Retro Christmas Decor | Stories

The times were more simple -- at least for me. Holidays were a very special occasion and my family did it up right.

We would visit my grandparents and spend Christmas morning with them and all my aunts, uncles and cousins. Opening gifts was a grand affair as was the dinner that followed -- best crystal, china and silver flatware always adorned the tables (there were many tables to host the 50 or so relatives). The men would be in the living room smoking, telling stories and slapping each other on the back. 

The women would be in the kitchen and dining room setting things up and cooking the best holiday food you can think of. 

The kids were everywhere. Some playing with their new toys, others playing games like "Simon Says" or "Red Light, Green Light", others would venture outside to play in the snow. 

After dinner, we would all gather around the Christmas tree while my aunt manned the organ playing Christmas carols and holiday songs. I could always hear my dad's beautiful voice over all the others.

It was almost as if the love was a tangible item in the room -- being seen as well as felt. Husbands and wives holding hands or arms wrapped around each other as they swayed and sang the familiar songs.   

Yes, I am so glad we have family pictures, slides and movie reels keeping these memories intact. Only a couple of years later, my mother became a member of a religon that did not recognize Christmas. I would be in high school before we celebrated again but the few memories of those early Christmases are comforting and help me remember the holidays are about God and family.

Is it a wonder that since I have had my own husband and children, I gravitate towards retro holiday decor? I guess I am trying to recapture some of the magic I remember from those early Christmases or my childhood.

I like to emulate the retro-mod style of the mid 50's to mid 60's. A more streamline look was making its way into design, slowly but surely. Combining some of the decor from the article with modern touches like the trees to the left creates what designers call Retro-Mod.  

I have signs, ornaments, wreaths, dishes and other decor that I use to surround me with that long ago feeling of warmth, magic and, most of all, love. I want my kids to remember those feelings as they make their own way in the world. It was a wonderful foundation for me and I hope I was able to pass it along. 

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all. 

Set of 3 Red Sequined Glitter Glass Christmas Table Top Cone Trees 18"