Deck the Halls: Christmas Decor Traditions Through the Decades

Christmas has always been a time of warmth, nostalgia, and cherished traditions. One of the most beloved parts of the holiday season is decorating our homes, and each decade has brought its unique spin on Christmas decor. From simple hand-crafted ornaments to glitzy aluminum trees, the way we “deck the halls” reflects both the era's spirit and our enduring love for the holiday season. Let’s take a journey through the decades to see how Christmas decor has evolved!

1920s: A Homemade Christmas The 1920s embraced simplicity and homemade touches. Families would make ornaments from paper, fabric, and natural items like pinecones and berries. Christmas trees were often smaller and decorated with strings of popcorn or cranberries. Candles were commonly used to light up the tree—a practice that, while lovely, was eventually replaced by safer electric lights.

1930s: The Great Depression’s Influence The Great Depression led to budget-friendly and DIY Christmas decorations. People reused and repurposed materials, often creating ornaments from tin and paper scraps. Tinsel became more popular as a way to add a little sparkle without spending much, and store-bought ornaments began to appear but were a luxury item for most.

1940s: Wartime and Sentimentality During WWII, decorations remained modest, with many households saving resources. Instead, homemade decorations like paper stars, crocheted ornaments, and recycled materials were favored. Patriotic colors sometimes blended with traditional Christmas hues, and many people used what they had to create a cozy, sentimental atmosphere.

1950s: Post-War Glamour and Aluminum Trees The 1950s brought a burst of enthusiasm for Christmas decor. With the post-war economic boom, families embraced glitz, bright colors, and shiny aluminum trees, which became all the rage. Glass ornaments and color wheel tree lights were incredibly popular, adding vibrant color and sparkle to homes across America.

This is from one of my favorite local shops - The Bomb Shelter Akron, OH

1960s: The Age of Color and Plastic The 1960s continued the trend of colorful Christmas decor, with a fascination for plastic decorations. Bubble lights, tinsel garlands, and artificial trees grew in popularity. This decade loved bold colors and embraced a playful approach to holiday decor.

1970s: Natural Elements and Earth Tones In the 1970s, people returned to a more natural, rustic style. Earth tones were in vogue, and real pine and fir trees were favored over artificial ones. Wreaths made of natural greenery, wooden ornaments, and candlelit decorations brought a cozy, back-to-nature vibe to the holiday season.

1980s: Big, Bold, and Bright Everything was bigger and bolder in the ’80s! Bright reds, greens, and golds were everywhere. String lights became more elaborate, with twinkling options and colorful designs, and ornaments were often oversized and flashy. Inflatable lawn decorations also started gaining popularity, bringing a fun, eye-catching twist to holiday decor.

This is me on Christmas in 1988

1990s: Minimalism Meets Tradition The ’90s took a more pared-down approach. Classic, minimalist decor became popular, with many people opting for monochromatic themes or traditional red and green with gold accents. White Christmas lights and simple, elegant ornaments gave homes a timeless look.

2000s: Personalized and DIY Decor In the early 2000s, families started incorporating more personalized decorations. DIY decor, family ornaments, and handmade touches became popular again, creating a mix of modern and nostalgic elements. There was also a resurgence of natural materials like burlap, pinecones, and wooden ornaments.

2010s: Farmhouse Style  The farmhouse trend brought neutral colors, cozy plaids, and rustic elements into holiday decor in the 2010s. Soft blankets, candles, warm lights, white and neutral Christmas trees became popular, and many embraced a mix of vintage and modern pieces for a comforting, timeless look.

2020s: Sustainable and Vintage-Inspired Decor As people become more eco-conscious, sustainable decor is on the rise in the 2020s. Many are opting for vintage decorations, reusable garlands, and natural elements like dried oranges and cinnamon sticks. This era celebrates both timeless decor and the magic of repurposing, making each item part of the family tradition.

From handcrafted ornaments in the 1920s to sustainable choices in the 2020s, Christmas decor has always reflected the values and styles of its time. No matter the decade, each Christmas decoration is a part of our story, bringing back memories and creating new ones. This holiday season, consider adding a touch of vintage to your decor—a nod to the decades that continue to shape our traditions and warm our hearts.

Are you looking for a special vintage piece to add to your holiday collection? Follow my weekly sales for some awesome treasures or if you are looking for something specific, let me know what you're looking for!

My favorite part of my tree are the ornaments and the memories tied to every single one over the decades