Saturday, December 7, 2013

Vintage Christmas ornaments


Many of the decorations on our Christmas tree have been in the family since I was a child. A few, like the glass chimney sweep in this picture, are from before I was born.

I have always loved the little elf band and the angel choir with their pipe cleaner legs and arms.

These lovely ornaments are now part of my children's Christmas tradition too.

Each year as we unpack the old beat-up cardboard box where these treasures are stored, we treat each item with reverence and we reminisce over eggnog of Christmases past, and the people, now gone, that we have shared them with.






Fewer of the delicate glass balls go back into the box at the end of the season. It is so easy to put a finger through these fragile ornaments, or have them slip out of your hands in an inattentive moment.

Still, it is always a delight to open the old box and see these lovely adornments cheerfully waiting to go on our tree. They are like old friends.





I am happy to think of passing these treasures down to my own children, now grown and on their own. I hope that they will someday have the pleasure of unpacking them with their own children and sharing the excitement and anticipation of the season.

My son and daughter can tell their little ones of the holidays spent with their grandparents and great-grandparents and in the telling feel the real meaning of Christmas.

Happy Holidays to all of you!

Hugs,

Susan

12 comments:

  1. These look familiar.We had them on our trees growing up. I guess that makes me vintage!

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    1. Well, we are all one vintage or another, Teresa. Merry Christmas!

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  2. It is lovely you still have these old decorations and they are now becoming just as special to your children. I love the little elf band. I have fond memories of a little elf that was always on our family tree and I recently saw one for sale. I think I will have to treat myself to one. My Mum still has the original although he is rather worn these days but still just as special. Since 1998 my husband and I and now our daughter with us buy a special dated Keepsake Christmas decoration for our tree. We now have 16 of these special ornaments. We usually try to choose something relevant. This year we bought a Snoopy ornament as Jamie is dancing as Snoopy in one of her recital dances this year.

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    1. How wonderful to be creating your own Christmas memories with your ornaments. Jamie will appreciate those special decorations when she is older just as much as I appreciate mine. Merry Christmas!

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  3. Susan your tree is lovely! Not just the wonderful vintage ornaments familiar to me also, but the fact that it is an evergreen ... not plastic! I can almost smell it....Have the happiest of holidays! Florine

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    1. Thanks Florine. I do like to have a real tree when I can. It doesn't happen every year anymore. And it does smell wonderful. The happiest of holidays to you too.
      Susan

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  4. What a great collection of vintage ornaments. It reminds me of both of my grandmother's trees! Wonderful Christmas memories and great photos.

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    1. Thanks Troy! As you may have noticed from my dollhouse collection I do love the old things. I am watching your blog with great interest to see how your attic room is being turned into a dollhouse room. You are lucky to have such an area. Merry Christmas to you and your family!

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  5. I LOVE your Christmas scenes Susan! Your antique ornaments are Treasures! I remember we had a set of those angel choir ornaments!!! I LOVED the way the gauzy fabric was stretched over the wires so you could shape them! I don't think we have any of them left in my family. Alas, too many moves and my Mother never has been good at "keeping" things!
    Such a joy to "visit" them on your tree! Happy Holidays!

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    1. I have always loved the angels too. They have such character. Thank you for your lovely comments. Happy Holidays!!

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  6. Susan,
    I love your ornaments and their stories what a wonderful way to pass on traditions hope your having a great holiday season.
    Teresa, from
    sugar, spice, and whatever's nice

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  7. I already feel the spirit of Christmas! I love the way you decorate the Christmas tree Susan and it reminds me of home. How my mom put a vintage ornaments on her favourite white tree.

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