Step Back in Time: Vintage Christmas Photos Your Family Will Love
A Retro Twist on Holiday Cheer
If you’ve ever flipped through your grandparents’ photo albums and thought, Wow, people in the ‘50s just knew how to do Christmas right, you’re not alone. From tinsel-draped silver trees to bold checkered floors and velvet drapes, the holiday vibes of that era were pure magic.
This year, you don’t have to just admire that nostalgic charm—you can actually live it. That’s right: Erin Wilwert Photography is bringing the past to life with Vintage Christmas Sessions in Charlotte, NC. The setup? Black and white checkered floors, a sparkling silver tree, velvet drapes, vintage reindeer and cards, plus an old-school TV and telephone straight out of the mid-century dream. Think Mad Men meets A Christmas Story—but with your family front and center.
So, let’s talk about why a vintage holiday shoot might be your family’s new favorite tradition, and how to style yourselves to look like you walked straight out of a retro Christmas ad.
Why Choose a Vintage Christmas Session?
Look, anyone can do standard Christmas photos. They’re sweet, they’re classic, and there’s nothing wrong with them. But if you’re craving something that stands out—something with personality—vintage holiday photos are the way to go.
Here’s why:
Perfect for cards that pop: Imagine sending your family Christmas card this year and your friends opening it to see your whole crew styled like a 1950s holiday ad. That’s going on the fridge until July.
Instant nostalgia: Even if you didn’t live through the ‘50s (spoiler: most of us didn’t), there’s something about vintage styling that feels warm, nostalgic, and timeless.
A gift within a gift: Photos are already meaningful, but styled like this? They instantly feel like heirlooms. Grandparents especially will swoon.
It’s just fun: Dressing up, stepping into a totally different vibe, and leaning into the playful side of the holidays? That’s the kind of seasonal magic we all need more of.
How to Style Your Family for a Vintage Holiday Shoot
Here’s where things get fun. You don’t need to hunt through thrift stores or raid your grandma’s attic (although, if you can, do it). With just a few styling tips, your family will be ready to rock around the vintage Christmas tree.
For Mom (or the leading lady)
Think glamorous but cozy. A few ideas:
Velvet dresses in jewel tones like emerald, ruby, or sapphire.
Tea-length skirts with petticoats for that swingy ‘50s shape.
Classic cardigans over a fitted dress or pencil skirt.
Shoes: kitten heels or ballet flats. (Bonus if they’re patent leather!)
Accessories: red lipstick, pearls, or a vintage-inspired hair scarf.
(Amazon has some amazing retro-style dresses that nail the look without breaking the bank.)
For Dad (or the leading guy)
Men’s vintage styling is all about simplicity with a polished touch:
Slim-fit trousers with a tucked-in shirt and suspenders.
Cardigans or sweater vests over button-ups.
Plaid ties or bowties for a festive touch.
Shoes: loafers or oxfords.
Pro tip: slicked-back hair or a side part goes a long way in selling the vintage vibe.
Check out this option, just a click away!
For the Kids
This is where you can really lean into the charm:
Girls: plaid dresses, peter pan collars, mary janes, little bows or headbands.
Boys: suspenders, little bowties, sweater vests, and knee socks. Think “holiday catalog ad,” and you’re on the right track.
Bonus idea: bring along a vintage-style toy (like a teddy bear or wooden blocks) for them to hold in the photos.
Something like this for girls, or this for boys!
Color Palette
Stick with classic holiday tones—deep reds, forest greens, cream, and metallics like silver and gold. These colors will play beautifully against the set design (silver tree, black and white checkered floor, and velvet drapes).
Props and Accessories to Consider
Even though the set is already dripping with retro holiday charm, bringing in a few personal touches can really elevate your photos. Consider:
A vintage-inspired cookie tin or mixing bowl.
Holiday records or sheet music.
Matching mugs for hot cocoa vibes.
(Pro tip: if you don’t already own these, there are plenty of affordable vintage-inspired options on Amazon that can double as décor in your own home afterward.)
How These Photos Will Be Used (a.k.a. Why You’ll Love Them Forever)
The beauty of vintage holiday photos is how versatile they are. A few ways to put them to good use:
Holiday cards: Easily the most fun card your friends and family will get this year.
Gifts for grandparents: Trust me, they’ll eat it up.
Wall art: These are the kind of portraits that look incredible framed on the mantle.
Keepsake albums: So your kids can look back one day and say, “Wow, Mom and Dad were cool.”
Behind the Scenes: What It’s Like at the Session
When you book your Vintage Christmas Session with Erin Wilwert Photography, you’re not just getting a quick photoshoot—you’re stepping into a little world we’ve created just for you. Between the silver tree, the reindeer, the old-school TV and telephone, and that killer checkered floor, you’ll feel transported.
The sessions are fun, laid-back, and full of laughs—because let’s be real, half the fun is leaning into the playful spirit of it all. My job? To make sure you look amazing while you’re having a good time, and to capture all those little candid moments that make your family unique.
Book Your Vintage Christmas Session
Spots for these sessions are limited (because holiday season is BUSY and everyone wants in). If you’ve been looking for the perfect way to mix nostalgia with holiday magic, this is it.
Reach out today to grab your spot, and let’s create the kind of Christmas photos that your family will treasure—and laugh over—for years to come.
