Christmas tree decorating ideas you need to know

Since you’re here for decorating, here are our favorite Christmas tree decorating ideas!

Choosing your tree: Real or artificial?

When you’re planning out your Christmas tree decorating ideas, you should consider what type of tree you would like.

Real trees

A real tree has its pros and cons. There is nothing better than walking into a house and being able to smell that piney aroma.

Fun fact: that distinct smell likely comes from resin, which trees produce as a deterrent from pests and diseases. You may use candles to try to replicate this scent, but nothing beats the real thing.

As for some cons, you often cannot keep a real tree up as long as an artificial one. This is because the real ones begin to lose their pines and turn brown. These pines can cause a lot of mess in the house. So, if you hate hoovering, an artificial tree might be more to your liking. They can also be quite uncomfortable to decorate as the pines can be sharp and prickly. It’s unlikely you’ll ever get injured by them, but they can be irritating.

Artificial trees

Artificial trees have become more and more popular over the years. This is likely because they are much more efficient than real trees. And they can come in some really funky colors and designs.

There are many benefits to getting an artificial tree. One of which is the fact that you only need to buy the one! People spend a lot of money buying a real tree every year. Those that have an artificial tree can store it away and use it for years to come. They are much more cost efficient. And as for storage, they are easy to dismantle and put away in a compact manner.

As we mentioned earlier, real trees can leave a lot of mess. Their pines can easily fall off and litter the floor. There are next to no bits falling off an artificial tree. So, it may not smell as nice, but it is tidier.

Another benefit to artificial trees when considering Christmas tree decorating ideas is that they are easier to put up. They are a lot lighter and don’t require several people to carry them into the house.

Perhaps the most fun part of artificial trees is that they come in a variety of colors, sizes, and styles. Of course, many people go for a traditional-looking artificial tree, but others like to switch it up. Some people like to get artificial trees that are bright colors like fluorescent pink. There is certainly a wider range of choices when it comes to Christmas tree decorating ideas.

Color schemes

White winter

If you’re wanting a white Christmas, then this Christmas tree decorating idea is right up your street.

Look out for white artificial trees, or ones that have a flocking / snow effect finish. These trees really give the feeling of being lost in a winter wonderland. You can almost picture a herd of reindeer appearing from behind it.

Silver and white decorations go especially well with these trees. Gentle colors such as rose gold and gold can also match really well.

Gold and red

A classic color scheme is red and gold. It really does give a festive feel to a room.

Silver and purple

A bit more of a unique look is a silver and purple color scheme. The silver and purple complement each other and express a magical feel.

Red and green

Two of the classic colors of Christmas. Red and green work excellently together and are a traditional Christmas colour scheme. It has been used for hundreds of years and is often associated with growth and fortune during winter.

Light blue and white

For a frosty look, why not go for a light blue and white color scheme? This can be a fun way of showing your kids that Jack Frost has been in the house!

Rainbow

Some people like to get extra creative with their trees. They get a variety of colors and hang them in layers on their tree. So, the top may begin with red decorations, and go all the way down in different colours, like a rainbow! This is a great idea if your family can’t agree on a color scheme.

Decoration and ornament types

Baubles 

Baubles are the most common decoration for Christmas trees. They come in so many shapes colors, designs, and sizes.

What’s more is that you could make your own baubles. We have a few blogs on ways you can make your own decorations and various arts and craft ideas. 

Tinsel

We all love a bit of tinsel to adorn our Christmas trees. One of the best parts of tinsel is the material they are made of. They are very reflective, so when your tree lights are on, they make it even brighter. You can get tinsel in long strips to wrap around the tree, or you can get individual strands. These can be hung in a more unique way, rather than just wrapped around the tree.

If you prefer, you can get different material garlands. A white feather garland can look beautiful on a white themed tree. 

Ribbon

If you aren’t a fan of tinsel, then you may prefer ribbon. Using ribbon will save a little bit of mess, since tinsel can lose some strands.

Lighting

Don’t fancy fighting with the Christmas tree lights? Have a look for an artificial tree with them built in. They save a lot of time and hassle whilst decorating. As well as no risk of getting tangled up and stuck, even though the little ones may find it amusing.

