All About Christmas Decorations

Despite its Catholic affiliation, Christmas is one of the most beloved holidays in the world. The atmosphere of expectation of a miracle and just something good made him so. Decorations are important attributes of this day. Read about what they are, how they are used and what they symbolize in different countries in this article.

As you know, for the Catholic world, Christmas is perhaps the most important holiday. Nowadays, the religious connotation of the holiday has faded into the background, but the main rituals are strictly observed, especially in Europe. In particular, the British take him especially seriously. One of the enjoyable parts of the celebration is the interior decoration for Christmas. Of course, the main attribute of the holiday is a decorated Christmas tree almost everywhere. We will talk about what other Christmas decorations are used in different countries below.

The main decoration for the holiday in this country is the star lantern. It is a star-shaped lantern located in the center of the circle. It is made of paper, cellophane, plastic and others. It is hung everywhere - on the front door, chandeliers, lamps. Also, a must-see decoration in every home and institution is the nativity scene - the scene of the birth of Jesus. It is made independently from various materials.

The Scandinavian style of decorating for Christmas is slightly different from that of other parts of Europe. The main colors are white, blue, beige and silver. The main attribute is the figures of the gnomes. They are believed to bring good luck and happiness. The tree is decorated with "knitted" toys - knitted little cases are put on them. Also, a favorite tradition here is the use of various thematic household items - plates, pillows, paintings, curtains, and so on. All of these products, in one way or another, have a reference to Christmas.

The spotlight on this holiday in Mexico is the scene of the Birth of Christ. Stage toys are made from cardboard, paper or other materials. Making the nativity scene by hand is also a tradition. Sometimes various animals and even the devil himself can creep into these scenes. Another important attribute is the Advent crown. It is a wreath of pine tree branches, around which 4 thick candles are placed.

The most famous Christmas toy here is the Dala horse. Its color scheme consists of three shades - blue, red, white. This horse is used as a decoration for Christmas all over the place. Gingerbread and cookies are also an important attribute. Homemade cakes are most appreciated. The tree is decorated with felt toys (angels), figurines made of brass wire and straw.

The most important thing for every family at Christmas in Germany is having a nutcracker. The tradition of its widespread use originated even before the creation of the fairy tale of the same name. A long time ago, a farmer who was tired of chopping nuts on his own was presented with a toy that could do it - the first nutcracker. Since then, the Germans have considered it their property. Over time, it began to be used as one of the attributes of Christmas.

A special feature of the celebration in Portugal is the characteristic decoration of the Christmas tree. Simply put, Christmas trees are decorated in one style or one theme. For example, they can only be decorated with red garlands or toys in the form of characters from a telephone game or a cartoon.

Americans have one of the most lavish Christmas celebrations in the world. GThe main color scheme is red-green. Most of the decorations are located outside houses and apartments. Trees, fences, and facades in the United States are decorated with lots of brightly colored electric lights.

Christmas in Russia is celebrated on January 7, preparation for it takes place a little later than in the whole world and differs from the traditional Catholic celebration. The same goes for jewelry. However, in the past few years, some of the decoration and interior design has been increasingly borrowed from the West. Let's consider the most common decorations.

1. Fir branches wreath. It is hung on doors and even on windows. It is often decorated with red bows, bells and cones. In Russia, it symbolizes the cycle of things in nature.
2. For Christmas, as well as for the New Year, garlands are hung in the dwelling. They can decorate only one room (usually a hall) or an entire apartment. The use of silver or red garlands is encouraged.
3. Candles. If in Europe Christmas red candles are common, in Russia they prefer white ones. They can be either thin or thick.
4. Figures of angels or Christ. Often in families where they are put on at Christmas, they are always in stock. Only by Christmas are they displayed in a prominent place.
5. Christmas Eve is central to the celebration of Christmas in Russia. This is a 12-course family meal. The table can be decorated for the holiday in white or silver colors.

Decorating your home for Christmas is quite simple and you don't need to spend a lot for this. We will describe below what ideas can be implemented as decorations for the holiday.

• It is quite easy to make the “most traditional” Christmas decoration with your own hands - a wreath. To do this, you need to take a wire of medium thickness and twist it in several rows. Next, fasten it in this position, after which fir branches are fixed on it. Spruce branches can be replaced with branches of another coniferous plant. It is important to fasten them correctly - they should be facing the same direction. Optionally, you can add another layer of branches.

• It is easy to make a false fireplace out of paper and cardboard. It does not have to be the same size as the actual product. You can do something like a little shadow theater. Any cardboard can be used, but it is best to opt for box cardboard. You will also need scissors and glue. Several candles or a nativity scene can be placed in the "fireplace". The product can be decorated with garlands, pine cones or other trinkets.

• Bottles with garlands will look good. The best way to remove labels is under running hot water. You can also do this with a hair dryer. Garlands will look unusual and spectacular in pink champagne and green bottles. For the latter, you can use a bottle from the "Soviet Champagne".

• You can decorate a room and even a small apartment with origami products from pages of unnecessary books. Of course, there is no need to use antique or valuable books. Only really unnecessary old books should be used.

As you know, the traditional colors of Christmas are still red, white and green. It is the presence of these flowers that looks advantageous and conveys the very atmosphere of the holiday.

• Red napkins. They will decorate any meal.

• Little Santa's hats. They can also be placed on the table, as well as put on bottles, salt shakers.

• Miniature artificial Christmas trees. With the onset of November, miniature Christmas trees can even be found in regular stores.

• Thick red candles will create a holiday effect. At the beginning of their invention, such candles symbolized the stars that illuminated the night of Bethlehem (the night of the birth of Jesus Christ). They create a soft glow.

• It is impossible not to mention the spruce wreath. A beautiful and massive wreath attracts attention and pleases the eye.

For information on how to make a DIY Christmas decoration, see the next video.