Christmas is Cancelled! ... Well, not really.

Simpsons News — Posted 21 Dec, 2001 by Scott

The Bradford Exchange, a company best known for its collector plates, is taking orders for a set of three ornaments inspired by the first Christmas episode of "The Simpsons." Further sets could follow every other month, the company says. However, in a letter to customers dated Dec. 14, Bradford apologized that its first set of Simpsons holiday oranments have been delayed and probably won't arrive for another "3-6 weeks," which puts delivery well after Christmas. The company blames the September terrorist attacks for delaying shipments to its distribution centers, "which in turn means we have been delayed in getting products to you."

A coupon insert in many Sunday newspapers across the United States on Oct. 14 featured a half-page advertisement for The Simpsons Illuminated Christmas Ornament Collection.

Each ornament is about 3-3/8 inches high and features a golden hanging cord, as well as a "certificate of authenticity." - Collecting Simpsons

The figures are available only as a set for $29.97 plus $4.99 shipping and handling for the first three. Instead of using the newspaper advertisement, Simpsons collector Rich Carlson tells us he placed his order by calling Bradford's toll-free number, 1-877-268-6638.

"You need the item #49279 and the code from the coupon -- H27101 -- to complete the order. You don't need the ad to place the order. They were easy to work with," Rich says. He also learned that the ornaments are scheduled to begin shipping by late November, with further three-ornament sets planned about every other month for a total of eight sets.

The advertisement states these are limited editions with 120 "casting days." Because of that, The Exchange says, buyers should order promptly in case demand exceeds supply. Bradford doesn't say how many Simpsons ornaments it plans to make, but it does seem it could produce a whole lot in four months of "casting." - Collection Simpsons