There’s something about Christmas that invites nostalgia — tales of years past, faded photographs and images that remain timeless. The idea of an old-school Christmas feels refreshing as we become increasingly high-tech.
If you’re looking to visually counter our screen-addiction this holiday season, opt for the vintage — and let your littlest ones lead the way.
The James J. Hill House offers popular “Hill House Holidays” tours through Christmas Eve and evenings of caroling, both of which give visitors the chance to admire its Victorian tree trimmings.
Experiencing its grand central stairway, where high-profile debutantes once descended, will foster your preschooler’s imagination.
Dakota City in Farmington also extends “Christmas In The Village” tours, and St. Paul’s Landmark Center hosts an old-fashioned holiday bazaar in early December.
Etsy artisans offer stunning creations to don your tot in vintage attire. One of the best of the best is a beautifully curated shop called Frida Amaris Vintage, which carried this red dress and is selling a host of other old-school gems at impressively low prices. (Hello, vintage coat!)
Another Etsy stand-out is Starlite’s Child, a boutique selling the most exquisite handmade bonnets you’ll ever lay eyes on. Check out this dreamy red cashmere one — and this breathtaking black velvet bonnet.
The supremely talented Bethany Stark of Baby Bundles Company, a new mama in Delaware, made this show-stopping Black Sparkle Herringbone Dress, which she can custom-size for you.
Nightgowns are another way to invoke a vintage vibe during the holidays.
Let the love of vintage inspire a memorable holiday outing to Rice Park or your backyard pond with these one-of-a-kind vintage Dutch wooden ice skates. The delightful owner of So Vintastic just re-stocked her supply — they’d been a hot commodity!
And while you’re on Etsy, consider vintage wrapping paper like this gem from Simple Mittens.
Top your packages with these darling little angels that spread big vintage charm. Just $1.95 for a 6-pack of gift tags.
Of course, estate sales and garage sales also offer an affordable way to fill those nooks and crannies with old-school decor this season.
It all adds up to a timeless celebration with the ones you love most.
Christina Ries is a freelance writer who lives with her husband and two young girls (and another baby on the way!) in Inver Grove Heights.
Charmed reviews are entirely the author’s opinion. Special thanks to the featured vendors for supplying complimentary samples for review and photography.
