When Did Christmas Vacation Ornaments Start?

By Anna Duncan

Christmas vacation ornaments have become an essential part of holiday decor over the years. These charming decorations are often hung on Christmas trees, garlands, wreaths, and various other places around the house.

But have you ever wondered when Christmas vacation ornaments started? Let’s take a closer look at the history of these festive ornaments.

Early Beginnings

The tradition of decorating Christmas trees dates back to the 16th century in Germany. The first Christmas tree ornament was believed to be a simple candle holder made out of wood or metal. However, it wasn’t until the 1800s that glassblowers started producing intricate glass ornaments for trees.

The Advent of Vacation Ornaments

As people’s love for Christmas traditions grew, so did their desire for unique and personalized decorations. In the early 1900s, vacation ornaments started becoming popular as people traveled more and brought back souvenirs to hang on their trees.

These early vacation ornaments were often handmade and featured landmarks or symbols from different cities or countries. For example, an ornament from Paris might have featured the Eiffel Tower, while an ornament from London might have had a miniature Big Ben.

Popularity in America

In America, vacation ornaments became popular during the mid-20th century. With more families traveling for vacations and business trips, it became common to bring home an ornament as a souvenir. These ornaments were often displayed on trees alongside traditional holiday decorations like tinsel and lights.

Collectible Vacation Ornaments

Today, many people collect vacation ornaments as a way to remember their travels and adventures. From Disney-themed ornaments to beachy souvenirs, there is no shortage of options for those looking to add a little bit of their vacations onto their tree.

  • Disney Ornaments: Disney World is one of the most popular vacation destinations in the world, and its ornaments are highly sought after by collectors. These ornaments often feature popular characters like Mickey Mouse or landmarks like Cinderella’s Castle.
  • Beachy Ornaments: For those who love to spend their vacations at the beach, there are plenty of vacation ornaments featuring seashells, palm trees, and other tropical symbols.
  • Sports Ornaments: Sports fans can also find vacation ornaments featuring their favorite teams or stadiums. These ornaments can be great gifts for sports enthusiasts or a fun way to remember a memorable game or event.

In Conclusion

Vacation ornaments have come a long way since their early beginnings as simple souvenirs. Today, they are an essential part of holiday decor for many families. Whether you collect them or use them as reminders of your travels, these festive decorations are sure to bring a little bit of adventure and joy to your holiday season.