Author: jetsblogtalks

Yes, it’s still Summer, but if you’re a seasonal freak like me, you never reeeeally stop thinking about the holidays…

I’ve been extra fired up for Christmas ever since I started collecting vintage décor and I constantly catch myself dreaming about our home during the holidays. It truly is the most wonderful time of the year for me. The levels of coziness, comfort, and joy are unmatched, especially when you’re surrounded by antiques you love!

I decided to make a Top 10 List of all the vintage Christmas decorations that I’m obsessed with to fill my Christmas void, since we’re still a few months away. Enjoy…

#1 Sooty Santa

Rating: 1000/10

• I mean… look at that smirk and those rosy cheeks
• Has sexy black boots
• Doubles as a decoration AND a cuddle buddy

Where it came from: Blue Jar Antique Mall, Edmonton, AB.

Why it’s a fave: These Rushton Santas from the 50s-60s make the perfect addition to any living room during the holidays. You can put him anywhere and he’ll look good – on the couch, on a mantel, even on the floor. He stands, so if you put him on the ground it kind of looks like he’s moseying around the place on his own. We keep ours inside the screen of our wood-burning fireplace… if you’d like to know why, check out my twitter thread (you’ll also find out how his name came to be.). He’s also great for photoshoots! He sports a stylish outfit with rubber boots and rubber gloves. His face is made from rubber too, and it’s filled with so much personality. I adore his cocky grin and side-stare. If he came to life (which always seems like a possibility with him…) I think he’d be a little rascal. Just looking at him cracks me up, and I couldn’t imagine not having his silly, spooky aura around at Christmas. So glad we found him. He’s the best.

#2 Santas Galore Wreath

Rating: 100/10

• Has fancy gold touches
• Some of the Santas look like they have blood around their mouth, but we love the vamp vibes
• Makes a great prop for Christmas tags

Where it came from: My Mom! (She got everything from Ibon Antiques, Edmonton, AB.)

Why it’s a fave: This one holds a special place in my heart since it was a gift from my Mom – she knows how much I like my eerie decorations, so a wreath with floating Santa heads was right on the money. The bottlebrush wreath was made in Japan in the 50s, and the heads are actually vintage cupcake toppers made in Hong Kong around the 60s-70s! My family has always made home-made gift tags for Christmas, so my partner Jackson and I decided to utilize the wreath when we made our tags last year. We covered a box with red felt, cut a hole the perfect size for our new kitten Potato, and hung the wreath above it – we may have needed to bribe Potato with treats, but we got some good shots. Who knows how we’ll use the wreath next year! It’s the gift that keeps on giving.

#3 Derby Hat Snowman Blow Mold

Rating: 10/10

• As bright as the moon
• Reminds me of a circus clown
• He seems friendly

Where it came from: Facebook Marketplace Find, Edmonton, AB.

Why it’s a fave: Ever since I was a kid, it’s been tradition to watch Pee-Wee’s Playhouse Christmas Special during the holidays. The show’s set is so remarkable, and it looks even more amazing when it’s decorated for Christmas. When I started collecting blow molds, I realized that there were tons throughout the set (which is probably subconsciously why I was so drawn to collecting them in the first place!). So, it became a bit of a mission of mine to have one of the same blow molds from the show in our holiday collection. After lots of searching and wishful thinking, someone posted the Derby Hat Snowman for sale on Facebook marketplace, so you already know that I messaged them IMMEDIATELY to set up a pick-up time! I’m so stoked that I have him, it makes me feel like I’m living in my own Playhouse during the holidays. If childhood me could see how Jackson and I decorate our place, she would be pumped. If you want some more info on blow molds, you should take a look at my Instagram post, where I talk about their history and more about the Derby Hat Snowman!

#4 Light-Up Sleigh Set

Rating: 10/10

• A true show stopper, has so many elements
• The lights have a nostalgic feel
• Fits perfectly on our ledge in the living room

Where it came from: Old Strathcona Antique Mall, Edmonton, AB.

Why it’s a fave: Anything that comes in the box is extra exciting, so when we saw this gem at the Antique Mall, for a really reasonable price I might add, we knew we definitely had to have it. It’s the whole package – wonderfully illustrated box, teeny yet sinister Santa being pulled by red, flocked reindeer, complemented with glowing lights, fluffy snow, and pipe cleaner trees. It was made in Japan in the 50s, and a total rare find. However, the base of the decoration was made of this flimsy white cardboard which wasn’t really jibing with everything else, so we decided to make our own custom, wooden base. That probably goes against the rules of vintage collecting, but we don’t care because we love it even more now (plus it turned into a cute craft night with bae)! The second that snow flies, I’m bringing this bad boy out!

