Joanna Gaines Loved Retro Christmas Decor Last Year, and Nostalgic Ornaments Are 2025’s Biggest Trend – Some Even Thought to Deter Evil Spirits and Bring Good Fortune
Embrace the magic of nostalgia by decorating with your favorite childhood ornaments and reliving cherished holiday memories
The warmth and magic of Christmas are increasingly channeled through designs that remind us of our childhood. Indeed, nostalgic decorating has returned to our interior design consciousness, driven by a collective yearning for comfort and simple joy, and is profoundly influencing our Christmas decorating ideas. This resurgence of retro decor is rooted in a desire for authentic pieces with a sense of history.
Entrepreneur and HGTV star Joanna Gaines was one of the first influential figures to champion this return to sentimental pieces. Take the iconic Nutcracker decorations, for instance, in their traditional red, green, and gold. Joanna’s past Christmas wreath, featuring these handsome, historic soldiers, serves as a perfect blueprint for incorporating authentic nostalgia.
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These ornaments never fail to evoke a smile and can be effortlessly integrated into your home for an instant dose of festive flair. You can flank a pair on either side of your Christmas mantelpiece, use them to adorn your Christmas tree, or, echoing Joanna’s unique approach, create an entirely custom Christmas wreath using only Nutcrackers and other classic wooden ornaments, such as angels.
The key to succeeding with retro decorating is to invest in well-made ornaments that possess longevity and genuine history. The Nutcracker itself is steeped in a rich heritage that dates back to 17th-century Germany. According to German folklore, these detailed wooden figures were given as keepsakes to bring good luck to the family and protect the home. They were believed to represent power and strength and served to deter evil spirits.
Nutcracker dolls became popular in the USA after World War II, when American soldiers brought them back as presents from German Christmas markets. Today, they have firmly cemented their place in our Christmas traditions, continuing to bring joy and a charming sense of history to children and adults alike at this festive time of the year.
Shop Nostalgic Decor
Bring a touch of classic Christmas charm to your home with this refined set of wooden Nutcracker ornaments. The collection includes 24 pieces in 12 delightful designs, each crafted with care for a polished, nostalgic finish. Perfect for decorating trees, wreaths, garlands, or adorning gifts with a festive flourish.
Bring bold color and classic holiday character to your décor with this Nutcracker Ornament from Wondershop. Finished in a vivid hot pink with a polished silver bow, this playful piece offers a modern twist on a timeless icon. A silver hanging ring makes it easy to display on your Christmas tree or seasonal arrangements.
Bring the timeless tale of The Nutcracker to life with this charming 10-piece mini ornament set by iconic brand Lenox. Featuring nutcrackers, the Mouse King, a crown, and more, each piece is exquisitely crafted to delight ballet fans, storytellers, and Christmas lovers alike.
The enduring charm of these traditional figures proves that the most successful holiday decor for 2025 is often rooted in nostalgia and quality craftsmanship. By using classic pieces like the Nutcracker – a symbol of protection and good fortune – you not only achieve a beautiful aesthetic but also infuse your home with meaningful heritage, creating a festive atmosphere that is both warm and timelessly elegant.
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Jennifer is the Digital Editor at Homes & Gardens, bringing years of interiors experience across the US and UK. She has worked with leading publications, blending expertise in PR, marketing, social media, commercial strategy, and e-commerce. Jennifer has covered every corner of the home – curating projects from top interior designers, sourcing celebrity properties, reviewing appliances, and delivering timely news. Now, she channels her digital skills into shaping the world’s leading interiors website.
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