If your social media feeds are anything like mine, they are buzzing with posts about Barbie collections. Ever since Margot Robbie started promoting the new Barbie movie, many have shared their own Barbie stories. This wave of nostalgia took me back to a special Christmas memory from when I was 11 years old.
Key Points
A Christmas to Remember
It was Christmas Eve in 1993. My family gathered at my grandmother’s house for our traditional feast of fish. After enjoying calamari, smelts, and shrimp, it was time for the best part of the night: presents!
With 17 grandchildren in total—14 granddaughters ranging from the early 1970s to the early 1990s—Christmas shopping was no small task. Usually, my grandmother would buy different gifts for the younger and older girls. But that year was different. One by one, we each received a rectangular box of the same size. As we unwrapped them, we discovered Italian Barbies—14 of them!
A Thoughtful Gift
Now at 95, my grandmother, Antonetta Conforto Kovacic, doesn’t remember where she found all those dolls. It’s understandable, considering she had to visit several stores to collect 14 Italian Barbies. These dolls were often sold in upscale department stores rather than regular toy shops. What she does remember is the joy of giving each of her granddaughters a special gift, including her newest granddaughter, who was just 8 months old.
At first glance, it might seem strange to give the same gift to girls of different ages. However, looking back, I see that my grandmother’s choice reflects the complexity of the immigrant experience in America. She expressed her love and heritage through those wrapped boxes.
The Evolution of Barbie
In 1979, Mattel began releasing international Barbie dolls, including Italian Barbie. These dolls were designed as collector’s items, not as toys for play. The first Italian Barbie wore an outfit that represented American ideas of ethnicity rather than authentic Italian clothing. She had a colorful skirt and a floppy sun hat, but it felt more like a costume than a true representation.
Fortunately, in 1993, Mattel released a new version of Italian Barbie, this time dressed in a traditional Neapolitan folk costume. This detail likely made my grandmother eager to buy one for each granddaughter.
My Grandmother’s Journey
My grandmother immigrated to the United States from Naples in 1946. At just 17, she was a war bride, dreaming of a better life in America. The destruction of her hometown during World War II made her desire for a new beginning even stronger. Although she had dolls as a child, none made the journey to America with her.
When Barbie was first introduced in 1959, my grandmother was busy raising six children, only one of whom was a girl. My aunt received most of the dolls. It wasn’t until later, as a grandmother herself, that she began collecting Barbies. What started as a secret collection of Holiday Barbies hidden from her husband eventually found a place in a special display case in her living room.
Barbie and Identity
For many women, including my grandmother, Barbie represents a piece of American culture. The classic Barbie doll, with her blonde hair and blue eyes, contrasts sharply with my grandmother’s dark features. Seeing a doll that reflected her Neapolitan heritage was significant. It was important for her to share this connection with her granddaughters, even if not all of us had Italian features.
A Personal Connection
At 11 years old, I didn’t understand the importance of representation. However, I remember feeling happy to see a Barbie that looked like me—brown hair, brown eyes, and olive skin. My sisters and I played with our Italian Barbies, dressing them in clothes from our blonde Barbies. The earrings often went missing, and parts of the costumes ended up scattered in toy bins. But my Italian Barbie was loved and cherished.
Now, as a mother, I appreciate the thought and care my grandmother put into her gift-giving. To us kids, they were just pretty dolls. But looking back, I realize that those Barbies represented so much more.
Conclusion
The Christmas of 1993 remains a cherished memory. It was a time when my grandmother’s love and heritage came together in a simple yet meaningful gift. The Italian Barbies were not just toys; they were symbols of family, culture, and connection.
As we celebrate the holidays, let’s remember the stories behind our gifts. Each present carries a piece of our history and the love of those who gave it. This Christmas, may we all find joy in the memories we create and the traditions we share.
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