How Santa Décor Has Evolved Through the Ages
- America's Antique Mall
- 1 day ago
- 5 min read
Father Christmas, Kriss Kringle, Saint Nick—whatever name you use for the holly jolly guy, one thing remains the same: Santa Claus is an iconic holiday figure. This year, as you decorate your home for the holidays, consider leaning into the nostalgic styles of yesteryear with Santa décor of your very own.
How The Story of Santa Claus Has Changed Over the Years
Santa Claus might be the merriest legend of all time. Each year, around the world, children are told that, if they’ve been good, a cheerful old man will sneak into their houses at night on Christmas Eve to leave presents under the Christmas tree. But where did that beloved tradition originate?
Santa has been depicted in many different forms over the years, originating in the 4th century, where a real Greek saint, Saint Nicholas, known for his generosity to those in need, was said to give gifts anonymously to the poor. Rumors of his kindness spread through Europe, inspiring other countries to create their own versions of the iconic figure.
In Belgium and the Netherlands, Saint Nicholas was renamed Sinterklaas, described as a skinny old man with flowing white hair and bishop-like fur trimmed robes, flying through town on a white horse to give out special candy to well-behaved kids. In England, a tall, bearded man associated with joy and revelry named Father Christmas personified the holiday. As settlers left their homes behind for America, they brought their traditions with them, setting the foundation for the modern-day Santa and his sleigh and the vintage Christmas décor we know and love.
The Classic Characteristics of Santa Claus
The Americanized version of Santa drew inspiration from a variety of European depictions—with a few notable differences. In the 19th century, Clement C. Moore’s poem “A Visit from St. Nicholas” described a “jolly, chubby, and old” man who traversed the world on a sleigh pulled by flying reindeer. From that moment on, cartoonists and vintage Christmas décor artists from the Western world began creating Santa décor with these characteristics:
Big belly
White beard
Rosy red cheeks
Red and white suit
Big leather belt and boots
Wire-rimmed glasses
Jolly “ho, ho, ho” laugh
Can Vintage Christmas Décor Be Valuable?
If you have a history with thrift shopping, you’ll know that sometimes, if you’re lucky, you stumble across an item with extreme value. When it comes to vintage Christmas décor, this is very much the case! Melbourne antique malls are filled with amazing finds from different collectible companies and eras, ensuring every visit is a thrilling treasure hunt.
The exact price of holiday and Santa décor depends on condition, age, and rarity. But don’t let your budget stop you from searching for antique designs! Certain vintage Christmas decorations are selling for hundreds and thousands, and others can be found for a few bucks.
Look For Collector-Favorite Santa Décor
The next time you’re browsing an antique mall, keep an eye out for any booths or showcases displaying vintage Christmas décor. You never know which vendors will have Santa décor tucked away between ugly Christmas sweaters and snow globes! You may find one of these iconic designs from decades past:
Coca-Cola Santa Claus Collectibles
Did you know that Coca-Cola is largely responsible for solidifying the iconic Santa Claus aesthetic? In 1931, the company commissioned illustrator Haddon Sundblom to create a friendly image of the Christmas figure for their holiday advertisements. With bright pink cheeks, a plump frame, and a bright red suit, this version of Santa is the one most often found in vintage Christmas décor.
After the ad campaign’s success, Coca-Cola continued to release countless Santa décor collectibles. If you’re lucky, you might spot Santa sipping on an ice-cold bottle of Coke in a Coca-Cola snow globe, ornament, or figurine– all with the soda brand’s logo, of course!
Norman Rockwell Santa Décor
Norman Rockwell, an American painter and illustrator known best for his Saturday Evening Post covers, defined an era of vintage Christmas décor. The images he made in the early 1900s showed Christmas as a time for familial reunions, cozy snowy scenes, and magical moments, tapping into a longing for simpler times that continues to resonate with collectors today.
His paintings brought a natural, humanistic look to Santa, rather than the cartoonish images used in the past, making him even more relatable to kids around the globe. Over the years, Rockwell was commissioned for all kinds of decorations, including ornaments, music boxes, and, of course, wall art prints. But, if you’re lucky enough to come across an authentic advertisement from his heyday at the Illinois vendor mall, you’ve struck gold—especially if it’s signed!
Santa Claus Blow Molds
If you’re searching for vintage Christmas décor to brighten up your porch, there’s only one answer: a blow mold! Made by blowing plastic into a mold cavity, these retro favorites can be fashioned into all sorts of figures, including reindeer, snowmen, and of course, Santa Claus. Though holiday blow molds were most popular from the ‘50s to the early ‘70s, these vibrant Santa decorations remain highly desirable among vintage lovers today.
Valuable and Collectible Santa Claus Figurines
When it comes to Santa décor, there are too many kinds of figurines to count! Though the exact styling can differ, depending on where or when it was made, they all feature the signature smile, white facial hair, and some sort of robe. If you’re in the market for a centerpiece for your Christmas dinner or a way to spruce up your mantle, look for whimsical designs from these beloved brands:
Hallmark
Annalee
Napco
Jim Shore
Possible Dreams
Lefton
Germanic Dresden Ornaments
Crafted from simple laminated and coated cardboard, Dresden ornaments remain one of the most timeless types of vintage Christmas décor you can find. First popular in Germany, during the Victorian era, authentic Dresden ornaments can be found in a variety of shapes, including stars, trees, and most notably, Santa Claus!
With Dresden Santa décor, there are three main types: flat, which features embossment on one side, double, which has embossment on both, and the incredibly desirable three-dimensional, which shows a more complex form. Though each has its own fan base, the three-dimensional ones will almost always fetch a higher price at a Louisville antique mall.
Vintage Christmas décor is the secret to transforming your house into a holiday home. If you celebrate the season, then having vintage Santa décor is a must. Head to your favorite antique mall to find the design of your dreams today before the hustle and bustle of the Christmas season begins!
