From cowboy gnomes to trolley cars to a watering can bursting with bluebonnets, the Texas Capitol’s collectible holiday ornaments have been a mainstay on Texas trees since 1996. Each year brings a new design that pays tribute to a different aspect of the Capitol’s history, and this year’s design, called “Jingle Bells,” is inspired by the Texas star and the native yaupon holly that grows on the west Capitol grounds. The Texas State Preservation Board produces up to 80,000 of each year’s release, and some festive folks have collected a signature ornament for the past 28 years. Each design is crafted in the U.S. using etching and electrolytic plating, and the 2024 iterations are finished in 24-karat gold and rhodium. Each jingle bell and bow is attached by hand. Proceeds go toward the preservation of the Capitol and restoration projects and educational programs at the Bullock Texas State History Museum.
From the December 2024 issue
