(Viewed 768 times since Dec 2023)

As the air gets chillier by the day and we get closer to the arrival of Christmas, the pressure of putting decorations builds up. However, picking out the right ones becomes easier when you know the tradition behind them.

Over the years, some things have become staples, such as Christmas decorations, and each has an exciting story.

10 Most Iconic Christmas Decorations and the Story Behind Their Origin

1. Christmas Tree


This is the most classic decoration, and no Christmas celebration is complete without it. The tradition of setting up a Christmas Tree was started in Germany and became a ritual in American homes only by the 19th century. Today, people in every corner of the world set up a Christmas Tree and decorate it with a variety of ornaments. 

Place a fully grown and lush Christmas tree in your living room and watch it come to life with a festive feel. Don’t forget to decorate it with shiny ornaments.

2. Lights


These decorations were not part of the original holiday decor and arrived at the scene pretty late with the advent of electricity.

Christmas lights are available in many shapes and sizes and can be used to decorate your home on Christmas. Lending a surreal touch to Christmas celebrations, they brighten homes inside out. You can use them to decorate the Christmas tree or illuminate the entrance of your house, string them around the house, or place them in glass bottles. 

3. Candles


During the dark and harsh days of winter, it was German tradition to light candles on Christmas as symbols of light and hope and add warmth to homes. Eventually, the candles became part of the Christmas decor.

Not only does the flicker and glow of candles look beautiful, but it also adds warmth to your home. Cinnamon and Vanilla are some popular fragrances that are preferred by people during the holiday season. You can use vintage candle stands as well if you wish to go old school.

4. Ornaments


Christmas ornaments were first used in 16th-century Germany to deck up Christmas Trees. They gradually evolved from tiny glass beads to much bigger and shiny baubles made of glass that are used today.

These colored glass ornaments have become iconic Christmas tree decorations over the past many years and are preferred by people in various shapes. Deck up your Christmas tree with beautiful ornaments in silver, green, and red, and add a pop of color and festive charm to it.

5. Wreaths


This trend of Christmas home decor also dates back to northern Europe in the 16th century. When Christmas trees were trimmed, the collected cuttings were used as decorations by arranging them in a circular fashion.

These rings of leaves and tiny branches were then hung on doors as part of Christmas decorations and as symbols of eternal life. Today, much more elaborate and decorative wreaths are used, and you can use them as part of your holiday decor, too.

6. Stockings


Hanging stockings over the chimney or the fireplace is a tradition that is synonymous with Christmas. According to popular belief, Saint Nicholas, or Santa Claus, helped a family by secretly placing gold in their stockings.

Since then, people have been hanging stockings over their fireplaces on Christmas, hoping their stockings will be filled with gifts. Add colored or even white stockings to your Christmas decorations to give a touch of warmth to your home in the chilly winter season.

7. Candy Canes


Candy canes are trendy Christmas tree decorations, and they also make for delicious treats for kids during the holiday season. While there is no concrete evidence for it, according to popular belief, with the inclusion of the Christmas tree as part of festive decorations in Germany, the tradition of placing sweets on the tree also started.

However, a simple stick made from sugar was hung on the tree at that time. It was in 1670 that the candy was given the shape of a cane and traditional red stripes and flavors were not added before the 20th century.

8. Christmas Star


From adorning Christmas trees as a tree topper to being strung as lights, the star has become a popular Christmas decoration. When baby Jesus was born in Bethlehem, people from different corners of the world wanted to visit him and pay their respects. It was then that a star rose in the sky and guided them to his location.

The Christmas star decoration holds immense significance for Christians because it symbolizes the star that was a guiding light for people who wished to visit baby Jesus. 

9. Christmas Angels


It’s not just the star that is seen gracing the top of Christmas trees. Christmas angels are also a popular choice for being tree toppers. They are also considered very important by followers of Christianity.

According to the Bible, while it was the star that guided people to baby Jesus, the news of his birth was announced by angels. That is why angels are a very crucial part of Christmas home decor. You can also bake Christmas cookies in the shape of angels or even use angel-shaped ornaments to decorate your Christmas tree.

10. Bells


Generally used as a pair of two for Christmas decoration, bells are sometimes used as Christmas tree ornaments and sometimes hung on doors between wreaths.

Bells eventually became part of the infrastructure of Christian Churches, and their tolling announced the commencement of the Church services. Ringing the church bell gradually became associated with the start of all-important events. Their deeply rooted significance in Christianity made them an iconic Christmas decoration. 

Wrapping Up

It is the decorations that add a festive vibe to the house during the holiday season. While many have just gained popularity among the masses, some have always been people’s favorites, and each of these iconic Christmas decorations holds a lot of importance. The story of their incorporation into traditional holiday decor deserves to be known.

Add a review

Your email address will not be published *