Spring lasted five years, the election was a millennium, fall was yesterday, and Christmas is tomorrow. Is that right? It might feel like we just visited an apple orchard, enjoyed a pumpkin spice latte, and voted for the first female vice president, but now we are ready for all things merry and bright. Before we get into what’s trending in the Christmas tree department this year, let’s journey to Christmas past to find out how this holiday tradition began.
Why Do We Decorate Trees, Anyway?
Although there are other traditions of evergreen trees being used in pagan holidays, Germany began the tradition of decorating an evergreen tree for the Christian holiday in the 16th century (sometimes with lit candles.. yikes!). Christmas trees made their way to the US around the 19th century with German immigrants. It then became customary to chop down an evergreen, like spruce or pine, and stick it in your living room for the holiday season.
In the 1930s, the Addis Brush Company manufactured the artificial Christmas tree that we all know and love. However, many people still venture into the woods to chop down their Christmas tree or buy it from a lot.
Throughout the years, there have been many variations of decorated Christmas trees. Decorations and styles have included dried fruit, candy, tinsel, glass ornaments, and even funky aluminum trees. More styled Christmas trees began to take off during the 1990s, with big (gaudy) colorful lights.
Christmas Present
Although this holiday season will likely be different than every other we’ve experienced, it can still be delightful. Forgo the holiday get-togethers (or visit with family and friends virtually) and spend the extra time decking your halls and starting new family traditions. Take time to relax, enjoy time with family, and choose a Christmas tree that you’ll want to keep up year-round. Because, hey, we don’t know what 2021 will bring. Maybe keeping a Christmas tree up until spring will be the new normal.
The all-white Christmas tree of 2019 is out. Without further ado, here are our favorite Christmas tree trends for 2020.
Cottagecore Christmas Tree
H&M
We love cottagecore. Cottagecore embraces all people and has roots in sustainable living—what’s not to love?! During the pandemic, there has been an increase in the aesthetic on TikTok and the like. Cottagecore may be an idealized version of the life of a homesteader, but people are feeling the nostalgia. Some people have had time to pick up new hobbies like baking bread, making pies, and escaping to the woods for hiking and camping (and to get away from crowds).
Reminiscent of the days of yore, a cottagecore Christmas is a mix of vintage and whimsy—cue this cute Christmas tree skirt, darling bumblebee lights, and mushroom garland (with the ornaments to match). For a fun activity with your kids or significant other, you can make your own garland from popcorn and cranberries or make DIY ornaments. Afterward, snuggle up and watch your favorite Christmas movies in the glow of your adorable Christmas tree. If your favorite Christmas movie is Little Women, this might be the right Christmas tree trend for you.
Flocked Christmas Tree
Flocking your tree will enhance the coziness-factor, especially if you’re dreaming of a white Christmas. Purchase a pre-flocked tree, or put a snowy spin on one yourself (real or fake). We prefer a heavier flock—it just looks more realistic on the Christmas tree. Flocking will likely look shimmery and beautiful in your home. However, take caution if you have small children or pets, because although it is non-toxic it may be irresistible to them, and it is NOT for snow-cream.
Ombre Christmas Tree
Ombre hair might be 2012 (or maybe you’re still rocking it, you do you!), but ombre Christmas trees are so fetch. There are different ways to get the look, just make sure you choose a color family you love. Again, you can DIY or you can buy them already “ombre-d”. Ombre Christmas trees are oh-so modern and will give your tree an interesting effect.
Rainbow Christmas Tree
Go gradient with a rainbow Christmas tree! Bring depth and color to your Christmas tree design with complimentary ornament colors in the same family or ROY G. BIV-style. To achieve this look, start with the lightest shade at the top and save the darkest, richest color for the bottom. Incorporate sentimental ornaments, or save them for a smaller tree elsewhere in your home.
Pencil Christmas Tree
Perfect for small spaces, pencil Christmas trees are a whole lot of cuteness in a small package. If you love to decorate every room in your home for the holidays, a pencil Christmas tree is both space-saving and gorgeous. These slender saplings come in all sorts of styles, from flocked to bright red. If space isn’t an issue, get a trio.
Boho Christmas Tree
Just because it’s tradition, doesn’t mean it has to be traditional. Christmas trees don’t have to be decorated with boring ball ornaments, red ribbons, and white twinkly lights. For the non-traditional and unconventional among us who thrive on color and funk, brightly hued boho Christmas trees are a fantastic way to make your home more whimsical for the holidays.
Eclectic and artistic, boho mixes greenery, some rustic pieces, and art-inspired elements that will brighten up the darkest winter months. Anthropology is your one-stop-shop for all things Bohemian, including these cute monogram ornaments (which also make a great gift!). Pom-pom garlands, macrame ornaments, and funky skirts ensure your boho-liday will be both merry and bright.
Black Christmas Tree
Does black ever go out of style? (No. The answer is no.) One of the reasons we heart this gothic black Christmas tree is that it can be used on more than one occasion. Put it up for Halloween and redecorate for Christmas!
Black Christmas trees are very versatile when it comes to decor. Play it safe and use more neutral ornaments, get weird with it and have a more Tim Burton-esque holiday tree, or go with the stark contrast of black and white.
Buffalo Plaid Christmas Tree
Buffalo plaid is around for the duration and we are here for it. From the tree skirt and garland to the ornaments and stockings —this ubiquitous trend prevails throughout 2020. Just stop at the top hat tree topper, okay?)
Branch Christmas Tree
Sometimes, less is more. That’s why we’re digging Anthro’s pre-lit branch tree, which also comes in flocked and wispy. Enjoy the ambient light of these twiggy trees all-year-round!
Minimalist Christmas Tree
Let’s be honest—2020 has been a tough year for a lot of people. Spread holiday cheer without breaking the bank by going minimalist. Decorate simply with Christmas-past-inspired dried citrus fruits, including limes, lemons, and grapefruit.
Use twigs for wreaths and stars and decorate them with extra citrus fruit and pinecones. Candy canes also serve as both a traditional and cheap way to get some color on your tree. Not only will your citrus-scented tree smell amazing, but it will also be adorable.
