Old-Fashioned Christmas Decorating Ideas to Bring Nostalgia to Your Home this Holiday season…
The snow-covered streets are lined with charming houses decorated with wreaths and garlands made of evergreens. The flickering lights from candles and vintage string lights in the windows lend a warm glow to the scene. The air is filled with the scents of cinnamon, pine, and peppermint. Children build snowmen and sledding down hills while parents and grandparents gather around the fireplace, sipping hot cocoa and sharing stories. These moments capture the essence of an old-fashioned Christmas and bring a sense of nostalgia to all who experience it.
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Transform your home into a nostalgic Christmas wonderland with these best old-fashioned Christmas decorating ideas.
Play Christmas Tunes to Get into the Christmas Spirit
Before you start decorating, get into the holiday spirit by playing Christmas music on Spotify or YouTube. Here is my favourite Christmas Hits playlist.
Get a Real Christmas Tree
Choosing the perfect Christmas tree is a delightful activity that families can enjoy together with great joy. While you’re there, take a moment to breathe in the delightful aroma of pine and the spirit of Christmas. Every family has their unique standards, from the right size to the ideal shape, so take your time and enjoy the experience.
Add Warmth with Vintage Lights
During Christmas festivities in the past, the flickering flames of candles were a common sight. These simple yet magical light sources would cast a warm and inviting glow, adding to the enchantment of the celebrations. Try lining your windows and mantels with candles.
Vintage string lights, with their warm and soft glow, have the power to evoke a sense of nostalgia and familiarity. Add warm yellow lights to your house or Christmas tree for warmth, or try coloured lights for a 90s vibe.
Stick to a Classic Colour Palette
During the holiday season, the classic colours of red, green, and gold take centre stage in traditional Christmas decorations. These hues are more than just colours – they are symbols of the season, representing warmth, joy, and nostalgia. The deep red of holly berries and Santa’s coat, the vibrant green of evergreen trees and wreaths, and the shimmering gold of tinsel and ornaments combine to create a warm, festive atmosphere.
Decorate with Nature
During the festive season, garlands and wreaths made from evergreens like pine, fir, and holly are a beautiful way to celebrate nature’s bounty. You can drape these classic decorations over mantels, wind them around the fireplace, or use them to adorn doors and windows. Include some pinecones and holly berries, traditional symbols of Christmas, into your decor. You can use them to create stunning centrepieces or hang them on your tree.
Decorate with Antique & Handmade Ornaments
Antique glass baubles are not just mere decorations. They are intricate pieces of art that hold within them rich history and unique stories of the past. Beautifully crafted ornaments add depth and character to your Christmas tree.
Handmade ornaments are a timeless symbol of creativity. Every decoration being a unique piece makes it personal and filled with memories. If you like sewing try making these simple fabric Christmas decorations. Or try your hand at making a dried orange garland.
Another fun project is to sew handmade stockings, which are more than just a place to store gifts – they become treasured family heirlooms. Hang them on your mantle each year so that you can cherish them.
You and your kids can create handmade paper decorations, ranging from simple paper chains to intricate cut-out snowflakes, for a fun and enjoyable activity! And don’t forget about popcorn garlands.
Decorate the Dining Table
Arrange your table for a special meal, whether it’s using the fine china that has been passed down through your family or the silver cutlery you have collected over the years.
To add to the festive spirit, decorate your table with handcrafted centrepieces featuring candles, vintage ornaments, and natural elements like pine, pinecones, and holly. This will create a beautiful focal point that brings the beauty of an old-fashioned Christmas to life.
Make a Simmer Pot
The delightful and heart-warming fragrances of cinnamon, cloves, and oranges that fill the air during Christmas time remind us of the joy and comfort that this season brings. These scents have been cherished for generations and can be easily infused into your home by simmering them in a pot or incorporating them into decorations.
Fresh pine and peppermint also capture the essence of the holiday season, reminding us of the cherished memories we’ve created over the years, like putting up a real Christmas tree or sipping on hot cocoa while enjoying candy canes from the tree.
Don’t Forget about Snow Globes
Snow globes are so magical. With just a slight shake, they can transport you in an instant to a world of small things and falling snow. These things fill your heart with joyous memories, bringing back the sense of wonder from your childhood and the feeling of being transported to a magical winter wonderland.
Keep your Wrapping Simple
Choosing to wrap gifts in simple brown paper and twine is more than just an environmentally conscious decision. It’s a way to bring a touch of rustic charm and character to your presents. Reminding us of a time when things were simpler and more meaningful.
If you need some thoughtful gift inspiration, check out these guides:
Make an Advent Calendar
Advent calendars are a beloved holiday tradition that has been around for decades. They create excitement and anticipation before Christmas. They usually have 24 doors or drawers marked with numbers from 1 to 24. Starting from December 1st, you can open one door or drawer daily to reveal a small surprise, such as a piece of chocolate, a toy, or a festive message. As you open each compartment, you can feel the excitement and joy building up inside. This is a fun way to countdown to the most special day of the year.
Layer lots of Cosy Blankets
Handmade quilts and cosy throws are an excellent way to add warmth and colour to your home, especially during the holiday season. Imagine wrapping yourself in a soft, warm throw while enjoying a cup of hot cocoa on a chilly winter evening.
Hang up Wreaths and Ribbons on Doors and Windows
Decorate your doors and windows with wreaths and ribbons to embrace the festive spirit of Christmas. The wreath, symbolizing eternal life, and the vibrant ribbons work together to create a warm and inviting entrance to your home. For an old-fashioned look, try making your own from pine and hanging it from your front door with a thick red ribbon.
Bringing the nostalgia of an old-fashioned Christmas into your home can be a beautiful way to celebrate the season and create long-lasting memories with your loved ones. From selecting a real Christmas tree to decorating with handmade ornaments, antique decor, and nature-inspired elements, there are many ways to add warmth and charm to your holiday decor. By incorporating these ideas, you can capture the essence of Christmas and create a beautiful and inviting space for your family and friends to enjoy.