Happy Christmas from Me

Many people enjoy antiquing – looking for rare treasures that often can be had for next to nothing. At an antique store, one can find many different items in various conditions. In antiquing, the old adage, one man’s junk is another man’s treasure, is definitely true. Christmas tree ornaments, especially Victorian Christmas tree ornaments, are becoming increasingly popular among antiquers.

Christmas Tree Ornaments from the Victorian Era

The long period (1837-1901) during which Queen Victoria ruled England – known simply as the Victorian era – is normally associated only with England, but the United States was also hugely affected by Victorian tastes and morals. Victoria was famously rigid, yet her era also saw extremely fine decorations, and Victorian Christmas tree ornaments often reflect this.

For most of the Victorian era, electricity was not available or very rare. 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. Although Father Christmas and Santa Claus are really the same person (who was really Saint Nicholas), they do not look at all alike. Instead of the familiar red suit with white trim and a black belt, Victorian era “Father Christmas” ornaments show figures of a man with a long white beard and flowing robes, giving him an appearance that we might associate more with an ancient philosopher or wizard. A fairly large number of Victorian Christmas ornaments that depict this image of Father Christmas are still out there, and you can find them — if you’re willing to look.

One type of Victorian Christmas tree ornaments that are rather hard to come by these days are velvet ribbons. Crimson colored velvet ribbons were prized tree ornaments, and were placed decoratively throughout the Christmas tree. Velvet does not last well over time, so if you are lucky enough to find any examples of these antique Christmas tree ornaments in a shop, chances are they will need some restoration.

Thus, an easier option is to simply go to your local fabric supply store and purchase new velvet for your Christmas decorations and ornaments. In fact, if you or someone you know can sew, you can purchase a piece of velvet, cut some strips out of it, then just sew the sides, and you’ve just made your own velvet ribbons. Whichever method you choose, have fun decorating your Christmas tree! Don’t forget that the Internet always has plenty of sites that will help you with all of your holiday decorating needs.