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Exploring Timeless Classics: A Traditional Style Christmas Tree

Exploring Timeless Classics: A Traditional Style Christmas Tree

May 13, 2024 | Martha May

Explore the enduring charm of traditional Christmas trees with expert advice on decorating, choosing ornaments, and creating timeless holiday memories

Exploring Timeless Classics: A Traditional Style Christmas Tree

When we think about a classic Christmas, there's a very real allure in revisiting the timeless traditions that define the holiday spirit. Among the shimmering lights and the delightful scent of freshly-baked cookies, few symbols capture the essence of a classic Christmas quite like the timeless beauty of the traditional style Christmas tree. Standing proud and tall, and adorned with Christmas ornaments passed down through generations, the traditional Christmas tree is a symbol of nostalgia, celebration, and comfort.

Choosing the Right Classic Christmas Tree

The act of selecting the ideal traditional Christmas tree for the family is a ritual that sets the tone for the entire holiday season. Whether the family chooses the lush greenery of a Douglas fir, the fragrant, classic charm of a balsam fir or the classic silhouette of a Norway spruce, each variety carries its own unique appeal.

Christmas Tree Height

It's encouraged to maintain a minimum of 6” of space between your Christmas tree's highest point and the ceiling. This guideline also considers the height added by a tree topper or any decorative stand. For instance, with a standard 8-foot ceiling and a 12” angel topper, a 6.5-foot tree would be ideal. When measuring your Christmas tree, start from the stand's base to the highest point.

Christmas Tree Shapes

The shape of a Christmas tree provides a rough estimate of its spatial footprint. If space is limited, choose a narrow or slim tree, while a wide, full-sized tree is suitable for larger areas. Before making a selection, take note of your available floor space so you can compare it to your desired tree.

· Full: This traditional shape mirrors the classic profile of natural Christmas trees and is a popular choice.

· Slim: Designed for tight spaces and corners, slim and narrow Christmas trees offer a space-saving solution.

· Pencil: Pencil trees are characterized by their slender profile, with a narrower diameter that tapers slightly towards the top. They are ideal for limited space settings or as secondary Christmas decor.

Christmas Tree Types

· Classic tips are crafted from flat PVC material, meticulously cut and shaped to emulate the natural foliage of live tree branches. These tips contribute to a traditional artificial Christmas tree aesthetic.

· Realistic tips combine PVC with PE, a durable plastic-like material, and are intricately molded in 3D to closely resemble real tree branches found in nature. The inclusion of PE enhances the tips' realism, providing a multi-dimensional appearance.

· Premium tips also blend PVC and PE materials, but with a higher proportion of PE tips compared to Realistic trees. In both Realistic and Premium trees, PE tips are strategically placed on outer branches to maximize their visibility once shaped. PVC tips serve as "fillers," primarily situated on inner branches to give the tree a lush and full-bodied look.

Ornament Ideas for a Traditional Tree

King of Christmas 8' King Noble Fir Artificial Christmas Tree Unlit

A Vintage Look

Decorating your tree in vintage, classic style offers endless possibilities for your holiday decorations.

· Classic motifs: Santas, Angels, Snowflakes, Reindeer, Candy Canes, etc.
· Glass, Wood, Porcelain Christmas tree ornaments, LED candles
· Handcrafted treasures like embroidered Christmas tree ornaments

· Popcorn or pine cone garlands, which can also be used for home holiday décor

Touches of Whimsy

· A mixture of texture and materials such as velvet ribbons, plush felt Christmas ornaments, sparkling sequins

· Handmade treasures like felt animals, gingerbread men, hearts, owls, gloves, stars, etc.

Theme Collections

In addition to classic motifs and handmade treasures, thematic ornament collections can add cohesion and visual interest to a traditional Christmas tree.

· Storybook elements that capture the spirit of the year, season or family. Consider tales like A Christmas Carol, The Gift of the Magi, The Night Before Christmas, Peter Rabbit, and The Nutcracker and the Mouse King.

