Decorating the old Fashioned way
In the past, Christmas tree ornaments were not the expensive exotic decorations that now adorn Christmas trees; they were mostly handmade and were relatively inexpensive. Treasured from year-to-year and brought out and put on Christmas trees and looked at and talked about and remembered, they were personalized and held almost sacred. Of course, tree decorations of the past worse varied, but the items were free, or at least less expensive. Family traditions had a lot to do with how the Christmas tree was decorated.
Edibles
Popcorn, cranberries, and other edible items were useful in decorating yesterday’s tree. This gave the children something to do and it added to the excitement of the season for the whole family. Popcorn was relatively inexpensive and it was a favorite treat of children of the past, especially those in rural areas. Some entrepreneurial tree decorator strung popcorn, made a rope with it, threw it on the tree, stood back and then called the family in to take a look at his invention. Well, that could've happened.
Cranberries also were used for garlands; same as with nuts, apples and whatever else was available that would add a gleam to the season. Cranberries gave it the tree a much needed touch of red. Decorating, in those days, couldn’t be done two to three weeks ahead of time, not when perishable items were to be used. But way back then that was no problem. Decorating wasn’t done except maybe a few days before the event.
According toMy Kind of Living, an online site, trees were smaller and most often sent on tables in times past. Lighting the Christmas tree was a problem and although some people used candles, this was too dangerous and was not recommended. Today white lights are used to simulate more of the old-fashioned type of Christmas.
Buttons
They suggested that buttons were sometimes used to decorate Christmas trees. And that makes a lot of sense because in most homes everything usable was saved and large bags of buttons rescued from worn garments were plentiful. Children, then, without all the toys now available, loved to play with buttons. Even today there's probably a lot of buttons stashed away in out-of-the-way places. Therefore, if trying to bring back some of the good old days, at least during the Christmas season when money is especially scarce, bring out that old bag of buttons out and string them him up for the tree. That’ll be starting something new from something old. And isn't Christmas somehow like that?
Homemade ornaments
Many of these old time items have survived until today and can be found in flea markets and other secondhand shops. Of course, the more elaborate ones have already been taken, but it's still possible to find these old, crudely made handmade ornaments. Or, if nothing else, make your own. Whatever, these decorations will be one-of-a-kind and will say your tree is reminiscent of their grandmother's time.
Small dolls and other small toys were also used for decorations. Anything and everything that could be hung on the tree and had no other use, in most cases, were saved for Christmas tree decorations. Today's decorators would do well to save those old matchbox cars and other small items their children have outgrown for nostalgic Christmas tree ornaments. Just think how delightful it will be, 100 years hence, when all the amazing little gimmicks and toys that children play with today will be showcased on grandma's Christmas tree!
The fascination of Christmas tree decoration is in the imaginative ways each tree can be different different from the preceding year or from those that the neighbors decorate. And what can be more economical and more fun than decorating a Christmas tree the old fashion way. Each member of the family can add their own creative touch without fear of messing up carefully arranged expensive ornaments.