There are a variety of coloured lighting, so it shouldn’t be much trouble finding the right one for your tree. If you’ve opted for a traditional tree, then multicoloured lighting may be the best choice. For white and silver themed trees, a warm white can look especially cosy. It is always a good idea to choose your lights based on the color scheme you go for.

Themed trees

If you aren’t feeling the traditional Christmas tree decorating ideas this year, why not mix it up? You could decorate your tree based on a favourite film, game, TV series, book, and more! There are no limits for Christmas tree decorating ideas, so get as creative and imaginative as you like. Here are some pop-culture themes and more that you and your family might like.

Harry Potter 

For many, Harry Potter has become a traditional Christmas theme. TV channels tend to showcase the films, and many fans love to snuggle up with the books. If you’re a fan of the magical world, then bring Hogwarts home. You could have an electric Hogwarts Express zooming around the tree base. You could also choose decorations based on the Hogwarts houses: Slytherin, Ravenclaw, Hufflepuff, and Gryffindor.

Given how popular the franchise is, there will be no shortage of decorations. Plus, if you’re feeling creative, you and the little ones could make your own decorations. Do an online quiz with your family to see which houses you are all sorted into. Then you can create decorations based on your schoolhouses.

And to finish it all off, for a tree-topper, you could use a sorting hat!

Star Wars

Do you have little Padawans running around your house? They’ll love this Christmas tree decorating idea! There are plenty of ways to incorporate it into a Christmas tree.

Fancy getting creative? Buy silver and gold baubles and use a marker to add the faces of C-3PO and R2-D2. You could use red, blue, and green lights to represent lightsaber colours.

And, of course, it goes without saying that the tree-topper has to be Baby Yoda.

Halloween

If Halloween is your favourite holiday, you could opt for a spooky Christmas tree. A lot of spooky season lovers like to get bright orange artificial trees and decorate them with pumpkins. As well as other appropriately chosen decorations such as bats, ghosts, and green and black tinsel. Santa may get a little confused when he arrives on Christmas Eve, but we know he will appreciate the creativity.

Frozen

The famous Frozen films may not be set at Christmas, but they certainly help you feel festive. If you and your kids love Olaf and the gang, why not stick them on your tree?

You could use blue and silver tinsel and baubles to represent Elsa’s frosty magic. Have an arts & crafts day with the little ones to create carrots for Sven and Olaf. You could even get a little Olaf toy to sit atop the tree. You probably won’t find a more fabulous tree-topper.

Plus, snowflake tree ornaments will look amazing, just like the distinguishable and unique style from the films. 

Disney

Maybe Frozen isn’t your favorite Disney film, and if you can’t choose one, why not choose them all? A Disney themed Christmas tree will be especially magical. Your kids will love getting to help decorate with their favorite characters. And there are so many variations to go with! 

Family

One of our favorite Christmas tree decorating ideas is a personalized tree. Create decorations with your family’s names on, and have each member choose their own decorations. It may be best for them to look for ones that resemble themselves. This way, your tree becomes far more personal and unique. Every time you look at it, you’ll be reminded of your loved ones.

Little trees

If you live in a smaller home or an apartment, then a little tree might be more appropriate. Small trees are available and can actually look quite cute. If you’re tight for space but still want a Christmas tree, then this one might be perfect. They can be placed on side tables if preferred and can be decorated in all of the ways mentioned above.

Hopefully, you now have a handful of Christmas tree decorating ideas. There can be a lot to consider when you really get into it. But decorating a tree can be a lot of fun to plan out!

We would love to see your creations. Follow us on our Instagram, Facebook, & Twitter and feel free to send us photos of your Christmas trees!

Need ideas for activities? 

Finding activities to do with kids can sometimes be a challenge. If you are looking for ideas, we have more at Santa Academy. Our app launches in November 2022! You can download several activities from our activity packs. We have several to choose from, inspired by our different factions. You can learn how to care for pets and practice PE with Reindeer Recruits. Learn how plastic damages the environment and how different cultures celebrate Christmas with Fairy Fellows. Make slime and candy with Elf Ed!

Santa Academy – The novel

In 2022, our author Jill will be releasing her first novel through Hudson Publishing Company. The novel will feature many of the lovable and hilarious characters many are now familiar with. You and your kids will love reading along to uncover the origins of Christmas. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to stay up to date with news and releases!