Around the House Saturdays: Vintage Christmas Edition

As many of you know, I was raised in a home that was filled with the appreciation of vintage and antique items...and Christmas items were no exception. My Grandpa (my Dad's Dad) was really big on antique Christmas decor. He had all kinds of beautiful "treasures" from all over the world and each Christmas he would pull out all the stops to decorate his home with beautiful decorations.
It was at his house that I began to really appreciate vintage and retro Christmas items. After he passed away, my parents inherited many of his ornaments and decorations and each Christmas they would dedicate one of their Christmas trees to him and call it "Grandpa's Tree."

Now that I'm grown up and have a home of my own to decorate, I've been able to kindle this love of delicate vintage Christmas trimmings. For the past year, I've been collecting various vintage Christmas decorations...everything from ornaments to knick-knacks.

Each item I see has a special place in my heart and it's almost like a piece of Grandpa is a part of our house. (This is the point of the post where my parents are probably tearing up). I absolutely love the character that each of these items has and how they tell their own little Christmas tale.I was so excited when I found this angel. We had one just like this on our tree when I was growing up. Even though my parents have a new tree-topper, they still put her out every year.
Collecting and reading Christmas books are also a tradition that my Mom instilled in me. I've found some really great antique books with illustrations that have such character. I was so lucky to find a First Edition of "Miracle on 34th Street." It's absolutely fabulous.
What kinds of Christmas traditions have you carried on in your family?