Decorating for a Victorian Christmas

Christmas in the Victorian era involved elaborate decorations.

Many contemporary Christmas traditions, including decorating a Christmas tree, began in the Victorian era. Victorian Christmases were often elegant, lavish affairs in which families tried to outdo one another's efforts.

Evergreen Boughs

Evergreen boughs covered every available surface during Christmas in Victorian days. Drape evergreen garlands on banisters and mantelpieces and place them on tables and shelves. You can add color with beads, bows and even fruits, such as oranges and berries. A wreath, preferably made of evergreen boughs, is a needed touch on your front door.

Christmas Tree

Christmas trees were originally decorated simply, with small gifts and candies, but more elegant decorations soon appeared. Thin blown-glass ornaments were first introduced in the Victorian era, and thicker blown-glass ornaments, called kugels, were also popular. Decorate your tree with glass ball ornaments, and add the finishing touches with pearl or popcorn garlands; ribbons; silver tinsel; paper angels and snowflakes; and gold-painted pine cones.

Windows

Victorian families didn't forget about their windows when they were decorating for Christmas. You can simply frame your windows with evergreen garlands. For a more elegant effect, drape gold-colored material around the windows and add palm leaves, ribbons and tassels to complete the look.

References

• "Victoriana Magazine": Victorian Christmas
• Vigo County Historical Society: A Victorian Christmas
• The Golden Glow of Christmas Past: Victorian Glass Ornaments
• "Victoriana Magazine": Christmas Window Treatments

Resources

• Scholarly Articles: Decorating for a Victorian Christmas