Every year those of us who celebrate Christmas put up the tree and decorate our homes. It is one of the pleasures of the festive season. But do we stop to think how Christmas decorations became what they are today?
Here are our five of the best vintage Christmas decorations.
1. Vintage Christmas Baubles
The first Christmas baubles were made in Lauscha, Germany and were made in glass and often in the shape of fruits and nuts. In 1847 they were made specifically as Christmas tree ornaments.
Below: 1970s Woolworth Christmas Decorations, for sale at Lovely's Vintage Emporium
2. Vintage Wooden Ornaments
The early Christmas decoration makers often made ornaments from wood or cotton as glass was not always available. The primitive art wooden ornaments are very sought after now.
Photo by Tyler Delgado on Unsplash
3. Vintage Nativity Sets
Nativity scene sets first began in Italy where they are called 'creches' and always show the Jesus in the manger scene.
Photo by NeONBRAND on Unsplash
4. Vintage Christmas Lights
Until 1882 candles were used to brighten Christmas trees and then one of Thomas Edison's assistants tried electric lights on a tree. They weren't particularly safe and finally in 1917 the safety Christmas bulb was invented and sold to the public in strings.
Photo by Kevin Fitzgerald on Unsplash
5. Vintage Christmas Tree Decorations
The trend for red and gold ornaments began in the 1970s and around the same time everyone started putting Santa at the top of the Christmas tree.
Below: 1970s SET OF RED AND GOLD APPLES AND BELLS CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS (ELEVEN IN TOTAL) for sale at Lovely's Vintage Emporium
