Kitschmas in July 2022

This post is brought to you by the Kitschmas fan extraordinaire, Mary Ellen of Aunt Hatties Attic.

I have so much fun finding vintage kitschy items to make you smile that I wanted to make a new collection 0f Kitschmas items.

The weather may be hot and steamy now, but the thought of snow and winter may sound dreamy to some of us. Shop online now for out-of-season items if you are a collector of such sweet, silly or just over-the-top Christmas collectibles and you just might find what you want with less competition. Check garage sales, estate sales, thrift stores and landfill sheds for older Christmas items.

I scored big when I asked a couple who were having a yard sale if they had any holiday items. They had some that were left in the barn by the former owners, so they had no emotional connection to them. If you do ask people, please be very kind and use some delight-filled adjectives and gratitude if they do haul some Christmas out for you.

Many older folks (count me in this category in 10 years) are downsizing and simplifying and reducing what, if any, holiday items they will bring with them to their smaller abode. Ask friends who are assisting their elders and you might hit the jackpot. Not everyone wants vintage and antique items, even if they belonged to parents or grandparents. If items are a little less than perfect, they are perfectly wonderful as shabby Kitschmas displays or upcycles.

Let me show you some of the Kitschmas items I came across this week.

Holt Howard Christmas Deer Candle Holders

I believe that Holt Howard items are some of the best that Kitschmas has to offer. These deer with their red bows are resting inside what I’d call ceramic snowballs with modern bases and candle cups. They don’t match because HH want you to see their individuality. These two are called sweethearts. Bonus is the Holt Howard sticker or even a back stamp to ensure you are not purchasing a wannabee. These are very hard to find so I would not mind their chippiness but would enjoy their cheerfulness! AdHocVintageGoods has these on Etsy for $80.

Lego Vintage Christmas Santas Salt And Pepper Shaker Set

Small and cute is also kitschy, so these charming Santa salt and pepper shakers made in Japan by Lego would jazz up a small space with big kitsch. I wouldn’t use them for spicing up your food because their cold painted red enamel is more delicate than you think, and washing them may bring you paint loss and tears. I love the idea of a few small bottle brush trees or other tiny things around them to amp up their chosen spot. How about the window over the sink or on a shelf with some pretend snow? I think you get the picture. PeppermintPattycakes is selling these two for $129 on Etsy.

Rosbro Santa Claus on Skis 1950’s Candy Container

Kitschmas is known for sweetness as well as sweets, and this plastic jolly old elf is ready to ski down your street to ensure that you have some lollipops! I just love Rosbro’s candy containers for all of the holidays. I have the sleigh with 8 reindeer that was in a package sold from Sears & Roebuck. Most of us MCM kids might have gotten just one of these Rosbro items, which also had a way to hang it on the Christmas tree so it upped the decor factor. I remember the lollipops being sweet, but not so tasty. The Rosbro containers are now an iconic kitschy collectible with several holiday themes. If you go to Etsy, NelsosStuff has this for $68.

Holt Howard Winking Santa Painter Artist Candleholder

I have never seen this Painter Santa and agree with its rarity and the price it commands. Oh my goodness! I would get a mini easel and canvas and paint a picture to display with this. To make it even more delightful, I would paint it badly so it would kitsch you into the giggles! Looked on the bottom and saw both the foil label and the ink stamp, and now I am on the hunt for this playful Picasso! I would also display him with a hand painted candle in his holder or a bunch of small paintbrushes dipped in Christmas colors of paint which I would let dry and arrange them in the holder like a vase of flowers. This is on Etsy by crazy4me for $275.

Ron Gordon Designs Santa Napkin Rings Set of 8

Why wouldn’t you want to add some Kitschmas to the table? This jolly octet of napkin rings will bring jollity, especially if you add kitschy reindeer cloth napkins. These would be yearly invited guests for small December get-togethers or even a formal and fun dinner party. These are certainly keepers! RecraftedFinds on Etsy have this set for $65.

Christmas Dish Towel Santa in Waiting

This holiday linen tea cloth would be most welcome in my kitchen to add a bit of kitsch to my cooking and cleanup. A whole buncha Santas with spoons hidden behind their backs until you get to the last one. He is holding a delicious plum pudding over his head and ready to serve on the table with a dousing of brandy to light up the celebration! I suppose I could hang it but dang it! I want to use it! BelindasStyleShop has it for purchase on Etsy for $22.

There you have it my fun picks for a kitschy Christmas. Wishing you a joyous Kitscshmas in July!