by Rebecca Schlofner

Created on: November 23, 2011

O Tannenbaum!

Christmas is coming and it’s time to get the tree and all its trimmings up.  What should you decorate it with this year?  Are you bored with the same-o, same-o? Never fear, we’ll cover some great ideas for traditional Christmas tree decorations.  Let’s take some time to learn about the history of decorating and the tree to see what we can come up with.

Some of the ideas we can come up with for traditional Christmas tree decorations can be found back into the 19th century.  That’s when Britain began trimming the tree in the manner we are used to.  Queen Victoria and her era leaned towards Christmas tree decorations that included small toys, sweets, and sweetmeats. It wasn’t until after 1865 that glass curios and silver wire ornaments came out on the market from the German influence in decoration.  The Victorian Era also gave us twists of colored papers in the shape of cornucopias that could be filled with small yummies.  Feathered silk draw bags and pouches held yet more munchies.  Angels and snowmen came into force.

Into the next century we were all introduced to themed Christmas tree decorations or monochromatic colors.  Baubles with a styrofoam core and sequins and glitter were introduced in the 1960s.

As you can see, therefore, the ideas are almost limitless when it comes to great ideas for traditional Christmas tree decorations.  It just will depend on your preference as to how far back in time, if you want to go back at all, you look on what you can use for ideas. Let’s go ahead and summarize, shall we?

Handsewn Items:  You can crochet, macramé or sew some pouches that you can hang on the tree with perhaps some truffles or nuts inside.  Sew some lace together into snowflake shapes to bring a bit of winter into the home.

Crafty Decorations:  Red ribbon bows made of velvet are cute little additions to the tree. By taking some wool, or maybe even some cotton balls, you can put together the snowballs of a snowman or the delicate wings of an angel.  You can get together some supplies for candle making to put together your own set of candles for the tree. If you’re into beading you can put together your own string decorations for the Christmas tree with your own personal flair.

Edibles:  Almonds, walnuts and chestnuts can be added to a drawbag or purse for munching later.  Cakes and sweet candies can also be another addition.

Ideas for Christmas tree decorations can also include tinsel, stars for the tree tops and popcorn strung on string.  You can celebrate the season with adornments for the tree that hearken back centuries or just scores of years.  Imagine the possible and make the dreamy homage to Christmas come alive.

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