Christmas Ornament Ideas

Whether you are just starting out with your first home and a new Christmas tree or you just want to add to your collection, Christmas ornament ideas can help you round out your Christmas décor.

Christmas ornaments don't have to be expensive and they don't have to be traditional ornaments. There are many items that make beautiful and unique ornaments. Almost anything that can be attached to your Christmas tree can be used to create imaginative holiday décor.  Some items to consider are:

• Teacups
• Cookie cutters
• Vintage toys
• Vintage jewelry
• Ribbon
• Silk flowers

Of course you can put almost anything on your tree.

Embellishing Christmas trees is a holiday tradition for most families in the United States but where did this custom come from?

It is believed that the tradition of the Christmas tree began in Germany in the 7^th or 8^th century with St. Boniface. The tree with its triangular shape was said to represent the Trinity: Christ, The Father, and The Holy Spirit. The tree was decorated with simple white candles. By the 1500s this had changed and the trees were decorated with roses, representing the Virgin Mary.

In 1605 the tree was brought into homes and decorated. As time went on many different items were used to decorate the tree, including:

• Candles
• Candy
• Cookies
• Popcorn
• Gingerbread
• Blown out egg shells (psanky)
• Cookies

German Ornaments

Germans enjoyed decorating their trees and over the years the trees became more and more detailed. German manufacturers created decorations for export such as:

• Butterflies
• Icicles
• Stars
• Balls
• Angel hair
• Mercury glass
  

As the tradition of the Christmas tree spread more and more cultures embraced it Christmas decorations changed and became more detailed. From wax to mercury these old ornaments are very collectible and can command high prices at auction.

If you want to give a special gift then a homemade Christmas ornament may be just perfect. You can easily individualize the ornament to the recipient for a truly unique gift from the heart.

Sewn and Quilted Ornaments

If you sew you can make stuffed ornaments from fabric scraps or quilt designs. Consider making a stuffed star or other simple Christmas shape out of an old quilt that is too torn up to be repaired. A good way to make templates for these shapes is to use Christmas cookie cutters. Just trace around them with a fabric marker, allowing an extra ¼ inch all the way around for seam allowance.

Quilled Christmas Ornaments

Quilling is another way to make beautiful ornaments. If you know how to make basic shapes then you can use these to create an infinite number of designs for your Christmas tree. While quilling isn't difficult it can take some practice to get the pieces just right. Be patient with yourself as you learn.

If you are looking for some ideas you might like this collection of quilled Christmas ornaments.

Crocheted Christmas Ornaments

If you crochet you can make a variety of ornaments with either crochet cotton or yarn. From snowflakes to angels for the top of the tree there are numerous free patterns all over the Internet.

Bells

Christmas Cards with Crocheted Edging

Crocheted Light Bulb

Crocheted Penguin

Crocheted Ornament Covers

Knitted Christmas Ornaments

Knitted Christmas ornament instructions abound. Make some tiny mittens or a small Christmas stocking. If you know how to knit this is a great way to use up those yarn scraps!

Christmas Light Ornaments

Christmas Wreath Ornaments

Santa Ornament

Snowflake Knitted Ornament

Gingerbread Man

Other Crafted Homemade Christmas Ornaments

Even if you don't knit or sew you can make homemade ornaments. There are many ways to craft ornaments. Crafted ornament instructions are available for a wide variety of ages. If you are planning to make ornaments with children read the instructions carefully to ensure that the project will not be too difficult for the age group you are working with.

Family Fun Homemade Ornaments

25 Days of Christmas Ornaments

All Free Crafts Christmas

Good Housekeeping Christmas Ornament Projects

Martha Stewart Christmas Ornaments

Victorian Christmas Ornaments

Even if you don't feel very crafty you can have a great look by choosing unusual and artisan Christmas ornaments.  The Internet is full of Christmas stores, and don't forget about buying vintage Christmas items on eBay!

Some stores to consider are:

Ornaments Shop 

Bronners 

Christmas Ornament Shop 

Christmas would not be Christmas without ornaments sparkling and setting the stage for celebration. With a little time, creativity and Christmas ornament ideas it is easy to have a wide variety.