About Our Antique Mall About Antiques News & Press What's In Store (Antiques, of course!) Virtual Showcase Mall Views - 2004 Mall Views - 2005 Antique FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

A Few of My Favorite Things...

By: Janet Werner

Nothing evokes nostalgic memories like the family heirloom ornaments that trace their roots back to the homelands of our immigrant ancestors. Antique glass ornaments imported from Czechoslovakia and Bohemia, are loving displayed on Christmas trees year after year. The evolution of holiday decorating is directly correlated to specific events in American history.

In the 1930s, the Great Depression resulted in holiday decorations made from very inexpensive materials. Cardboard was covered with colorful, holiday graphic depictions of Santa Clause, and Nativity sets were made from chalk instead of porcelain. A complete set could be purchased from the five and ten cent store for just a couple of dollars. Trees were trimmed with cranberries or popcorn, and socks hung from the chimney, instead of elaborately decorated stockings.

The sparse war years didn’t improve the quality of holiday décor much, but mass production techniques and the invention of plastic catapulted the commercialization of Christmas. Both indoor and outdoor decorations were made of this durable substance, including Christmas trees, ensuring years of repeated usage. Decorative lights went from bright, to blinking, to iced light bulbs, and bubble lights. Neighborhoods began awarding prizes for the best outdoor display, and it seemed that if a little was good, a whole lot more was better.

The space age ushered in a radical departure from old world decorating traditions. Trees of aluminum were illuminated with color wheels, and rooftop displays featured Santa emerging from spaceships instead of a sleigh.

The energy crisis of the 70’s forced the elaborate lighting displays back into the attic, thus perpetuating the longevity of many of these vintage decorations.

Current holiday traditions appear to have taken on the theme of nostalgia. The glass ornaments of the early 1900s are back in demand, plastic decorative Santas are hot collectibles, and even the aluminum Christmas tree is experiencing a resurgence in popularity. Early 1900s imported glass ornaments average $25 each, which is approximately what a 1950s plastic Santa will cost you. The aluminum tree, however, is valued at over $100 and higher, depending on the height.

When packing away these timeless treasures, do so with tender loving care, so that future generations can enjoy them. Due to the extreme heat in Texas, it’s best not to store them in the attic. Find space in a spare closet or a storage facility that is temperature controlled.

For a holiday trip down memory lane, one can view a century of Christmas decorations at the Spring Antique Mall at their holiday open house, held November 11, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and November 12, 1-6:00 p.m. Refreshments and door prizes were provided, with entertainment by local pianist, Lee Brady.

The Spring Antique Mall is located at the southwest corner of I-45 and FM 2920 (U-Haul Rental Center), Exit 70A.

Call 281-355-1110 for more information, and feel free to print a copy of this article, please visit their website at www.springantiquemall.com

We have fun! Come see us!