjson 12 Days of Christmas Booty. Every day between now and Christmas, one lucky commenter per day will win a daily prize and on some days, additional goodies from that day's blogging Bandita or guest. On Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, we'll give away more booty including autographed books, GR mugs and much more! Come join us! Tell your friends! Let's make the Season BRIGHT!