Traditional Victorian Christmas Decorations

It was the Victorians who first decorated doors and windows with wreaths.

Many current customs concerning Christmas come from the Victorian Era. The Victorians put the focus back on family and celebrating together. Homemade ornaments, foods and small toys were considered traditional decorations for the Christmas tree.

The Christmas Tree

The first Christmas trees were found during the Victorian Era. Candles illuminated the tree, while metallic painted nuts, marzipan, candy, fruit and cookies iced with pretty frosting hung from the branches.

Making Decorations

Ornaments were handmade by the women of the house. Paper cornucopias were filled with sugared almonds, candy and other edible treats. Folded paper fans graced the branches as did figures made of cotton batting and cardboard. Children were given the task of stringing popcorn and cranberries used as garland.

Decking the Halls

Evergreen laurel, holly and ivy decorated mantles and wound up banisters and around chandeliers. Mirrors and picture frames were decorated with pine roping. Wreaths were a popular decoration, and hung on every door and window. Stockings were hung by the fireplace and centerpieces on tables combined angel figures with greenery.

References

• Fashion-Era: Christmas Traditions -- The Christmas Tree Custom
• Biblical Quality: A Victorian Christmas
• Biblical Quality: Decorating the Home
• The Complete Victorian: A Victorian Christmas

Resources

• Victoria's Jewelry Box: Decorating a Victorian Christmas Tree