Hallmark Ornaments

Hallmark Ornaments

History of Modern Unique Christmas Ornaments

Ornaments are everywhere you turn in the stores, starting as early as the day after Halloween. As December rolls around everyone seems to be putting up their tree, even those who don't celebrate the Christmas holiday in other ways. With the variety of ornaments available today one of the best ways to put unique ornaments on your own tree is to review where they started from.

The origins of the Christmas tree are uncertain but as an evergreen it was considered a symbol of life and rebirth long before it became part of the Christmas celebrations. At some point the Germans started bringing the tree inside their homes and decorating it. These early decorations also had religious significance, such as candles and fruits.

With time the decorations became more complex. Hard cookies and strings of cranberries were added, for example. Some enterprising businessmen saw an opportunity and began making ornaments to sell. German glass ornaments came in many colors and shapes and became ever more popular.

The tradition spread across the ocean to the point that in 1860 Queen Victoria and her family standing around their Christmas tree were featured in Godey's Lady's Book, a popular magazine. Other English families decorated their own trees with bits of colored paper and small crafts. These Christmas ornaments were often brightly colored, glittering, and nearly gaudy.

The trees and their ornaments were also adopted as an American custom. Their popularity increased over time, with a hiccup during World War I when all things of German origin were suspect. Afterwards, American companies, Corning in particular, began to dominate the trade. More and more companies got into the business, developing new designs and types of ornaments, taking advantage of developments in manufacturing techniques and popular tastes. The real tipping point to today's commercialism was when Hallmark introduced their line of Keepsake Ornaments in 1973 and met with great success.

To add unique Christmas ornaments to your modern celebration you can return to the ideas of the past and add your own twist to them. Not all ornaments need to be last forever. Try something more temporary, intended for one Christmas only.

Create a fully edible tree. Carve apples into santa faces and let them shrink to be wrinkled and old. Bake gingerbread men and decorate them. Hang purchased candies. Crack open that fruit cake your family has been passing around and see if it works better as an ornament than a desert. Just make sure you keep your nose peeled to make sure everything stays fresh.

Go for gaudy like the Victorians. Cut out images from magazines and get directions on how to fold and glue them from books on papercrafts. Apply  glitter and lace until you can barely see bits of celebrities peeking out from underneath.

If you'd rather go the heirloom route, then you can search antique shops for the glass German ornaments or buy the modern alternatives. Christopher Radko has recreated many of the designs in his Shiny Brite collection. These won't qualify as unique, but they will be something you won't see on everyone's tree.

If these ideas seem beyond you then seek out a local artist or crafter that makes Christmas ornaments and explain what about the history of the ornaments appeals to you. Ask for something special that will bring together today and yesterday and see what he or she creates.

About the Author

Liz writes for EB Ornaments and creates unique Christmas ornaments, craft tutorials and Christmas shopping tips, all around the holiday season. For more information on unique ornaments visit her.

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