Decorating has changed through the years...

1900--Americans started buying Christmas trees and sending out Christmas cards to their loved ones. Most ornaments were glass and came from Germany. 

1910--Putting candles on one’s tree was widespread. A family had no more than a dozen special ornaments on the tree. Also, tinsel was popular to add shimmer to a sparse look.

1920–Because of the Great Depression families made their own ornaments and passed any extras on to others in the family. Christmas tree decorations included ribbons, satin balls, and glittered stars.  Everyone cut down a live Christmas tree.

1930–In the late 1930s Jobs and money were more plentiful making it easier for people to obtain commercial Christmas decor, including sets of ornaments. People were drawn to a limited color palette and created edible decorations: popcorn balls and cranberry garlands. 

1940–Families could now buy a greater number of boxes of decorations, including large collections of machine-made ornaments and bubble lights. They were extremely popular in the 40s and became a staple for many trees.  A broad range of ornaments included toys, bulb ornaments, and a variety of tree toppers. 

1950--The aluminum tree came into style making it possible to buy once and store in the basement for next year.  Everyone wanted lots of white lights.

1960–New Faux trees were covered in flocking. Snowy trees made their debut in the 1960s and provided plenty of opportunities for more colorful decorating.  Knee hugger elves, not to be confused with the Elf on The Shelf, were also popular during the 60s.  Knee hugger elves were simply little novelty elves that sat in the homes of many Americans.  Trees were decorated with hard plastic ornaments, candy containers, and lighted figures.  I love this raffia angel tree topper...and is that tinsel I see?

1970--There was a resurgence of popularity in cutting down your own tree. The best-selling trees were Scotch Pine, Douglas Fir, Fraser Fir, Balsam Fir and White Pine.  Decorations were coordinated efforts in the trendy colors of the day.  This was the launch of the Department 56 ceramic winter villages to adorn a mantel or side table.

1980--The 80s had a more eclectic style during the holidays. Families shared mismatched ornaments as gifts and began collections of Snoopy, Precious moments, and—plastic, tinsel, and glass all combined.  This included a blend of family traditions.  Below is a Teddy Bear Tree.  (You might even see one frog?)

1990--Themed decorating sets were sold. The use of whites, silvers and blues and pinks entered the scene. An increase in the number of ornaments and the use of colored balls and unique ornaments gathered over time but in the same color families.  Having more than one tree was becoming popular. Below is a kitchen tree in bright pink and green.

2000--Themed trees continue to be strong from patriotic, to collections of angels, Santa's or nutcrackers. Families were back to cutting down live trees, and using traditional ornament groupings. White lights hung on the majority of trees.  Below is a Santa Clause Tree with a collection of antique ceramic Santa's from around the word.

2010--LED Lights, synchronized music and color changing lights were popular as well as “pre-lit” trees saving time and money. Tree skirts moved over for tree collars, buckets, fur blankets and more nonconventional looks. Tree toppers were purchased every year to match the theme of the tree. This tree has dolls from around the world and international flags as garland.

2020--Today…well you tell me. What trends are you seeing today? Minimalist? Old World throwback?  More glass? Natural straw? What are you seeing?

How are YOU decorating your tree this year?  Same old, same old?  Maybe take some hints from past years and change things up!  Thanks for stopping by to read the blog post.  Until next time,  Jonelle'