A Very Vintage Christmas to you!

It's a winter wonderland here in New England with more snow on the way, a good time to focus on indoor tasks, like holiday decorating. In my home Christmas is all about going over the top. Lots of lights and tinsely glitz and most important, quirky vintage ornamentation. I've been collecting vintage decor since the 1970s. My Mom was just starting in the antiques business and I caught her yard sale fever. Early on I began an obsessive hunt for old Christmas decorations. The find that hooked me was a box of unused holiday cards from the 1940s-50s. The pictures were utterly charming AND the cards doubled as tree ornaments. They have graced my Christmas tree ever since.

I've slowed down my search over the years, but occasionally a new piece will make it's way into the collection. This past weekend I found a little celluloid and chenille elf riding in a golden sleigh. Without a doubt, he needed to come home with me.

So without further ado, I would like to say Seasons Greetings! by sharing pictures of a few of my vintage holiday treasures.

 Ornamental molded candles from the 1960s

 This is one of my few reproduction pieces. There is a rotating multi colored light inside, very retro. You can see my little 1950s porcelain choir boy caroling away on the right. 

 Dainty and demure, this 1960s, alabaster porcelain deer makes a beautiful table piece.

 Here he is! My latest acquisition. A celluloid and chenille elf with his golden sleigh. 

 Darling 1950s porcelain angel with wired gauze dress perched on a cut crystal globe

 Home crafted stuffed felt elf doll from the 1930s.

 Felt girl-elf tree ornament, circa early 1960s.

 I love old blown mercury glass bulbs, especially with baby or childrens  themes. 1940s blue mercury glass ornament with ducky (top right)

From my box of card ornaments, this jolly snowman. I can never decide which of the cards I like best, they are all so sweet. To his right a 1960s spun cotton Santa.

 A 1940s porcelain snowman bell.

 A 1950s Florida souvenir ornament, cute little orange person. Behind that, another one of my card ornaments.

 This one is from the 1980s, wall plaque, reproduction of a Victorian Christmas card.

And last but not least, a  sleigh full of 1960s Made in Japan, cloth elves and the big man himself, Santa!

Happiest Holidays to you all.