Christmas Resources

Many people enjoy antiquing - looking for rare treasures that often can be had for next to nothing. At an antique store, you can find lots of different items in various states of repair. In antiquing, the old adage, one man’s junk is another man’s treasure, is definitely true. One item that has been becoming increasingly popular among antiquers is Christmas tree ornaments, especially Victorian Christmas tree ornaments.

Christmas Tree Ornaments from the Victorian Era

The Victorian era - which ran from 1837 all the way to 1901 - is usually associated only with England (logically enough!), but the period also had a huge influence on the United States in terms of tastes and values. Victoria was famously rigid, yet her era also saw extremely fine decorations, and Victorian Christmas tree ornaments often reflect this.

During most of the Victorian era, electricity was simply not available or at best, it was a luxury for the rich. So instead of strings of Christmas lights, candles were used to light up the tree. While very few candles survive from that time, the candles themselves were set in brass candle holders, and those candle holders are now prized as classic Victorian Christmas tree ornaments.

Another example of classic Victorian Christmas tree ornaments are those depicting Father Christmas. While Father Christmas and Santa Claus are essentially the same person (based on the real Saint Nicholas), they do not have similar appearances. Rather than the familiar red and white suit with a black belt, Victorian era “Father Christmas” ornaments show figures of a man with an ample white beard and flowing robes, more reminiscent of a wizard or old sage than what we think of as Santa Claus. Many Victorian Christmas tree ornaments based on this image of Father Christmas still survive and can be found if you’re determined to hunt for them.

Velvet ribbons are one example of Victorian Christmas tree ornaments that used to be common but now are rather hard to find. Crimson colored velvet ribbons were prized tree ornaments, and were placed decoratively throughout the Christmas tree. Velvet does not keep for a very long time, so if you do happen to see examples of these antique Christmas tree ornaments in an antique store, chances are they will need to be restored.

So an easier option is just to go to a local fabric store and get new velvet for your Christmas decorations and ornaments. In fact, if you can use a needle and thread (or a sewing machine!), you could just buy a yard or two of velvet at a local shop, cut it up into strips, sew the sides, and make your own velvet ribbons that way. Whichever way you choose to do it, be sure to have fun decorating your Christmas tree! Remember there are always websites on the Internet that can help with any and all of your holiday decorating questions.