Everything You Need to Know About Netflix’s Newest Star Benjamin Bradley, aka “Mr. Christmas”
Ben Bradley #BenBradley
Netflix’s newest makeover series, Holiday Home Makeover With Mr. Christmas, is the perfect mix of holiday cheer and magical transformations. The series introduces seasoned interior designer William Benjamin Bradley, who goes by Mr. Christmas. As you’ll quickly learn, he is indeed an absolute Christmas-enthusiast. From naming his dog Ebenezer (yes, as in Scrooge!) to the Christmas spectacle he creates in his apartment every holiday season, Bradley is a true believer in the spirit of the holiday, not to mention the spirit of giving back.
While Bradley may be new to TV, his love for Santa figurines and old-world interiors have been constants in his life for almost three decades. Here are 8 things you might not know about Netflix’s Holiday Home Makeover With Mr. Christmas host Benjamin Bradley.
He grew up in the Midwest, but currently lives in New York City
Benjamin Bradley grew up in Boonville, Indiana. After earning his bachelor’s degree from Purdue University, he headed to the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York for his associates degree. A few years later, he made the Big Apple his permanent home. He currently lives in a six-room, prewar Carnegie Hill co-op with his life partner, Bruce Wayne, who works as a celebrity makeup artist.
He owns over 3,000 Christmas decorations, which earned him the “Mr. Christmas” title
Prior to connecting with Netflix, Bradley had earned himself the title of Mr. Christmas due to his expansive collection of antique Christmas valuables. In 2018, he spoke with the New York Times about his medley of holiday keepsakes. At the time, his collection boasted over 3,000 individual pieces of holiday decor, including more than 40 Santas. He amassed this rare collection from online sales, as well as at flea markets, auctions, and antique shops.
He honors his German heritage through in his collection
Bradley, who is part German, pays homage to his culture through his collection. He specifically seeks out German imports made between 1850 and 1920. Highlights of his collection include: Santa-themed jars and candy dishes, nodders (think: windup bobbleheads), Dresden ornaments, and more.
His love for Christmas started with a present from his mother
Bradley told the New York Times that his passion for all-things Christmas started when his mom gave him a Econolite motion lamp for Christmas one year. The cylindrical spinning lamp was decorated with Santa and his sleigh. When Bradley learned the value of this old-school holiday token, he became interested in growing a collection. Not to mention, after paging through the 1994 book Christmas Collectibles by Margaret and Kenn Whitmyer, his infatuation grew even more. It “opened up a whole world for me, with information on the things I collected” or dreamed of owning, Bradley said of the book. “I’d spend hours looking over photos in this book. I still do.”
He is a member of an international antique Christmas collectibles organization
In a Facebook live chat with Tammy Boruff of Best of Boonville, Bradley revealed that he is a member of the Golden Glow of Christmas Past. According to its Instagram page, it is “world’s largest organization for collectors, dealers and historians of antique and vintage Christmas decorations.” Each summer, members are invited to a Glow convention to indulge, connect, and trade all things Christmas. The organization also publishes a trade magazine and has a vintage Christmas marketplace on Facebook where members get exclusive access to rare Christmas finds.
His day job is in interior design
Bradley isn’t Mr. Christmas all year round. Twenty-seven years ago he started his own design firm E & Co. Home, which he operates out of a home office in his New York City apartment. Despite Bradley’s penchant for all-things Christmas, he mostly designs traditional, mid-century modern spaces. Judging from his portfolio, you wouldn’t even know that he’s a holiday decorating aficionado.
Bradley’s personal Instagram, @mrbradleyshops, showcases his work at E & Co., snaps of his dog, as well as some neat finds in the city. However, if you’re looking for the Christmas content (after all, we’re talking about Mr. Christmas!), you can head on over to his second Instagram account, @mrchristmasholidayhomemakeover. On this account, Bradley shares behind-the-scenes moments from the show as well as all the Christmas content your heart could ever desire.
He has an Etsy shop
Bradley doesn’t just collect Christmas decorations—he sells some too. His Etsy shop, Ebenzer & Company, offers a variety of antique holiday pieces similar to the ones on display in his home. All items include free shipping.
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