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

Joanna Gaines
(Image credit: Associated Press / Alamy Stock Photo)

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.

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

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.

Jennifer Ebert
Editor

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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