#5 Santa Coin Bank

Rating: 9.8/10

• Chair is giving Big Bird vibes
• He just chillin’
• Just wish he was a little weirder

Where it came from: Facebook Marketplace Find, St. Albert, AB.

Why it’s a fave: I’m always perusing Facebook marketplace for vintage goodies, so when I found this in the middle of Summer FOR ONLY TWO BUCKS I was hella excited. What made it even better was that when I messaged the seller for pick-up details, I found out they were only a couple blocks away from me! It was fate. But the surprises didn’t stop there – after I got it I realized that it was a coin bank too! I thought he was just a sleepy guy relaxin’ in his big yellow chair. I’ve tried searching online to find some more info, but no luck, which leads me to believe he may be rare… One of my best finds ever, I’d say!

#6 Satanic Santa

Rating: 9.666/10

• 100 years old and rare
• Has piercing blue eyes
• Kinda looks like he has devil horns

Where it came from: Ibon Antiques, Edmonton, AB.

Why it’s a fave: I feel like this scary little guy gives me the best of both worlds – Christmas and Halloween (shocker, I’m a huge Halloween lover too). He’s a small tree ornament and he’s from the 1920s! It blows my mind thinking about how old he is, and it’s so fascinating and kind of strange to think about who’s tree(s) it was on before it ended up on ours. He’s made from chenille pipe-cleaners, and he has a hand-painted face either made from clay or paper mache. This little Santa/Devil is the perfect accompaniment to our other wacky tree ornaments!

#7 Grumpy Hugger Santa

Rating: 9.5/10

• Gives me the giggles
• Great way to spruce up an ugly cord
• Looks ill and displeased with life

Where it came from: Old Strathcona Antique Mall, Edmonton, AB.

Why it’s a fave: The Old Strathcona Antique Mall held a Christmas Open House event a couple years ago, and when we first heard about it, we knew that we of course had to be the first ones in line! Naturally, it was FREEZING that day, but we braved the cold because we knew it would be worth it. When they opened the doors, I bee-lined it to a booth that I saw had all of these teeny vintage Santas. I immediately grabbed this crabby looking fella, because how could I not? He was too funny. Every year we add a border of vintage Christmas lights around the window, but I’m always kind of dissatisfied with where the cords have to hang down. Luckily this Santa clips right on and and distracts from the ugliness of the cord! I love how it makes him look like a little spy rappelling down our Christmas lights. Can you spot him in the picture below?

#8 Lil’ Gnome Friends

Rating: 9/10

• Mischievous faces
• Tiny and cute AF
• Made with dainty, fragile materials so they’re always a little beat up

Where they came from: Capital City Vintage Market, Edmonton, AB.

Why they’re a fave: I don’t know how you can’t fall in love with them… They’re from the 50s, made in Japan, and they’re just the coolest – especially the ones with pinecone bodies! The other bodies are made from spun cotton and chenille pipe cleaners. They come in a lot of varieties: some hold fruit, some hold musical instruments, some hold candles, some hold gifts… But the thing that makes them so brilliant for me are their expressions. They all look like they’re up to something…

We also discovered that they make fantastic record toppers. Look at this guy, he’s having the time of his life.

#9 Spinning Snowgurl

Rating: 9/10

• Could watch her spin all day, so satisfying
• She has poppin’ red lips
• Kinda stained

Where it came from: The rafters in our garage (wreath), and the Old Strathcona Antique Mall, Edmonton, AB (snowgurl).

Why it’s a fave: When we first moved in to our new home, we noticed that a lot of stuff was left behind in the garage, including a bunch of mystery boxes and bags, so obviously we were super intrigued. We got out a ladder and hauled everything down, and to our excitement we found some Christmas stuff! There was a small pre-lit Christmas tree, a strange angel tree-topper that we’re pretty sure is from the 60s, and this pre-lit wreath! When we plugged it in to see if the lights worked, we noticed the funny little spinning attachment at the top – whatever hung off of it wasn’t anywhere to be found, but we knew we’d be able to find a great replacement, especially at the Antique Mall. We were right! We found this sweet snowman (who, to me, is a snowgurl, because of the sassy lipstick, fashionable ear muffs, and cute button nose) that was made in Japan in the 60s! I think she was made to twirl around in that wreath. See for yourselves!

