Given that the character of "Jasmine" (in the Disney animated feature "Aladdin," she's the main object of the title character's affections) hails from a fantasy version of ancient Arabia, I'm left to wonder precisely what holiday she's celebrating. Jasmine's "reflections" on the back of Holiday Princess Jasmine's (Hereafter HPJ) box have the usual vague sentiments of seasonal good cheer, but no indication of a particular celebration that may take place in the "real world"...

But who cares?!? We're talking Disney here, and Mattel has
created a rather charming doll to celebrate those end-of-year festivities collectively known as the "Holiday Season."

Initially offered in late 2000, HPJ is one of several of the so-called "Disney Princesses" who have been featured in a special holiday edition, including Cinderella, Snow White, and Belle (The other three were introduced a year earlier).
Like the other Holiday Princesses, Jasmine wears a gown that's not derived from the film, but an original design made especially for this collection. Her predominantly green velvet dress continues the "Arabian Nights" theme; the skirt splits in the front to reveal gold turkish style trousers that are gathered in the ankles. There's also plenty of gold trim throughout the cuffs, neckline and bodice. Theres a smaller skirt of netting (I think that's the word, I'm not a sewer) which drapes atop the main skirt. Her gold plastic shoes, with their upwardly-pointing toes, round out the ensemble.

There's only one drawback to HPJ, and I didn't discover it until I opened "Sparkling Princess Jasmine," one of the Disney Princess dolls made for regular play; Jasmine's triangular earrings are part of her head mold! Since the Princesses' bodies are essentially borrowed from Mattel's Barbie line, I would have liked to have the option of putting on different earrings on Jasmine's head. Attaching them to her head as a single unit obviously eliminates that possibility. Nevertheless, I find Jasmine's doll incarnation very attractive.

The only other caveat concerns the packaging. The box is the semi-cylindrical "Display" box. Its large, curved window allows a frontal and side view of the doll, which is very secured to the box. Not a problem, unless you attempt to open it. You'll have to destroy the box in the process, so it can't be reused. I won't mention the time-consuming, tedious process of removing each and every fastening that lashes Jasmine to the backing!

All in all, you won't be disappointed if you purchase Holiday Princess Jasmine. If you're a Disney, Aladdin, or Mattel Disney Princess toys fan, you will love this doll.
HPJ is no longer available in the major retail outlets; check with a doll collectibles dealer, or try your luck at eBay. Reminder: This is a "collectible" type doll, and is recommended for individuals 14 and up.

Recommended: Yes

Amount Paid (US$): 20.00
Type of Toy: Other
Age Range of Child: Other