Antique-Christmas.com

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

As the winter Holidays approach everyone finds their free time becoming less and less, so why not this year buy your Christmas decorations online?  There are a lot of benefits to purchasing decorations online and it's not always just the price.

By buying Christmas decorations online you are saving time that would otherwise be spent trying to find a parking spot at the huge department stores.  Furthermore, you are saving gas, wear and tear on your vehicle, and at worst an accident with so many other people on the road this time of year.  But perhaps the idea of buying Christmas decorations from an online source doesn't seem traditional enough for you, maybe it's time for a new tradition to start.

This year I'm going to propose to my wife that we begin a tradition of buying Christmas decorations online.  I plan on breaking out the big quilts, leaving the heat turned down, and making some hot chocolate.  Then my wife, daughter, and I could all set down in front of the computer and pick out items at our own pace.  This could become our new tradition, where we are able to spend time together and enjoy the holiday shopping in a different way.

What's even better when you buy Christmas decorations online this time of year you can often find great deals.  Free shipping on Christmas decorations a few months before the holidays can make the deals seem even brighter.

Buy Christmas Decorations Online

In search of great antique Christmas decorations, no tree would be complete wihtout an antique Christmas tree topper.  Some of the best antique tree toppers from the 50's featured angels, santa, and large decorative stars.  so if you are going to design your Christmas tree this year with antique ornaments, don't forget the antique tree topper as well.

Finding an antique tree topper can be difficult, especially one that has been unused and still in it's original packaging.  Most of the Christmas decorations from this time were made of very thin plastic and other thing materials that would be suseptible to deterioration.

A word of warning when purchasing antique tree toppers, decorations in the 40's and 50's were not made of the safest materials.  Meaning, when adding lights to antique tree toppers make sure they do not over heat and never leave them unattended.  Tinsel on old decorations, which are wrapped around modern lighting, is considered combustible.  Consider leaving a lighted tree topper off and just enjoy it's looks without being lit.

Antique Tree Topper

Finding an antique Christmas Tree can be very difficult, but finding styles that have anitque qualities is not.  In my search for the perfect antique Christmas Tree I've came across some great nick naks and old vintage Christmas tree decorations.  The style found in these antique Christmas decorations shows craftsmanship that can be bought in your typical stores anymore.

As you can see I have found antique ceramic Christmas trees, stuffed tree ornaments, and even an antique Christmas Tree designed on a serving plate.  All of these make great collector items and a welcome addition to any shelf or living room display.