Victorian Christmas Decorations

The Victorians truly loved Christmas and decorated their homes with lots of lovely decorations. Alot of Victorian Christmas Decorations were homemade because most Victorians had little money to spend on their Christmas Decorations, and so by making their own, it did not cost them alot of money. All of the family were encouage to make lovely, colourful decorations to decorate their home.

The Garlands and Wreaths that were made, were made from evergreens, such as Ivy or Yew. Holy with its brilliant red berries added some colour.

Christmas Tree of course took pride of place. With cookies, paper wraps hlding sweets, gingerbread men decorations, tin soldiers, dried fruit, nuts and small gifts handing on the tree which was then lit by small candles.

It was not uncommon to find homemade Christmas Presents on the tree, such as gloves and small hand made dolls.

It was often the children who made the Victorian Christmas Decorations. They would make unique decorations from popcorn or from cranberries which were then strung together and hun on their Christmas Tree. Another favourite homemade Victorian Christmas Decoration was paper flower chains.

It was often children who made tree decorations. They would make unique decorations made from popcorn or cranberries which they strung together and hung on the tree.

Just like today it was the custom for Christmas Presents to be hidden beneath the chrismas tree which were to be opened after breakfast when Papa lit the candles and opened the parlour door to the excited family.

Favourite Victorian Christmas Decorations

Here are some of the favourite Victorian Christmas Decorations -

• Most prized was the Nuremberg angel which was put on top of the Christmas Tree. Less well off families would make their own angel for the top of the tree


• Garlands of popcorn or cranberries were also made
  


• Paper chains and paper lanterns were homemade and cheap to make


• Ornaments
  


• Bows


• Wreaths were also homemade - pearls and rose covered bows were often added to wreaths


• Colour Flowers such as poinsettias or roses were interspersed between the tree branches to add some colour


• Small cakes, sweets, treats were very popular and traditional decorations were also a favourite Victorian Christmas Decoation to make

Unique Christmas Decorations

As time went on imported ornaments from Germany took the place of homemade ones. Items such as glass icicles and hand blown globes were the first ornaments to appear. These ornaments werethen quickly followed by gold and silver cardboard ornaments such as cars, flowers, butterflies and moons.

Most prized of all, and placed on top of the Christmas Tree, was the Nuremberg angel with its glass wings, crinkled gold skirt and wax face Artificial Christmas trees were made from goose feathers; swan, turkey or even ostrich feathers and were usually table top trees.

Make your own Victorian Christmas Decorations

• Why not make some of your own Victorian Christmas Decorations, it’s great for keeping the family busy and it doesn’t cost a fortune. Paper chains and paper lanterns are quick, simple and cheap to make.



• Why not get the children to help make gingerbread men, when cooled they can each decorate their own. Place a small hole in the top and thread a coloured ribbon through it so that it can be hung on the tree.



• Help them make a pine cone Christmas tree. This is one of the easiest ornaments to make and great fun that even young children can help make it.
  
  Collect a large, open pine cone (one that stands up easily and is shaped like a tree), stick some cotton wool balls to the bottom of the “tree”. They look like snow and help your “tree” to stand up.
  
  Why not add a sparkle to your tree by dabbing a little glue to the tips of the pine cone and then sprinkle with glitter
  
  String some small beads onto dental floss (to string the beads easily, firstly tie one bead securely to the string – then give it to your child to finish stringing) When the stringing is completed tie off the last bead with a knot. Wrap the finished beads around the pine cone and glue to the tree.
  
  Then to top off your “TREE” with a small bow or something similar.
  And there you have it, a lovely little “Christmas Tree” ornament.

Traditional Christmas Decorations

Making these lovely Victorian Christmas ornaments is something that would once have been a very popular family pasttime and is now a great way to decorate your home in the traditional way for Christmas.

There was great store put on the Victorian Christmas Decorations of the home at Christmas and many of today’s Christmas decoration ideas, such as our holly wreaths, came from Victorian ingenuity.

Many of our traditional christmas decorations – such as putting the angel on top of our Christmas Tree came from Victorian times and it is with much thanks to them that we celebrate Christmas with family and friends today.