As a child of the 60’s (yes, I’m getting old, don’t remind me), one of our fondest memories was going to pick out our Christmas tree from the Christmas tree lot, bringing it home, stringing the lights, and getting out the collection of ornaments my mom had so lovingly put together for our family. Those pretty and colorful glass ornaments that many of us grew up with.
Do you remember them too?
Back then, there were no designer trees. No special colors and trendy trees. Most everyone did those big fat colored lights and all the ornaments were colorful too. We never had just red and green on our trees. It was an explosion of fun colors. That’s what I remember the most. Those ornaments were so pretty and magical to my little bitty self and I can remember sitting under the tree, with the lights all lit up, looking at the ornaments and dreaming of Christmas. Don’t forget those shiny silver icicles too. That was the finishing touch on those trees of childhood. My mom still puts up a little fake tree and was still using these ornaments up until last year. We were over in Marietta over the weekend spending some time with my family for Christmas. I had mentioned to her last year that I’d love to have them one day, so she got them out this year and gave them to me. The oldest box was from a store called Christo’s and the price tag was 59 cents. Oh my, can you imagine? They just don’t make them like this anymore. Well, maybe they do, but for a huge price, perhaps? She said she was afraid to keep hanging them on the tree, cause she had dropped a few and broke them in the last few years and if they fell, they were history. These fragile things are paper thin blown glass and about 50 years old, so what do you expect?So, now they are mine to take care of and treasure. And that, I will do. I will probably pass them onto my niece, Lauren, at some point. She will treasure them too. There were over 2 boxes intact and they sure do make me smile when I look at them.I love the colors and shapes. Remember the indented ones, with their inside of shimmery gleaming shine? The colors are just remarkable and so, so pretty. All shapes and colors. I remember them so well. These pinks are so hot and colorful, aren’t they? So many pretties to look at. For these pics,I piled them in a white iron bird feeder, but they don’t all fit inside here. I’ll have to find just the right spot to display them, while protecting them too. Here are a few of my faves. This pretty bell, with its stripes and shiny silver. Another one shaped so prettily and the colors are so soft and subtle. This silver with teal and hot pink is one that I really remember, along with the frosted snow on top. I’m so glad that they have survived and now I get to enjoy them too.
At least for this year, I carefully placed them in one of my crystal bowls on a side table in the living room.
How about you?
Do you have vintage ornaments from your childhood or have you collected some for yourself?
I’ve been on the lookout for some of these and have never found any that were a decent price. And I hardly ever see any just like this with all the colors and shapes.
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Regina says
Wonderful post — even though I did not grow up with these traditions, I enjoyed reading about them and seeing the images. I’ll have to talk to my siblings about starting our own and passing down beauties that are loved to all the children as they grow. I think we’d enjoy that…thank you for the inspiration!
Debra from Bungalow says
They are beautiful! I am a child of the 60’s too, so I remember them well…..don’t know whatever happened to ours. And the tinsel, do people still use tinsel? I think the old fashioned trees with treasured family ornaments are the best!
Teacup Lane says
Enjoyed looking at your vintage ornaments Ronda. I was a child of the 50s and became a teenager in the 60s. I have all of my Mom’s vintage ornaments and I must admit they are my favorite ones. I treasure each and everyone and the memories associated with them. Merry Christmas!
kathy says
We had those same ornaments. My mom doesn’t have any of them any longer. It was so good to see them again!
kathy says
I loved bubble lights, too. I can’t seem to find those anymore.
Carrie says
This brings back memories. My grandmother had ornaments like that. She also had a wonderful fake silver Christmas tree that must have dated back to the 50’s. She died in 1977 and I don’t know what became of all her ornaments and tree.
Melesa Garrison says
I just about cried right here at my desk! I love your memories being shared and I love the fact that I too enjoyed some childhood memories! I was born in 62 so I have memories of these ornaments. I remember one year having a white tree with all royal blue ornaments… Be*You*T*Ful ! (I thought it was anyway) Enjoy your beautiful ornaments!
Sherry says
I love vintage ornaments, too. My favorites are the bell-shaped ones and those with an indented center…..oh, I also love the ones that actually say “Merry Christmas” in glitter. Like you, I love to display them in bowls or tall clear vases. Thanks for sharing your memories!
Sherry@Back2Vintage
Sherron Francis says
Takes me back…to a simpler time. They are treasures…take good care of them….so hard to find now. Thanks for sharing. Sherron
Stop by my blog before Jan 3 for a Candle give-a-way.
Beckie says
I have many ornaments from my childhood. I have one left that is extra special, as it is one of the ornaments that my parents had on their first Christmas tree. I also have a “sit-about” little girl that held a bit of greenery and a flower. My favorite uncle gave it to me when I was 5 yrs old. It wasn’t expensive, but it hold special memories of that Christmas, 55 yrs ago. When I think of how much we give to the younger generation, I wonder what they will remember about the items in the future. As I write this, I think that I may add a “special” something to my gifts to my namesake niece.
Thanks for a gentle reminder of days gone by.
Beckie
Sarah says
You have some real beauties there! I love that they are the same ones you grew up with – that is special. I have fond memories of both sets of grandparents hanging these ornaments. Sadly they have all been given away (or thrown away 🙁 ) when they moved. So last year I started collecting vintage ornaments and now have enough for a whole tree! Not the same as family “heirlooms” but still beautiful!
Sarah
Mrs. Jones from the Circus says
Oh my gosh!! I love Shiny Brite’s; thank you so much for sharing yours! My collection started when my Grandma gave me one of hers from the first Christmas my grandparents were married. I call it my “Christmas of 1951” ornament…original. 🙂 Anyway, I have found others at second hand stores, yard sales and some antique malls around. This year, I decorated my entire tree in Shiny Brites! To top it off, my neighbor gave me a vintage looking angel for a topper.
Oh I love their shiny greatness so! Merry Christmas.
Steph says
I love the shiny brite ornaments! I have been collecting for a while. Started with some from my great-aunt and grandmother, now my MIL looks for them for me and gives them to me as gifts! She finds the best deals… normally some older lady having a yard sale and sells them for a couple dollars for a box!
Merry Christmas
Kim Turner says
I have about 24 of those ornaments that were some my parents (who are in their mid 70s now) bought for their first tree. I love them – especially the bells! I have them in a glass urn on my sideboard. My grandmother had a Santa and a Snowman that sat on her mantle with the bubble lights in them. I so wish I could find those again. That would be a perfect addition to my favorite vintage ornaments!
Celesta says
Those are lovely, Rhoda. I’m having a nostalgic Christmas, too and am learning that little moments and things (not necessarily the planned ones) are what leave an impression for years to come.
elz says
LOVE the ornaments. You can find replicas here and there now, but at a huge mark-up (well over fifty cents!). I have a few ornaments that my mom has given us over the years. Some of my favorites didn’t make it through all our moves so well (we are a military family and I moved approximately 9 or ten times).
Julie says
Wow, you have a gold mine! I’m also old enough to remember them. I have just a few of them that my mom gave to me before she passed away. She didn’t use them anymore and she couldn’t understand why I wanted those old things : ) They are wonderful treasures aren’t they? I keep mine in a glass basket that my parents received as a wedding gift. So very special to me!
Kim @ Starshine Chic says
This post brought back lots of great childhood memories. I wish my mom had saved all the old glass ornaments from our tree. At least we do have the special ornaments that we got each Christmas growing up. They just aren’t Shiny Brite ones. Thanks for sharing your new treasures.
Lavender Dreams says
I love Shiny Brites and have them in bowls everywhere in my house! Love your sweet post! Merry Christmas! ♥