Christmas ornaments are more than just pretty decorations for the holiday season – they carry tradition, tell stories and set the entire mood for your tree. Whether you’re building your first collection, curating a theme or carrying on family traditions, ornaments are the finishing touches that make your Christmas tree truly personal.

In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about Christmas tree ornaments: their history, the different types available, styling and decorating tips and even how to care for them so they last for generations.

A Brief History of Christmas Tree Ornaments

Ornaments have a surprisingly rich history, let’s look at their timeline throughout the ages:

Early Germany Traditions

The tradition of decorating evergreen trees began in Germany during the 16th century. Instead of ornaments, families often used apples, nuts, and paper flowers to symbolize the Garden of Eden.

Between 1600s-1700s glassblowers in Lauscha, Germany, began creating hand-blown glass ornaments (baubles) to hang on Christmas trees. .

Queen Victoria and the Rise of the Christmas Tree

Queen Victoria and Prince Albert popularized the Christmas tree in England. Prince Albert brought the Christmas tree to Buckingham Palace from his native Germany.

An engraving of the royal family’s Christmas tree was published in 1848. The image of the Queen and her family around a tree that was decorated with candles, fruits, and ornaments was spread across Europe and the U.S.

This is really seen as the start of the popularity of the Christmas tree in the UK, although initially only the upper classes could afford to embrace what is now a beloved component of the holiday celebrations.

Mass Production and Modern Popularity

German immigrants brought the tradition to America, where companies like Woolworth’s began mass-producing glass ornaments.

Mass production also helped decorated Christmas trees to be more affordable for the working classes who also used paper-chains, pinecones and other diy ornaments for their decor.

Ornaments have evolved into endless varieties—plastic, wood, fabric, ceramic, and even high-tech light-up designs. Collectors now see them as keepsakes, heirlooms, and even investments.

Christmas ornaments aren’t just seasonal decor – they’re part of a global tradition.

Types of Christmas Tree Ornaments

There’s no “one-size-fits-all” when it omes to ornaments. Today’s choices allow you to create a tree that fits your personality, theme and budget. Here are the most popular categories:

Glass Ornaments

• Traditional, shiny baubles made from blown glass.
• Can be clear, colored, frosted, or hand-painted.
• Often considered collector’s items (e.g., Old World Christmas, Radko ornaments).
• Best for: Classic, elegant trees.

Shatterproof Ornaments

• Made of plastic or acrylic but designed to look like glass.
• Family- and pet-friendly.
• Great for outdoor trees too.
• Best for: Busy households or trees in high-traffic areas.

Wooden Ornaments

• Rustic, natural, and timeless.
• Can be laser-cut designs, hand-carved figures, or simple painted wood slices.
• Best for: Farmhouse, Scandi, or minimalist themes.

Fabric & Felt Ornaments

• Soft, cozy textures.
• Include plush figures, knitted shapes, or felt cutouts.
• Handmade versions are popular on Etsy.
• Best for: Whimsical or children’s trees.

Ceramic & Porcelain Ornaments

• Sturdy and beautifully painted.
• Often used for keepsakes (e.g., “Baby’s First Christmas” ornaments).
• Best for: Collectors and special milestones.

Handmade & DIY Ornaments

• Salt dough, popsicle sticks, crochet, or paper crafts.
• Add sentimental value when made with family.
• Best for: Kids’ trees, crafting traditions.

Novelty & Character Ornaments

• Featuring popular movies, TV shows, or pop culture icons. These can include Doctor Who, the Disney Princesses, Coca-Cola, Monopoly and so many more.
• Hallmark’s Keepsake series is especially collectible. Some of the Disney ornaments can fall into both the pop culture and the Keepsake series.
• Best for: Personal expression and fun, themed trees.

Natural Ornaments

• Pinecones, dried oranges, cinnamon sticks, or straw stars.
• Eco-friendly and aromatic.
• Best for: Traditional, rustic, or natural-themed trees. Also budget friendly.

The Symbolism of Ornaments

Many ornaments traditionally carry deeper meanings such as the following:

Stars and Angels

Stars represent the Star of Bethlehem, that helped guide the Magi to Jesus’ birthplace.

Angels symbolize protection and guidance, often put on the top of a tree to look over the household during the holiday season. Sometimes people will add angel ornaments to symbolize lost family or friends who can’t be their in person, but are still present in their hearts over the Christmas period.

Hearts, Bells and Birds

Hearts are a sign of love and togetherness. They can be incorporated in personalized ornaments for each family member or a first Christmas together, or a baby’s first Christmas type of ornament.

Bells traditionally symbolize celebration and joy.

Birds represent peace, happiness and prosperity.

I regularly see bird ornaments on trees from owl Christmas ornaments to birds traditionally seen at Christmas time such as robin redbreasts in the UK and cardinals in the US. Doves are another bird that I often see represented on trees and is probably the bird I most associate with peace, but also hope.

Family Traditions and Personal Significance

Families often have different ornaments that means different things from personalized ornaments to ones that represent something personal for example when my daughter was younger she was a One Directioner and we made some One Direction Christmas ornaments so they are always put on the tree. My husband is a rugby playing Kiwi so we have a Santa ornament where the Santa is wearing a black footy uniform and carrying a rugby ball.

When you choose ornaments, you’re not just decorating – you’re weaving symbolism and memory into your holiday traditions.

