By ROBIN CAUDELL
PLATTSBURGH — Memories of Christmases past or a lean wallet are two reasons why a vintage Christmas is an affordable alternative this holiday season.
At 33 Smithfield Blvd., Rum Trail Antiques is an epicenter of hand-decorated glass Christmas tree ornaments. One recent winter day, owner Julie Casey held a silver "indent" ornament in her hand.
"It brings back your childhood, " she said. "We have some old outdoor Noma Christmas lights and plastic Santas. These come in all different sizes."
One Rum Trail vendor has a flocked Santa and Mrs. Claus and another has a cardboard Santa, a store advertisement in another life.
"Elvis Sings the Wonderful World of Christmas" is a vinyl gem with selections such as "O Come All Ye Faithful," "If I Ever Get Home on Christmas Day" and "The First Noel."
Electric window candles, a framed Christmas tree made out of costume jewelry, and red and green glassware all lend a festive air.
"People feel a warm feeling of nostalgia, the way Christmas used to be more of an old fashioned Christmas," Casey said.
OLD SANTECLAUS
Downtown at 12 Margaret St., it's not mission impossible to locate a little Christmas cheer in the Antique and Variety Mall. Offerings include a 1985 Random House "The Night Before Christmas" puzzle, "Al Roker's Hassle Free Holiday Cookbook" and an array of holiday glasses, handmade Christmas cards and a ceramic gift box trimmed with holly.
In one booth, egg cartons hold mismatched vintage ornaments. A Wedgwood dish depicts an 1821 image of Santeclaus, the first known image, which appeared in a Christmas booklet published in New York City. The dish is inscribed with verse. One stanza reads:
"Old Santeclaus with much delight
His Reindeer drives this frosty night
O'er chimney tops and tracks of snow
To bring his yearly gifts to you
The steady friend of virtuous youth
The friend of duty, and of truth."
Christmas bling sparkles in Transitions at 37 Bridge St. The bounty includes angelic dolls in pristine white dresses, dishes painted with various Christmas motifs and a pair of Amalee Doll "Santa Mice."
Across one table, a white ceramic candle holder spells N-O-E-L. A Christmas tree is adorned with ornaments for sale. A poinsettia punch bowl and ladle form part of a window display.
Purchasing a gift at Transitions is one that keeps on giving, as proceeds benefit the Hospice of the North Country.
NEAT THINGS
If you're an animal lover looking for a good deal, then pop up the street to the Adirondack Humane Society Thrift Shop at 89 Bridge St. There you can find anything under the snow from a "Believe" curio cabinet featuring a Santa pulled by a ram to a saxophone-playing snowman. Purchases benefit the Adirondack Humane Society as do the proceeds from Not Necessarily New across the street.
There, shopper Wendy Cribb was in the midst of felt Christmas card holders with a snowflake motif, Martha Stewart bell garlands and a Victorian Christmas village.
"We grew up with not a lot of money," said Cribb, who lives in Plattsburgh. "I ended up going to thrift stores when I grew up, out of necessity. You end up appreciating that stuff, and it has stuck with me."
Cribb's grandmother's house was stocked as a result of a Depression-era mentality.
"It was filled with neat things," she said. "Now, I have to go to thrift stores to find those neat things. I'm just here to see what I can see and stumble on some treasure. I do some crafts, and thrift shops are a good place to find craft supplies."
E-mail Robin Caudell at: rcaudell@pressrepublican.com
