Christmas in Colonial America: Simple Traditions and Timeless Elegance

Colonial America’s Christmas celebrations were far removed from today’s elaborate festivities. Rooted in simplicity and resourcefulness, the season’s traditions were understated yet full of charm. While modern holiday décor often focuses on glitter and lights, recreating a colonial Christmas brings timeless elegance to your home.

Natural Decorations

Colonial families often used greenery to adorn their homes, relying on what was readily available in their environment. Garlands of pine, sprigs of holly, and bunches of dried herbs were used to decorate mantels, windows, and doors.

How to Recreate It:
Incorporate natural elements like evergreen branches or dried oranges. Use antique hooks or small knobs to elegantly secure garlands or wreaths. Brass and iron accents can mimic the simplicity of colonial hardware.

Handmade Gifts and Ornaments

In the absence of mass production, gifts and decorations were crafted by hand. Simple items like knitted scarves, wooden toys, or hand-dipped candles were common.

How to Recreate It:
Try your hand at crafting ornaments or repurposing antique hardware into tree decorations. For example, transform a vintage keyplate into a rustic tree ornament tied with a red ribbon.

Candlelit Ambiance

With no electric lights, candles were a staple of colonial Christmases. Homes were illuminated with the soft, warm glow of handmade candles, adding to the season's cozy atmosphere.

How to Recreate It:
Use candle holders with an antique finish or create a centerpiece featuring vintage hardware elements. Opt for beeswax candles to capture the authentic colonial feel.

By drawing inspiration from colonial traditions, you can create a holiday look that feels both grounded and graceful—a nod to simpler times that never go out of style.