Antique-Christmas.com

Slice Design

The Slice is the first cordless die-cutting machine, which makes die-cuts on-the-go so much easier. Cut designs range in size from 1" to 4". Fa La La has fantastic die-cuts of winter and holiday shapes along with 3 alphabet fonts and 2 number fonts, with a total of 171 different die-cuts. Slice Design cards are specifically for the Slice Die-Cut Machine (sold separately). Can used on cardstock, vellum, vinyl, acetate, and photos up to .5mm thick. Imported.

Buy Slice Design Card: Fa La La Christmas

20 Penguin Christmas Cards

Buy The Gift Wrap Company Boxed Christmas Cards, Party Penguins, 20-Count Box (Pack of 2)

The Christmas Card Movie

Buy The Christmas Card (2006) at Amazon

An antique is any aged collectible item. In the case of Antique Christmas we are referring to old gifts, decorations, and traditions. These items become collectible because of how rare they are or certain features that remind us of a different era.

The condition of an antique item also has a big impact on the collectibility. The older and better condition of an item the higher the value. Age takes a toll on everything and the better preserved the more likely it will hold value throughout the years and become a collectible heirloom.

An heirloom is a type of antique item that is passed down through generations. Generally a family will pass items down and take great care of them so that it will last to give to their kids and kids kids. This turns an antique into an heirloom, since typically the goal is not to profit from such an antique item.

Last Chrismtas Portsmouth, New Hampshire had a great vintage Christmas celebration.  The events spanned from December 18th all the way through Christmas.  According to local reports it was a huge success, considering the program is only in it's 4th year.

Special vintage Christmas events included Music Hall tours and Christmas musicals.  On December 20th the town had a Christmas Trolley which would take patrons on a 15 minute ride through Christmas decorations and carolers on display.  And on Christmas day, Portsmouth hosted a brunch at the Wentworth By The Sea Hotel and Spa in New Castle.  Lastly, the town was invited to a vinate Christmas dinner on Christmas Evening.

Portsmouth Vintage Christmas

Portsmouth Trolley

The crunch is on and generally speaking if you are still trying to do your Christmas shopping online, it's too late, at least if you want the packages to arrive before Thursday.  I've spoken with UPS and FedEx freight to confirm that unless you pay for next day air and order early this morning, chances are you will not get the package before Christmas morning.  This becomes an even bigger concern if you ordered something larger, which would need to be shipped via freight line.  As an example I ordered a set of 4x4 tires for my brother for Christmas and UPS and FedEx freight will not pick up or deliver from the 24th to the 26th.

Don't let this bad news get you down, after all it is the thought that counts.  So if you don't have time to get out and brave the elements, or you just have to get something online, go ahead and do it anyway.  Simply giving a card on Christmas with a note that the present is in the mail can mean just as much.  I've found this especially true in past years because items could only be purchased online, because all the brick 'n mortar stores were sold out.

Merry Christmas and remember to start shopping online earlier next year, just to make sure you get your presents out on time.

Santa Delivering UPS

Image Credit: Barcoding.com

2008, almost 2009 and we still don't have any flying cars, but we are one step closer to the perfect solution to Christmas decorating woes.  Christmas In A Box is the perfect solution for anyone looking to simplify their decorating needs in a new Apartment, House, or even just that addon you never do anything with.

Christmas In A Box includes everything you need to add Christmas spirit to the room of your choice, including a wreath, tree, and garland.  Often times if you know you will be using all fo these items it's cheaper to buy as a set, instead of buying individually where the prices can get out of hand quick.  Also, don't forget the time it saves by taking the guess work out of deciding how to decorate.

View our entire line of Christmas In A Box packages in our Christmas Tree section fo the store.

My wife and I finished up decorating for Christmas a week before Thanksgiving, but that doesn't stop us from doing a few smaller decorations up until Christmas Day.  Just this last weekend we decided that our house would be much merrier if we were to just add in some more wreaths, specifically in the back living room.

We ordered a live wreath online and had it delivered to our house, which we were concerned about freight, but it arrived in perfect condition.  Deciding on where to hang the wreath was easy, in the living room, on the largest barest wall.  The problem was how to hang the wreath without tearing up the dry wall, since nothing was on that wall throughout the rest of the year.  Finding a wreath hanger was easy and we decided on one that essentially 'glued' itself to the wall and was ready to support the weight of the wreath within minutes.  When Christmas is over the hanger will easily come down, glue and all so no marking or hole will be left.

If you've never purchased a live wreath I would strongly recommend it.  My family enjoys the smell every night while relaxing in front of the TV and we can't help but get excited thinking about the night Santa comes to visit.  My 15 month old daughter can't even resist, every night she says 'Da Da' and insists I hold her up to the wreath so she can get a nice long sniff.

A common decoration for an antique Christmas would be antique Christmas balls.  These beautiful decorations most commonly look like they were home made, rather than mas produced on an assembly line like today.  Furthermore these detailed and sometimes handpainted Christmas balls would not last very many seasons because of how delicate they are.

Vintage is also a name given to these antique Christmas decorations.  The vintage glass balls were a welcoming addition to almost any antique Christmas tree.  Also, these colorful balls were used for display in baskets and other antique cases to bring some color to the room.

Consider using some antique Christmas balls in your holiday decorating this year, just be careful because they ARE delicate.

Antique Christmas Balls

Homemade Christmas gifts are a great idea and really show you care.  However, coming up with ideas on what to make can be difficult, that's why I'm going to start a blog tradition of naming some great homemade gift ideas.  This first post will mark a traditional homemade Christmas gift, making a crochet Christmas stocking.

Crocheting can be difficult, but it's easy enough to pickup and get started that almost anyone can do it, with time.  Furthermore, other than some yarn and some needles you can easily find patterns to make almost anything online.  Below I've compiled a list of my favortie Christmas stocking crochet patterns.

• Small Stocking
• Traditional Wide Stocking
• Solid Color Wide Pattern
• Long Christmas Stocking

If you've never crocheted before be sure to allow plenty of time for practice.  Don't feel bad if itlooks more like a crochet blog, than a lovingly made homemade Christmas gift.

Homemade Christmas Gifts