#10 Smokestack Santa

Rating: 8.5/10

• Looks like he has a secret he can’t wait to tell me
• Nice and big, makes a great focal piece
• Often falls down inside the chimney so it looks like we just have a chimney in our living room for fun

Where it came from: Blue Jar Antique Mall, Edmonton, AB.

Why it’s a fave: I’m already in the BEST mood when we’re on our way to the antique store, but I’m in an even better mood when I see this crazy looking Santa in the window display. I was worried he wouldn’t be for sale and was just part of the store’s personal Christmas decorations, so Jackson and I basically sprinted to the cashier to ask if we could buy it, and SCORE! Both the chimney and the Santa were up for grabs, so it was our lucky day! He’s from the 40s, and his kooky face is made from celluloid and surrounded by faux-fur. He has the definition of a bombastic side-eye (although I’m realizing a lot of my decorations do…). His permanent spot during the holidays is next to our fireplace and he adds some awesome quirkiness to our living space!  

Some may say I’m a Christmas addict (and maybe I am), but why not enjoy the season to it’s fullest potential and go all out? If you could live in a dream for a month, wouldn’t you? I think by decorating your home with tons of eccentric ornaments and lights, you get to experience that feeling. Shifting your regular, everyday views into something magical and unique is really special, and that’s why I love holidays so much, because it provides that opportunity. It’s only around for a short, brief moment of the year, so embrace it and fill your space with decorations that spark joy in you! For me, that’s unconventional vintage decorations, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Stories told online are some of the best stories out there because of their ability to create such a multifaceted reading and viewing experience which can’t be replicated in print or by telling a story in person.

Now, more than ever, there’s huge potential to create some killer stories that are sure to stick. Whether it’s through a blog, a tweet, or an Instagram post, there’s a plethora of options to make your story memorable and one-of-a-kind: Real talk, cliff-hangers, stunning snapshots, crack-up memes, spot-on GIFS, innovative designs…

Humans are emotional creatures and visual lovers. Sharing your stories online provides you with the opportunity to tickle all of your readers’ senses. When you weave your story with real feelings, suspense, and various media, you’re not only making it more interesting – you’re also ensuring that your message is being conveyed to your reader.

If you feel like your online story is lacking some pizazz, follow this handy-dandy guide to spruce em’ up! Use some of the tips, or use them all. You’ll be sure to turn some heads, make deeper connections, and gain followers.

Enjoy my live-tweet thread, about how some deer mice totally derailed the first night of our family vacation.

How it All Went Down

For many years, I have been going to Jasper every Summer with the fam. This particular year was different, though, because we quickly came to realize that we were also vacationing with a family of deer mice! Seeing one zoom by with a hotdog in its mouth set the bizarre, creepy tone for the night. Normally we’re filled with nothing but peacefulness when we’re here, likely due to the freshest of air, the crystal clear lakes, the gigantic mountains that make you feel like not just an ant, but an ant in heaven. And the cabins!!! They’re so wonderfully warm and cozy. Normally I could rave for hours about how cabins in Jasper are my favourite place to be in the whole world… until this night happened.

After seeing the deer mouse with the raw weenie in it’s mouth dart into a hole underneath our cabin, I had a strong hunch that our night was going to get weirder, and it did. From mice treating the living room like a 100-meter dash, to my dad standing on guard in his underwear with a hotdog roaster in-hand, to getting one last Jack-in-the-box (more like rodent-in-the-box) type scare – this trip definitely wasn’t short of surprises. Even though we lost a night of our vacation to stress and paranoia (and the whole experience made me develop a newfound fear of mice, lol), we gained a strange and hilarious story that my family and I will always get a major chuckle from whenever we look back on it.

Writing Style

I channeled my inner Paris Zarcilla to bring a sense of immediacy and comedic hysteria to the tweets. I was also influenced by Tom Taylor, to convey a horrific scenario in a funny way, and include some unexpected, edge-of-your-seat thrills in a way that reads like a suspenseful chapter book. I used the occasional ALL-CAPS word throughout my tweet thread as a vehicle to emphasize emotion. I also wrote in an un-serious, witty way to emphasize the organic, improvisational nature of Twitter threads, and aimed to convey the same vibe of rapid thought bursts.

