You know you’ve officially become your mother when you catch yourself mid-sentence saying, “They just don’t make Christmas decorations like they used to.”
This year, I decided to lean all the way into that sentiment and take a merry little sleigh ride back in time to create a full-blown vintage Christmas wonderland. Turns out, I wasn’t the only one. From retro ornaments to tinsel trees, nostalgic décor is having a moment - and honestly, I’m here for it. Let me tell you how I made it work while juggling motherhood, holiday chaos, and my "design-obsessed" tendencies, with a few laughs and a lot of love.
First things first: the tinsel tree. Oh, the glorious sparkle! My kids were equal parts fascinated and skeptical when I brought home this silvery gem. “Mom, is it supposed to look like a robot?” my youngest asked, eyeing it like it might come alive. “Yes,” I replied. “A fabulous robot.” The great thing about a tinsel tree is that it requires minimal decoration. I added pastel glass ornaments I found at a thrift store, and suddenly my living room looked like a scene from an old Sears holiday catalog. If you don’t have space for a full-size tree, try a mini tabletop version for instant charm without the commitment.
Speaking of ornaments, my vintage journey became a bit of an adventure. I dragged the kids to antique shops and estate sales (armed with snacks and bribes, of course) in search of those delicate, hand-painted baubles from yesteryear. At one point, my oldest held up a Santa ornament with a chipped hat and said, “Mom, this one’s broken. You can’t possibly want it.” “Oh, honey,” I replied, “that’s called character.” For moms who don’t have time to scour shops with squirmy little ones in tow, Etsy and eBay are goldmines for authentic retro finds. Bonus points if you find ones with glittery details or quirky designs (think anthropomorphic snowmen).
My favorite part of this whole vintage Christmas endeavor? Unpacking the ornaments my mom handed down to me. As I unwrapped each piece of delicate glass, it was like flipping through a scrapbook of childhood holidays. I hung a bright red star on the tree, and my daughter asked, “Why’s this one so special?” “Because,” I told her, “your grandma bought it when she was your age.” Cue the “aww” moment and a side of warm cocoa. Even if you don’t have heirlooms, you can create your own tradition by gifting your kids a special ornament each year. By the time they’re grown, they’ll have a collection of memories ready to adorn their own trees.
Nothing screams vintage Christmas like a good dose of kitsch. I’m talking about light-up ceramic Christmas trees, plastic reindeer, and - if you’re feeling bold - a singing Santa. My kids and I found a retro Santa in a thrift store, and they insisted on pressing the button about 1,200 times. “Mom,” my youngest announced, “this is the best thing you’ve ever bought.” It’s not about perfection; it’s about having fun. Let your holiday décor tell a story - one that’s as playful and heartwarming as those classic Rankin-Bass Christmas specials.
One thing I didn’t expect when I committed to a vintage Christmas? How it brought us together as a family. We spent an evening stringing popcorn garlands (half of which my kids ate), and we attempted to make salt-dough ornaments. Sure, the kitchen looked like a flour bomb exploded, but we laughed until our stomachs hurt. That’s the magic of a nostalgic holiday - it’s not about recreating a perfect past but savoring the present with a little old-school charm.
My vintage Christmas experiment was a glittery, tinsel-filled success. And while I may have spent a small fortune on retro ornaments (don’t tell my husband), the joy it brought to my kids- and the memories we made - were worth every penny. If you’re looking for a way to make your holidays sparkle this year, I highly recommend going vintage. After all, there’s something timeless about an old-fashioned Christmas - even if it’s accompanied by modern-day chaos. Now, excuse me while I go untangle some vintage-style lights (again).
Happy holidays, mamas - and may your season be merry, bright, and delightfully retro!
xoxo