Although you do get the occasional bah-humbug, most people can agree that there’s something magical about filling your home with Christmas decorations. Even the smallest pieces add a touch of festival cheer and transform our home into a cozy winter wonderland, and in our books, you shouldn’t hold back on them. So, to ensure you’re prepared for the coming festive session, here are some of the most iconic Christmas decorations that every home should have.
Ornamented Christmas Tree
Is it really Christmas if you haven’t got a Christmas tree? Even people who don’t really celebrate Christmas have one; it’s the heart of holiday décor, with ornaments and lights that create a warm, festive atmosphere. Though stars and angels are classic toppers, regional and cultural variations bring diversity to the tradition. For example, in some places, unique symbols take center stage atop the tree. Regardless, each ornament adds a personal story, making this centerpiece uniquely meaningful to every family.
Lush Green Wreaths
During the festive season, hanging a lush wreath on the front door is a warm invitation to friends, family, and neighbors. Crafted with fresh pine or faux greenery, these wreaths can be adorned with berries, pinecones, or even small lights for extra sparkle. They’re timelessly elegant, making any entrance feel festive and adding a seasonal touch that creates a welcoming vibe for everyone.
Twinkling String Lights
Growing up in the U.S., your parents probably took you for drives around your neighborhood to check out everyone’s Christmas lights. You no doubt saw some elaborate features, but standard string lights are the classic, as they’re affordable and available in a wide range of colors and styles, casting a warm glow over any home. Sometimes, they’re draped over trees, whereas other times, they’re lined along roofs and windows. Either way, make sure you have yours ready (and untangled) for Christmas this year!
Colorful Christmas Stockings
While some people see the main event of Christmas as the big sack of gifts, stockings are a much smaller yet equally endearing part of the Christmas spirit. Traditionally hung over fireplaces or along stairways, they await their Christmas morning surprises. Believe it or not, this tradition dates back to honoring Saint Nicholas, who was known for his kindness.
Sparkling Tinsel Garland
Tinsel adds shimmer and life to any tree or surface it graces, bringing nostalgic flair to holiday décor. While its sparkle is certainly captivating, some may choose to skip tinsel for environmental reasons, and that’s fair enough. Thankfully, more and more manufacturers are starting to produce eco-friendly and recyclable tinsel, and we’re all for it.
Radiant Candleholders and Lanterns
There’s just something about the glow of a candle that screams, “It’s Christmas!” Their warmth and comfort during the holiday season almost feel magical, especially with festive-themed scents, such as gingerbread or roasted chestnuts. Placed along windowsills, on the dining table, or around the living room, they cast a cozy glow that feels timeless.
Nostalgic Nutcrackers
Not everyone celebrates Christmas with nutcrackers, but here in the U.S., it’s a very common tradition, originally rooted in German culture. These wooden figures, often dressed in vibrant red and green, add a festive character to mantels, tables, or the Christmas tree. Each nutcracker tells a bit of holiday history, turning them into treasured collectibles that bring joy every season.
Holiday-Themed Throw Pillows
You know it’s getting Christmassy when regular throw pillows are switched out for holiday-themed alternatives, instantly cozying up our homes. Typically covered in soft fabrics and cheerful designs, these pillows invite you to sit, relax, and enjoy the festive atmosphere. Patterns featuring reindeer, snowflakes, or even holiday quotes are the most popular, but whatever gets you feeling Christmassy will be just perfect.
Christmas Village Displays
During the run-up to Christmas, a lot of villages put on tiny Christmas displays, feeding back a storybook charm to the community. Interestingly, this was another holiday tradition that began in Germany’s winter markets before eventually gaining popularity in the U.S. Sure, having one of these in your own front yard is a bit much to ask, but there’s nothing stopping you from creating a small Christmas nativity to sit on your mantlepiece.
Joyful Santa Figurines
Santa figurines can be found just about everywhere during the holiday season, so make sure you’ve got some for your house! They could be perched on a shelf, greeting guests at the door, or placed just about anywhere. Wherever you put them, traditional Santas in red suits are bound to bring a cheerful warmth to any space throughout the ho-ho-holidays.
Festive Table Runners
Along with swapping the throw pillows out, switching over to a table runner with holiday colors or patterns is a Christmas must. Layered over a tablecloth or alone, it sets the scene for memorable meals and gatherings. Usually, patterns will feature holly, plaid, or snowflakes, but there are no real restrictions other than to help your family and friends feel the Christmas spirit.
Classic Poinsettia Plants
Known for their rich red or snowy white leaves, poinsettias are a Christmas classic that brings that Christmassy feeling to any room. Often placed by the fireplace, in the hallway, or even outside, these plants bring vibrant color and natural beauty indoors when most of the outdoor plants are struggling. What’s not to like about that?
Gleaming Glass Ornaments
A lot of American homes have glass ornaments arranged around their home during Christmas, which catch the Christmassy light beautifully and bring an elegant sparkle to the tree. Whether vintage, hand-painted, or shimmering in metallic colors, they offer a level of beauty that adds some sparkle to holiday decorating.
Holly and Ivy Accents
Despite being subtle, decorating things around your home with holly and ivy adds a touch of natural beauty, tracing back to ancient winter celebrations where these plants symbolized renewal. Sprigs of holly with bright red berries and ivy’s winding greens can be placed on the mantel, woven into wreaths, or arranged as centerpieces. If you don’t normally do this in your home, why not consider starting this year?
Festive Tree Skirt
While it’s not completely necessary, a tree skirt completes the look of any Christmas tree, giving it a further decorative touch at the base, an area that often gets left forgotten. It hides the tree stand and creates a cozy space where presents can be placed, so don’t forget to get yours ready this December!
Handmade Advent Calendar
Regular advent calendars with chocolates inside are great and all, but their handmade alternative is all the more special. They bring anticipation and excitement to each day of December and can reveal small surprises, chocolates, holiday messages, or anything else you wish to surprise your family with. Trust us–it might seem like a lot of effort, but making these can be very affordable, and the time it takes is totally worthwhile.
Snow Globe Collection
Last but not least, the family snow globe collection tends to make a special appearance during Christmas time, capturing the essence of a winter wonderland in a small, magical scene. Featuring snowy villages, Santa, or forest animals, these globes add a playful touch to holiday décor. So, this year, don’t forget to save yourself a moment alone to just give your snow globes a shake, watching the snow gently fall to mark the start of the holiday season.