· Christmas decorations that focus on 1-5 specific elements such as snowmen, snowflakes, moons, cherries, oranges, sea creatures, and blending them together in thematic harmony, while choosing pieces that range in material, texture, and style.

Traditional Christmas Tree Decoration Techniques

Create a Theme

Start by selecting a cohesive theme for your Christmas tree decor. Whether it's based on a color palette, ornament collection or personal interest, having a unifying concept is important. Gather Christmas inspiration from designer blogs or Christmas decor sites, and create a mood board to visualize your vision.

Fluff and Shape

Fluffing and shaping your tree will help create a lush, lifelike appearance. Enlist the help of family or friends and wear gloves for protection, if necessary. Start from the inner branches and work outward in sections.

String the Christmas Lights

Before stringing lights, make sure they're functional. Begin at the bottom and weave upwards, following the tree's natural contours.

Divide up the Tree into Sections

Take a step back and look at your tree in segments—top, middle, and bottom. For added balance, divide the tree into quadrants, ensuring even spacing. Use tree picks to mark divisions for a dramatic effect. Time for the Fun Part! Dressing the Tree Start with classic ornaments in silver, gold, white, red or green for a timeless look. Mix large and small Christmas ornaments for depth, placing larger ones deeper within the foliage and smaller ones on branch tips. Use wired ribbons as ornaments, layering different styles for texture. Fill gaps with picks and sprays for added dimension. Incorporate Interesting Elements Enhance your tree with intricate accents like heirloom ornaments or floral picks for pops of color. The Crowning Glory! Add a Tree Topper Complement your theme with a tree topper or get creative by tying ornaments together for a custom look that aligns with your holiday décor. Lay the Skirt or Collar Complete your tree's look with a matching skirt or a decorative collar for a stylish finishing touch. Family Traditions around the Classic Christmas Tree Decorating the Traditional Christmas Tree The tradition of Christmas tree decorating has deep roots in various cultures, dating back centuries. Families gather each year to adorn their trees with ornaments, Christmas lights, and garlands, symbolizing warmth, joy, and togetherness. It's a cherished and timeless tradition that brings loved ones together and creates lasting memories. Hanging the Mistletoe Hanging mistletoe is a charming tradition with origins in ancient Celtic and Norse folklore. It symbolizes love, friendship, and goodwill during the holiday season. Couples share kisses beneath the mistletoe, continuing the tradition of spreading joy and affection. It’s a beautiful and fun addition to your classic Christmas décor. Holiday Feasts

Feasting at Christmas is a time-honored tradition that brings families and friends together in celebration. It symbolizes abundance, generosity, and gratitude for the blessings of the past year. From classic roast turkeys to decadent desserts, the feast is a central part of the holiday festivities, fostering warmth and good cheer among loved ones.

Comparing Traditional and Modern Tree Styles

When comparing modern and traditional Christmas tree styles, there’s a fascinating evolution that is revealed. While classic trees often feature traditional ornaments like glass and wooden Christmas decorations, and are adorned with strings of lights and tinsel, modern trees, on the other hand, embrace sleeker, minimalist designs with metallic accents and unconventional color schemes. Traditional trees often evoke nostalgia and warmth, reminiscent of cherished family traditions, while modern trees offer a contemporary twist, and reflect current trends and personal tastes. Whether you opt for a cozy, nostalgic ambiance or a chic, avant-garde look, both styles lovingly capture the essence of the holiday spirit.

In embracing the traditional style Christmas tree, it’s important to realize that it’s more than just about holiday decorations; it’s also about celebrating family, heritage, and of course, the classic charm of the holiday season. Traditions are what bind us to past generations, so there is a true connection from grandparent, to children, and grandchildren each and every year. Each ornament, each strand of garland, is a thread in the rich tapestry of holiday memories. They weave a story of love, laughter, and heartfelt moments that are shared with loved ones. In the glow of its twinkling lights, we find warmth and comfort among each other, and of the hope of a new year filled with promise. Ultimately, the traditional style Christmas tree is more than just a symbol of the season; it’s a testament to the timeless beauty of tradition and the joy of togetherness that truly defines this most magical time of year.