Bringing Back the Magic: Retro Christmas Decorations Spark Nostalgia

Sep 30th 2024

Christmas village houses, figures and sisal trees arranged inside a battered dresser drawer

There’s something about this time of year that can inspire nostalgia for the simpler celebrations of Christmases past. Traditions are a big part of the holidays, from decorating the Christmas tree to setting out cookies and milk for Santa to those yearly family gatherings. Sometimes, fond Christmas memories are connected to a special decoration or a treasured tree ornament.

Mid-century modern decor has been trending for a while now in both home and holiday decor. Even those who aren’t old enough to remember Christmastime in the middle of the last century appreciate decorations of the era.

Vintage-inspired Christmas decorations like metallic silver Christmas trees and brightly colored ornaments have a style that is truly unique to the period. A little bit quirky, a little bit space age, mid-century modern Christmas decor reflects the vibrance, energy and optimism of the era.

Below, we present Christmas decorations with vintage style and charm. From tree toppers to trimmings, we’ve curated a selection of Christmas decor that feels just as upbeat now as it might have decades earlier.

Mid-century modern decor is defined by simple lines - just like this classic pair of reindeer. From the tips of their wood-toned antlers to their delicate hooves, our 14-inch standing deer will make a statement on a tabletop, mantel or buffet. Surround them with greens, garland or holly to create a beautiful seasonal scene. Take time to wander through the rest of our reindeer decor to view many other styles.

10.75 inch multicolored faceted Star of Bethlehem tree topper ornament

Our Star of Bethlehem tree topper definitely reinforces a mid-century mood! Ten clear lights illuminate this colorful faceted two-sided star for a vintage vibe during the day and an attractive sparkle at night. Topping your tree with a multicolor 8-pointed star is an easy way to add a fun, retro touch to your Christmas decor. Find many more designs in our Christmas tree topper collection.

6 foot traditional shatterproof ball garland

Ball ornament garland and wreaths were once the height of Christmas style. Channel that mid-century attraction to all things shiny and bright with our 6-foot ball ornament garland in traditional shades of red, green and silver. Shop our full line of shatterproof ball garland for additional color options.

19 inch burlap plaid reindeer Christmas stocking

Montgomery Ward department store introduced the story of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer with the publication of a children’s coloring book for the 1939 Christmas season. Afterwards, cute Christmas reindeer popped up everywhere. Revive that retro sentiment with this adorable reindeer Christmas stocking in burlap and classic tartan plaid. For all things reindeer, view our full collection of deer decorations. We also have a variety of reindeer-themed Christmas stockings.

6 foot unlit medium platinum tinsel tree

Space age shine influenced another Christmas decoration – Christmas trees. Aluminum Christmas trees began popping up around 1955 and remained popular for a few decades. Some tinsel trees even came with their own rotating color wheels for extra sparkle. Our 6-foot platinum tinsel tree retains the quirky charm of the original with a more sophisticated color, full shape and attractive profile. View our entire collection of artificial Christmas trees in multiple sizes, styles and colors.

24 inch champagne gold apple and pine needle wreath

Although clean, uncluttered lines defined home design in the 1950s and ’60s, the holidays still offered ample opportunity to decorate. Our champagne gold apple and pine needle wreath echoes the mid-century tinsel tree trend in a softer color palette. Silver leaves, gold berries and iridescent glitter accent a wreath that would be right at home among the high-ceilinged rooms and expansive fireplaces of the ’50s and ’60s. For more Christmas decorating ideas, view our full line of Christmas wreaths, garland and swags.

25 count multicolor transparent C9 Christmas lights

Even Christmas lights were big and bold back in the day and colorful classic C9 Christmas lights were a Christmas tree standard. These days, you’ll find just as many incandescent Christmas lights as you will C9 LED Christmas lights, so take your pick! Either way, your lights are sure to make a statement. Our retro Christmas lights also include bubble lights, C6 lights and C7 Christmas lights.

6.75 inch red and white reflector finial glass ornament

Reflector ornaments were created to take full advantage of those large Christmas lights. Their unique indented shape is intended to subtly scoop and reflect the light of any nearby bulb. Reflector Christmas ornaments come in many different shapes and colors to complement your Christmas theme. Browse all our ornaments to coordinate your tree to a T.

4.25 inch in a silver rocketship glass ornament

What’s more space age than Santa flying a rocket ship instead of a sleigh? Our throwback red, white and blue glass ornament is accented with gold glitter for a subtle sparkle. Of course, we feature dozens more Santa ornaments, as well as a variety of traditional glass balls and hundreds of styles of shatterproof ornaments.

'Family Bringing Home the Christmas Tree' 6 inch tabletop decoration

Heading out to the woods, cutting down a Christmas tree and loading it into the back of the family truck - what could be more nostalgic? This resin tabletop decoration captures all the charm of a vintage Christmas, with everyone bundled against the chill of a snowy day. Decor of a family bringing home the Christmas tree is perfect for a Christmas village or tabletop display. We also carry tabletop pieces for your mantel, credenza, bookshelves, buffet and dining table.

12.5 inch Norman Rockwell 'No Christmas Problem Now' tin wall art

In the mid-1900s, artist Norman Rockwell gained fame for his paintings of day-to-day American life. Christmas was a theme in so many of his works that the perfect holiday was sometimes described as a “Norman Rockwell Christmas.” Capture the essence of those days with Norman Rockwell Christmas art reproduced in a tin sign suitable for wall and decor groupings. Christmas Central also carries other Norman Rockwell Christmas decor, including snow globes, tree ornaments and night lights.

Refreshing your Christmas decor by adding whimsy from a past era is as easy as introducing a few select pieces.

Start with items that will fill in the gaps in your current Christmas decoration collection. From classic lights and bold ornaments to shiny, space age finishes, discover charming vintage-inspired pieces to add that touch of nostalgia and warmth you’re looking for in your home during the holidays.

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