Precious Moments Come Let Us Adore Him 1986

Okay, folks, let's talk about something that might be lurking in your grandma's china cabinet, your aunt's Christmas decorations, or maybe even, secretly, in your heart: Precious Moments figurines.

Specifically, let’s zero in on a real classic: "Come Let Us Adore Him" from 1986. You know the one – it’s got those signature teardrop-eyed kids, all bundled up, gazing reverently at a tiny Baby Jesus.

The Tearful Takeover

These aren’t just any figurines. They were a cultural phenomenon! Back in the 80s, these little guys were EVERYWHERE. Think Beanie Babies, but… ceramic and slightly more religious.

Their creator, Sam Butcher, a former Disney animator, had a knack for tugging at the heartstrings. And tug they did! My own mom had a whole shelf dedicated to them – a porcelain pilgrimage, if you will.

Butcher's inspiration came from a very personal place. He initially started sketching the endearing figures to send as greeting cards to his family and friends. It became a full blown company in 1978.

1986: A Very Precious Year

So, what makes 1986's "Come Let Us Adore Him" so special? Well, besides being part of the Precious Moments empire's golden age, it's just…peak Precious Moments. It's got all the key ingredients.

Think about it: snow, adorable children, a manger scene, and enough sentimentality to power a small town during the holiday season. What is not to love?

It also speaks to a yearning for simple, wholesome goodness. Maybe people needed a break from leg warmers and big hair! Maybe a ceramic reminder of the "reason for the season" was just the ticket.

Behind the Porcelain Smile

Now, let's be honest. Precious Moments aren't for everyone. Some people find them a tad…cloying. A little too sweet. A porcelain sugar rush, perhaps?

And the teardrop eyes! Some see them as endearing. Others find them a little unsettling. Are they sad? Are they deeply moved? Are they just really, really tired?

But that's part of their charm! They evoke a reaction. They spark conversation. They make you feel something. Even if that something is a slight urge to hide them in the back of a closet during your next decluttering spree.

The Collectible Craze

Back in the day, collecting Precious Moments was serious business. People attended collector's club meetings. They traded figurines. They even had special display cases to showcase their treasures.

The idea was that these figurines would appreciate in value. That your investment in porcelain cuteness would one day pay off big time. Turns out, the market for Precious Moments is volatile, to say the least.

But hey, even if they’re not worth a fortune, they're worth something! They are tangible reminders of a time, a place, a feeling. A connection to someone who loved them.

More Than Just Figurines

Ultimately, "Come Let Us Adore Him", and all Precious Moments figurines, represent more than just porcelain. They are a snapshot of a specific cultural moment.

They reflect a desire for innocence, faith, and connection. They remind us of family gatherings, holiday traditions, and the simple joys of childhood. It represents pure love.

They also remind us that trends are fleeting. What was once wildly popular can become…well, something you find at a garage sale. But that doesn't diminish their significance.

A Touch of Humor

Let's not forget the unintentional humor that Precious Moments sometimes provides. The earnestness of those little faces combined with the slightly over-the-top sentimentality can be pretty funny.

Imagine a dramatic movie scene. Replace the actors with Precious Moments figurines. Suddenly, everything is hilarious! It would not work!

Even Sam Butcher himself had a sense of humor about his creations. He knew that they weren't high art, but he also knew that they brought joy to a lot of people. And that's something to be proud of.

Finding "Come Let Us Adore Him" Today

If you're feeling nostalgic, or just curious, finding a copy of "Come Let Us Adore Him" from 1986 isn't too difficult. Check eBay, Etsy, or your local thrift store.

You might be surprised at how affordable they are. Or you might find yourself caught up in the thrill of the hunt, searching for that perfect, pristine figurine. Just don't get into any bidding wars!

And if you already have one tucked away somewhere, dust it off! Take a good look at it. Appreciate it for what it is: a piece of pop culture history, a symbol of a bygone era, and a reminder that even the most sentimental things can bring a smile to your face.

Adore Them, or Not...

Whether you adore Precious Moments or find them a little…much, there's no denying their impact. They were a force to be reckoned with, a cultural phenomenon that touched millions of lives.

“Come Let Us Adore Him” from 1986 is a prime example of this. It embodies the brand's signature style and sentimentality, capturing a moment of childlike wonder and reverence.

So, the next time you see one of these figurines, take a moment to appreciate it. Not just for its aesthetic qualities (or lack thereof), but for what it represents: a time when simple pleasures and heartfelt emotions were celebrated. And maybe, just maybe, let a tiny tear of nostalgia well up in your own eye.

But seriously, if you do find one in your attic... maybe consider listing it online. You never know what someone might be willing to pay for a piece of porcelain history!

Just don't expect to retire on your Precious Moments fortune. Unless you have a lot of them. And maybe a buyer who's really enthusiastic about teardrop-eyed children. Good luck!

Precious Moments: Love them, hate them, or secretly hide them in a box labeled "holiday decorations," they're a part of our cultural landscape. And "Come Let Us Adore Him" is a true classic of the genre.