How to Use Ornaments on Your Christmas Tree

Decorating isn’t just about hanging ornaments randomly. Here are some tips for creating a balanced, beautiful tree:

Choosing a Theme for Your Tree

Your ornaments will shine more when they follow a theme. The theme could be colour based such as classic red and gold; red and white; or a winter wonderland theme of frosty blue and silver.

Alternatively you could go with a style like rustic farmhouse, Scandinavian or playful animal print.

Another type of theme can be your favourite sports team eg a Baltimore Ravens Christmas tree; or a travel inspired tree like a London inspired Christmas tree; or some other hobby the ideas are endless from an Owl Christmas tree to a coffee Christmas tree, a Zombie Christmas tree or even a Disney Princess tree.

Ornament Placement: Large, Medium & Small

• Place large ornaments deep inside branches for depth.
• Use medium ornaments to fill gaps.
• Hang small ornaments toward the tips for detail.

Balancing Colors, Shapes & Textures

Don’t cluster all of one color or shape in the same spot. Step back occasionally to check balance.

Combine shiny, matte, glittery, and natural ornaments to avoid a flat look.

Use odd numbers. Decorators often recommend grouping in 3s or 5s for a more natural arrangement.

Highlight sentimental ornaments by placing keepsakes or family favorites at eye level.

Ornament Placement: Pro Tips

Ornament Hooks vs. Ribbons – Hooks are quick and invisible; ribbons add extra charm.

Secure Heavy Ornaments – Use sturdy branches or wired hooks.

360° Decorating – If your tree is visible from all sides, decorate the back too.

Pet & Child Safety – Shatterproof ornaments are your friend! If you do have some fragile or special ornaments then place them higher up.

Trends in Christmas Ornaments

Every year brings new ornament trends. Some of the biggest in recent years include:

Personalized Ornaments

Names, dates, or milestones (weddings, births).

Sustainable Ornaments

Eco-friendly, natural, or recycled materials.

Neutral Palettes

White, beige, and metallics for minimalist trees.

Oversized Ornaments

Oversized Christmas tree ornaments can become statement pieces in your Christmas decor. I have seen them be placed in pairs or groups of three next to the Christmas tree.

They are also great when incorporated into the tree – a mix of oversized Christmas baubles and ‘normal’ sized decorations can add depth to your tree and look really good as you can see below.

Themed Trees

Coastal, woodland, vintage, or even color-only schemes seem to be recurring favourites.

Collecting Ornaments: A Hobby & Heirloom

Many people collect ornaments year after year, building a tree filled with memories. Collectors often:

Buy one special ornament each year to mark an occasion.

Collect ornaments from travel destinations.

Focus on brands (Hallmark, Old World Christmas, Christopher Radko).

Tip: Keep original boxes for collector’s value.

How to Store & Care for Ornaments

Proper care helps ornaments last generations. Before packing them away, however, you should make sure to clean them to remove dust – a soft cloth is my preference for this.

If your ornaments light up or play music and are powered by batteries, remove these before storing. I also like to remove any hooks and I keep them in a separate bag – you don’t want to let them scratch any of the ornaments.

Storing Glass & Ceramic Ornaments

Wrap individually in tissue paper or bubble wrap to prevent scuffs, scratches or breakages. If you have a special storage box that gives each ornament it’s own individual space this isn’t always needed.

Shatterproof and Fabric Ornament Storage

Store shatterproof ornament bins with dividers.

Alternatively, I use the heavy duty plastic roller bins to store my shatterproof ornaments – they are in individual boxes within this storage bin as opposed to using dividers.

Fabric ornaments should be placed in breathable bags to avoid mustiness. You also need to make sure that fabric ornaments in particular should be kept in a location with consistent temperatures.

DIY and Store-Brought Storage Solutions

Label Storage Boxes – Makes decorating easier next year. The more Christmas decorations you have the more important it is to label the storage boxes so that you can easily and quickly find the ornaments you need.

Climate Control – Avoid extreme heat/cold that can damage delicate pieces. Whereas a lot of people keep their Christmas ornaments in the attic or the garage they do much better if stored inside the house in a cupboard or in the spare room wardrobe.

Creative Uses for Ornaments Beyond the Tree

Ornaments don’t have to stay on the tree! Try these ideas:

Table Centerpieces

Fill glass bowls or vases with ornaments. I have a large, round bowl like glass vase that I fill with ornaments and place on the dining room table every year – I even pop a Father Christmas Tree Topper on top some years.

Gift Toppers

Add small ornaments to wrapped presents. This is a great way of both wrapping the gift, but also giving another gift (the ornament) to someone.

Mantel and Garland Décor

Hang from stocking hooks or string across the fireplace.

Ornament Chandeliers & Wreaths

Hang a cluster of Christmas ornaments from light fixtures to create an ornament chandelier.

Attaching ornaments to wreaths or garlands for your door and tables are a lovely touch.

Final Thoughts

Christmas tree ornaments are the heart of holiday decorating. From their centuries-old traditions to modern designs, they bring beauty, meaning and memories to every tree. Whether you’re starting fresh or adding to a lifelong collection, ornaments are an investment in joy that only grows brighter each holiday season.

So next time you unwrap that box of ornaments, remember – you’re not just decorating a tree, you’re telling your story.