5. Patek Philippe mistletoe embellished pendant watch - $18,750
 The rare watch was bought at Sotheby's just in time for Christmas |
This rare, 18 carat gold Patek Philippe sold at Sotheby's New York on December 12, 2012. Whether or not it was bought as a Christmas present, it certainly embodies the luxuriant atmosphere which permeates come Christmas.
4. Rene Lalique holly chocker - $51,624
 The coral chocker sold for well above its $24,906-$32,208 estimate |
The Celtic meaning of the holly bush involves ruling the wintry realms with style and dignity. This art noveau coral, enamel and gold chocker by Rene Lalique sold at Christie's in November 2008 for $51,642 - well over its $33,208 top-end presale estimate.
3. Beatrix Potter's The Rabbit's Christmas Party - $121,250
 Potter's success partially rests upon her ability to anthropomorphise without resorting to cutesy imagery |
Potter's fine ink and water colour illustration of an over-coated Peter Rabbit amidst a flurry of other flopsy bunnies brought $121,250 at Sotheby's in July 2008.
2. Norman Rockwell's Is He Coming? - $602,500
 Norman Rockwell's Is He Coming? captures the spirit of Christmas |
Is He Coming? first appeared in the December 1919 issue of Red Cross Magazine. Infusing magic, mystique and anticipation, Rockwell perfectly captures what it's like to be a child waiting for Father Christmas' fabled arrival.
The original signed artwork sold from a corporate collection at Sotheby's in September 2012.
1. Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol - $209,500
 Charles Dickens - the godfather of Christmas |
The godfather of Christmas, Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol was first published by Chapman & Hall in December 1843.
The slight ghost story has since spawned numerous remakes and reinterpretations, including adaptations by the Muppets, Doctor Who and Blackadder. A first edition - one of just 6,000 - made ?�181,250 ($295,000) at Sotheby's London in October 2010.