I also incorporated photos, memes, and gifs to enhance the level of humour in the story, in hopes to make it more digestible and relatable for readers.

Mighty, Micro, Mousy Moments

Gary Vaynerchuk notes the importance of story-telling in “micro moments” and “finding ways to tell a story that grabs your attention the moment you take out your phone and scroll through various social platforms.” He explains “that’s the game we’re playing” and “that’s what you have to focus your energy on.” By keeping that in mind, I felt that I was able to create a more enjoyable, succinct, unique, cliff-hanger story. By writing in quick snippets I was able to highlight real, fast human reactions and emotions. Creating this short snippet-style story through Twitter has shown me that micro moments can still be mighty. And I can certainly say the same thing about mice now, too – even something so small can make a big statement.

I’ve got to say, for me, watching the series Twin Peaks is one of the most artistic, sensory, surreal experiences ever. Most importantly, it is unlike anything I have viewed before, and my mind will always be blown by Mark Frost’s and David Lynch’s unforgettable television and film masterpieces. Don’t believe me? This scene may change that.

Twin Peaks debuted as a television series in 1990. A feature film was released two years later (Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me), and to my excitement, a 25 year revival of the show aired in 2017 (Twin Peaks: The Return). In a nutshell, the story revolves around the murder of the town’s adored prom queen, Laura Palmer, who was found washed up on a beach, dead, and wrapped in plastic. The question that everyone wants to know is “Who killed Laura Palmer?”, and the answer is far from expected.

What makes the story of Twin Peaks so darn good and memorable?

• It defies norms and conventions of traditional murder mysteries by incorporating bizarre, dreamy, supernatural aspects. Despite the show being centered around a very dark, tragic event, the show stands out by providing awkward, wacky, humorous moments too, which can harken back to the bafoonish comedy style of the 1950s. A prime example would be Andy, one of the deputies, getting entangled with tape while hanging up a “Have you seen this man?” poster, or almost knocking himself out while accidentally stepping on a loose board during an investigation. Andy is one of my favourite characters of the show because of his clumsiness and his sensitive side – he often lacked elegance and poise, and tended to cry at every murder scene he went to, going against the typical, stoic deputies found in many TV crime shows. A successful story can certainly be described as one that you can relate to, and Twin Peaks provides a vast array of quirky, richly detailed characters with unconventional personalities that I think many people are able to find aspects of themselves within.

• Good stories are universal, and even though Twin Peaks is so unusual and atypical in a lot of ways, the overarching theme of good vs. evil is is at the heart of this story – a common battle that most of us have been faced with at some point in our lives. This a strong and pervasive theme in many classic stories, like Little Red Riding Hood vs. the wolf for example, or Cinderella vs. the evil stepsister. All enthralling stories need to have conflict and a focused theme (in this instance, good vs. evil), and Twin Peaks successfully accomplishes this in a unique way, by showcasing evil as a force named BOB. Although he looks human, he is a spirit who feeds off of pain and sorrow and inhibits individuals, possessing individuals to commit horrific acts, like the murder of Laura Palmer. Great stories are also ones that are so influential that they stick with you, and BOB’s terrifying nature haunts me to this day. In the show, he is often seen appearing in mirrors and dimly-lit living rooms. I’ve never been able to look at either of those the same since. (Even including the GIF below made the hairs on my neck stand up!)

• As noted in Ashley Fell’s TEDx Talk, “Why storytelling is so powerful in the digital era”, a good story engages our attention, much like a good campfire does for example, because it has colour, picture, and movement. David Lynch’s one-of-a-kind artistic direction, along with Angelo Badalamenti’s expressive musical compositions, made the saga of Twin Peaks even more unforgettable and powerful by transforming the mood to bring us right into the eccentric, chaotic, scary, yet beautiful town of Twin Peaks. A quality story is visual, and by adding such evocative imagery and sound, it made the series even more sensational and helped to strike an emotional cord with the audience. I could listen and watch the intro to the show all day – it brings me right into the story every time I hear it! But, even if the stunningly eery visuals and hauntingly alluring music were stripped away, the story of Twin Peaks will remain an amazing one because of it’s boundary pushing. If you enjoy murder mysteries, I will definitely always recommend this revolutionary, experimental, unreal take of a heartbreaking small-town death.