One of the hottest ornament themes for Christmas 2009 is Gothic. Black and purple are ousting green and gold as the most popular Christmas colors, and that even extends to that stalwart of the Christmas scene - the decorated tree. The bushy green lifelike tree is still a best seller, but now it is being challenged by black, red and purple Christmas trees that look simply stunning.

At christmastreesforme.com, you can choose from an amazing ray of Gothic trees, like the 10 foot prelit black tree that shimmers with its own lights. This tree is pretty expensive, but at christmastreemarket, black trees range from four foot to 7.5 foot tall, and come at very affordable prices, and with their own clear lights.

Target has purple trees in all shapes and sizes, from the eerily Gothic looking fantasy tree that looks like something Dr Seuss would have dreamed up, to the lush 7.5 foot Cashmere Tree, which comes with its own purple lights. These trees are also available in red. Christmas People have a stunning red tree with 1150 red lights set to sparkle all over the holidays.

Of course, if you don't want to go to the expense of a new tree, but do want a new look, you can always spray paint your existing artificial tree any color you want. For the Gothic look, use black, purple or red spray paint, and while the paint is still wet on your branches, sprinkle on toning glitter.

Once you have your Gothic tree, you need Gothic decorations to go with it. Red, black and purple tinsel, lights and baubles are all available, but why go for traditional? You can get amazing skull tree ornaments by checking out the crafty sellers at etsy or ebay, or just recycle your Halloween decorations for the tree. You can also continue the Gothic theme with dark wrapping paper and glossy silver bows, swags of black net at the windows, and

Victoriana never really goes out of style, especially at Christmas, and this year it is as popular as ever, with stunning Victorian style ornaments available everywhere from dollar shops to chain stores. The essence of a Victorian themed Christmas is the tree, which should be as lush and green at it gets. It should look as if it would be at home in the parlor of Queen Victoria herself. It was her consort, Prince Albert, that introduced the custom of Christmas trees, and it was during her time that a lot of our Christmas traditions were created.

To give your home a Victorian look, your ornaments should be handmade, or look as if they were handmade. Stiffened crochet was a very popular fabric for ornaments in Victorian times, and you can search the web for crochet patterns for bells, angels and stars to make from crochet cotton. The ornament is steeped in a sugar or starch solution and set in shape. It will remain in shape for years.

If you love collecting old dolls and teddy bears, you can make a Victorian statement at Christmas by dressing them in Christmas outfits made of deep red or green velvet and snowy white lace. Dressing up one of your teddy bears as a chubby and cheerful Victorian Santa will give you Victorian themed decorations a whimsical focal point.

Another popular theme for 2009 is personalized ornaments. These become heirlooms which can be taken out year after year. Christmas tree baubles can be engraved with the names of every member of the family. New additions to the family should always have their own engraved bauble on the tree to mark their very first Christmas, but other Christmas decorations that can be personalized include stocking, drinking glasses and even Christmas crackers.

But one of the most popular themes this year will surely be the Hard Times Christmas. With elements of Charles Dickens, and the emphasis on home made and making do, this theme recaptures the true spirit of Christmas. Websites like Martha Stewart, and Better Homes and Gardens encourage creativity in the home and offer lots of ideas to make Christmas special in spite of hard times. Making your own ornaments not only saves you money, it makes you a trendsetter!

Learn more about this author, Gail Kavanagh.
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