If you ask us, a house isn’t a home unless there’s at least one Christmas tree twinkling away in a corner.
It’s no surprise, then, that as soon as December rolls around, we put decorating a fragrant fir at the top of our to-do list to get us in the festive spirit.
Here in the UK, Christmas trees are decorated with fairy lights, shiny tinsel and baubles, and topped with an angel or star. Chocolate treats are often hung from its branches, especially if there are children in the family, and beautifully wrapped presents are laid around its base.
We have Prince Albert, Queen Victoria’s husband, to thank for our beloved Christmas tree tradition. The royal shipped one over to Windsor Castle from his native Germany and adorned it with real candles (yes, a big fire risk!), sweets and cakes tied with ribbons. When an illustration of his family gathered around it was published in a newspaper, the practice became fashionable, and it’s now hard to imagine life without it!
Whether you favour classic reds and golds or a snowy all-white palette, you’re probably planning on putting up a Christmas tree this year. But if you fancy trying something new, here’s how different countries around the world decorate theirs…
USA
It won’t come as a shock to learn that across the pond, it’s a case of the bigger and bolder the better when it comes to Christmas – and that includes the tree. There is no limit to the imagination state-side, with themes encompassing everything from pop culture to sports teams. Popcorn garlands are a must, personalised photo baubles are popular, and oversized tree toppers are encouraged. This is a chance to express yourself!
Japan
Christmas might not be officially celebrated in Japan (it’s a normal workday, imagine!), but many of its citizens still decorate enthusiastically in a nod to the Western world, usually with origami birds, wind chimes, paper lanterns and Japanese motifs like cherry blossom trees and Mt. Fuji. Their Christmas trees are usually either chic and minimalist or cutesy and whimsical – think lots of bright pink, Hello Kitty and Pokémon themes. Christmas dinner, meanwhile, is KFC and strawberry shortcake, thanks to a 1970s KFC marketing campaign. It’s tempting, but it’s no turkey with all the trimmings now, is it?
Ukraine
You might want to warn any arachnophobic friends if you follow this quirky tradition! Ukrainians use sparkly artificial cobwebs and spiders, called ‘pavuchky’, as their baubles. Why? It all began with a folk story about a poor but hard-working widow who couldn’t afford to decorate her Christmas tree for her children. Imagine her delight when she awoke on Christmas Day to find it had been magically decorated overnight in gold and silver cobwebs by an army of helpful spiders. Today, it is believed that these shimmering ornaments will bring good luck. Not so scary now, huh?
Australia
Christmas falls in the middle of summer down under, so naturally, Aussies look to the sun, sea and sand for their decor inspiration. Cue seashells, starfish and surfboards enjoying a moment in the spotlight as the beachy baubles of choice for many, along with kangaroos, koalas and kookaburras in silly festive outfits! Turquoise, coral and sunny yellow are the colours of choice for many, while some households swap out the usual fir and decorate a ‘Christmas bush’ instead – a local flowering plant that turns bright red or pink in December.
Mexico
Over in Central America, Christmas is an invitation to get crafty and make your own decorations. Mexicans famously love colour, and their trees are a celebration of that, full of vibrant ‘papel picado’ (cut paper) baubles and handmade figurines. In most homes, however, elaborate ‘nacimientos’ (Nativity scenes) take the spotlight, and are sometimes so huge that they fill an entire room! Of course, you’ll also see plenty of poinsettias, known as ‘Flores de Nochebuena’ or ‘Christmas Eve flowers’, as this is where those red-leafed beauties originate.
Sweden
Trust the Scandinavians to make Christmas both simple and stylish. Just as they do with home decor more generally, the Swedes like to incorporate as many natural elements as possible to create that cosy ‘hygge’ vibe we all try to emulate. Ornaments are often made of wood, fabric or straw (to remind us of Jesus’ humble birthplace) and displayed alongside dried oranges, mini apples and gingerbread shapes. It’s all very warm and wholesome!
Argentina
Christmas is a right party in loud and proud Argentina, where the holiday season kicks off on 8 December with the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. It is then that most families decorate their trees, usually with red, gold and white ornaments. The twist? Some substitute the traditional star on top for flamboyant feathers and splendid sunburst motifs in a tribute to their culture and flag. Fireworks end the night, naturally.
Denmark
Danish author Hans Christian Anderson is believed to have started the Danes’ biggest Christmas tree decorating tradition: ‘julehjerte’. These homemade paper hearts, made by plaiting red and white paper, are filled with nuts or sweets before being hung. Then, on the big day itself, families join hands around their twinkling tree and sing carols together before opening any of their gifts. So charming!
Finland
In a long-held tradition that’s part outdoor adventure and part family bonding, many Finnish families still cut down their own Christmas tree from the forest. Blue and white – the colours of the Finnish flag – is a typical decor palette, while geometric mobiles made of straw and known as ‘himmeli’ in Folk art are hung to encourage a good harvest. Moomin characters are also popular, as are candy canes and gingerbread cookies to appease any sweet-toothed little ones. Finnish trees are always finished with a star to symbolise the light guiding the way through winter’s harsh darkness (in the north, the sun does not rise for weeks!).
Philippines
If you think the shops playing Christmas music in November are pushing it, stay well away from the Philippines, where the festive season starts as early as September! Handmade, colourful star lanterns known as parols are hung everywhere to represent the Star of Bethlehem, which guided the three wise men to the newborn baby Jesus. There’s a strong island feel to the decorations, with baubles often made from pearly shells, bamboo and woven materials.
Iceland
Move over, Santa Claus! Icelanders have fun by putting miniature figurines of its 13 Yule Lads – mischievous characters from folklore, each with a unique personality – centre stage on their trees. Legend has it that these good-hearted pranksters, from Sausage Snatcher to Door Slammer, pay children nightly visits one by one during the run-up to Christmas, leaving small gifts in a shoe left by the window. Naughty kids get a raw potato, so silly baubles nodding to this tradition sometimes feature too. Can we spend Christmas in Iceland this year, please?
Feeling suitably festive? Deck the halls with our joyful floral decorations, from beautiful bouquets to wonderful wreaths. Shop now with next-day delivery, and don’t miss our tempting Christmas offers!
