While it’s the most joyful part of the year, some of us can’t help but wish for simpler times. Back when the holidays were not financially overwhelming, gatherings were all about bonding and pure love instead of making poses to brag on social media. Although we can’t have those days, you can still feel like you traveled through time through retro Christmas decor. A retro Christmas theme adds a special kind of magic to your holidays! Here are some ideas you should try this year!
Tinsel
Tinsel is a timeless Christmas decor that was popular back in the 1950s and 1960s. The material was very popular because it captures the look of shimmering holiday lights. Aside from the extra shine, it also gave Christmas trees and mantels a colorful, frosty look. Using them now will actually lessen the need for Christmas lights because of their reflective and shiny surface. That would be a big help in making sure you don’t consume too much energy over the holidays.
Santa Sculptures
Back in the day, everyone loved having a huge Santa sculpture back in their homes. They would have it out on the porch to greet guests, inside the hallway, or by the stairs. Kids would usually love hugging it and taking pictures with it. They may be heavy but they bring a lot of vintage charm to your home.
Vintage Christmas Cards
Are you the type who gathered and held on to their Christmas cards from years ago? They may be nostalgic mementos, but they’re basically clutter. But you can give them a second life by making them part of your Christmas decor. Hang them on the walls, display them on the coffee table or by the fireplace, and you can use them to decorate your tree. Vintage illustrations always stand out because you barely see cards drawn that way anymore. You can take a picture of the messages on the card so you can still have a digital keepsake of it.
Retro Nutcracker Figurines
The Nutcracker is a story that will always be around during the holidays. Back in the 1940s, Nutcracker-inspired figurines were a hit and became a part of everyone’s Christmas decorations. These figurines were mostly made of wood and had military or royal attire painted in bright colors with gold accents. Adding them to your decorations this year will definitely bring a wave of nostalgia to your Christmas celebration.
Vintage Nativity Scene Figurines
The nativity scene figurines that they used to do back in the day were so detailed it was such a shame that you could only use them once a year. If you used to have one, try to dig that out of the attic or basement. Today, you don’t see that level of craftsmanship anymore but there are antique shops and thrift stores that may still have the real thing.
Glass Ornaments
For a more elegant but still retro feel, you should go for glass ornaments. Vintage glass ornaments are known for their stunning designs. They often carry hand-painted details and intricate patterns. Each piece feels like a work of art! Some glass ornaments also feature bright colors for more colorful Christmas trees. Remember how only adults were allowed to handle them because they were so fragile? These ornaments were always handled with care and often passed down through generations.
Feather Garlands
Wrapping a garland made out of white feathers around the tree, the fireplace mantel, and even window sills was a popular Christmas decor from the olden days that you could revive this year. The white feathers looked like snow and it gave everyone the white Christmas vibe. Some would even get feathers of different colors if they wanted something more colorful.
Wooden Reindeers
A common Christmas decor from the past is the wooden reindeer. There’s just something about a wooden reindeer that exudes vintage charm. Plus it’s a decor that you can use not just for Christmas but all winter long. Whether they are handcrafted or mass-produced, big or small, painted on or not, seeing reindeer will immediately make you think of Santa and the toys he brings.
Vintage Snowman Figurines
Frosty the Snowman is a fun and catchy Christmas song. So, it’s no wonder snowmen were a huge Christmas collectible back in the day. Having these vintage snowman figurines can add a touch of nostalgia to your home’s overall look. Snowmen come in different sizes and different looks so there’s a wide range of options to choose from if you shop for them now. There are also a lot of DIY projects to make if you’re in a creative mood.
Retro Christmas Stockings
The Christmas stockings from the past had a special charm because they were handmade. If they were not knitted by hand, they were crafted from felt. These stockings were usually adorned with applique figures of Christmas symbols and had festive prints or charming embroidery. Reviving the tradition of having homemade Christmas stockings will add a vintage and more personal touch to your Christmas decor.
Beaded Garland
Beaded garlands were well-loved decorations in the mid-century because they were versatile and had a timeless quality. The beaded garland would often be draped around the trees, strung down hallways like a curtain, and wrapped around mantels. They usually come with a reflective surface so they catch the light and create a soft glow. It’s a great way to add sparkle and texture to your Christmas decorations. And the best part about them is that you can use them on other holidays too!
Wooden Toys
Wooden toys bring a wave of nostalgia – especially for seniors who are used to growing up with such toys. Antique wooden toys are often collectibles these days so you may want to keep them out of reach if there are kids around. But there are also modern mass-produced wooden toys that you can let the kids play with. You can give these toys that “vintage” look with wood seals.
Snow Globes
Vintage snow globes always have that magical and whimsical feel. These snow globes often feature tiny, hand-painted figurines of Santa, snowmen, Christmas trees, and Christmas villages. The snow from vintage snow globes also looks more realistic and brings the whole scene to life. It’s no wonder vintage snow globes are seen as a cherished holiday memento that they get to be passed down through generations.
Fake Poinsettia Blooms
Everybody used to love these fake poinsettia blooms. They were usually made out of felt material and had golden glitters all over them. These blooms would be used to adorn Christmas trees, the mantel, the fireplace, and even centerpieces. Modern versions of this decor have managed to make realistic versions of the poinsettia. But there’s just something more charming about the old-school way they did it.
Winter Gnomes
These characters from European folklore have been associated with Christmas since the 18th century and they make lovely Christmas decorations. Their tall hats are usually covering their eyes so all you see is their nose and their beards. There’s actually a reason why – their eyes are believed to be sensitive to sunlight since they live in burrows and only come out at night.
These retro Christmas decorations easily capture the charm of past decades and some of these are even valuable to Christmas decor collectors today. You can also pull off these vintage decorations through DIY projects and they are easier than you think! So, why not bring a touch of Christmas past into your present? Sharing a little holiday nostalgia with your closest and dearest will bring everyone closer together!
