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A Brief History of the Artificial Christmas Tree

Artificial christmas trees on display for sale in a store.

Every year in December households around the world undergo a magical transformation, filling their living spaces with twinkling lights, colorful ornaments, and, of course, the star of the show, the Christmas tree.

While the tradition of decorating trees during the festive season is ancient and deeply rooted in various cultures, the evolution of the artificial Christmas tree is a relatively modern phenomenon that has captivated the imagination of millions. We’ve just taken our tree down from the shoppe window to put up a new display and it got me thinking about the fascinating history behind this beloved symbol of holiday cheer.

Our christmas tree display in the window of The Olde Christmas Shoppe with a beautiful sunset visable through the window silhouetting the tree and making the glass abub;les sparkle.
Our christmas tree display in the window of The Olde Christmas Shoppe.

The origins of the Christmas tree can be traced back to ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians, who adorned their homes with green palm leaves during the winter solstice as a symbol of life’s triumph over death. Similarly, the Romans celebrated Saturnalia by decorating their homes with evergreen boughs, a practice later adopted by Christians as a representation of everlasting life through Christ.

Ancient egyptian papyrus showing a figure harvesting dates from a palm tree with hieroglyphic script in the background.
Ancient egyptian papyrus showing a figure harvesting dates from a palm tree with hieroglyphic script in the background.
Ancient roman fresco depicting two figures in traditional attire dancing or celebrating, with the phrase "io saturnalia!" indicating a reference to the festival of saturnalia.
Ancient roman fresco depicting two figures in traditional attire dancing or celebrating, with the phrase “io saturnalia!” indicating a reference to the festival of saturnalia.

However, the tradition truly took root in Germany during the 16th century, where devout Christians decorated trees with candles to symbolize the light of Christ. This custom gained popularity throughout Europe and eventually crossed the Atlantic to North America with European immigrants, where it merged with indigenous traditions to become an integral part of Christmas celebrations.

A christmas tree farm with rows of young evergreen trees.
A christmas tree farm with rows of young evergreen trees.

For centuries, natural evergreen trees were the only option for festive decorations, but everything changed in the 19th century with the advent of industrialization. As urbanization soared and the demand for Christmas trees grew, entrepreneurs sought ways to meet this demand more efficiently. Enter the artificial Christmas tree. 🎄

Old German Goose Feather Tree with Spun Cotton Candles and many wonderful old Christmas Ornaments
Old German Goose Feather Tree with Spun Cotton Candles and many wonderful old Christmas Ornaments

The earliest artificial trees were constructed from dyed goose feathers, a practice that originated in Germany in the 19th century. These feather trees, as they were called, were crafted to resemble their natural counterparts and gained popularity among affluent families who sought a reusable and fire-safe alternative to real trees.

However, it was not until the 20th century that artificial trees truly began to flourish, thanks to advances in manufacturing technology and materials. In the 1930s, the Addis Brush Company, a toilet brush manufacturer based in the United States, revolutionized the industry by producing artificial trees made from bristles salvaged from their brush-making process. These early artificial trees were not as lush or realistic as their modern counterparts, but they marked a significant milestone in the evolution of the artificial Christmas tree.

1930's Artificial Christmas tree made with heavy wires and plastic bristles.
1930’s Artificial Christmas tree made with heavy wires and plastic bristles.

Throughout the mid-20th century, artificial trees continued to evolve, with manufacturers experimenting with different materials such as aluminum, plastic, and PVC to create more lifelike and durable designs. By the 1960s, aluminum trees adorned with colorful rotating lights became all the rage, epitomizing the Space Age aesthetic of the era.

A 1960's couple standing beside an elaborate silver christmas tree in a vintage living room setting.
A 1960’s couple standing beside an elaborate silver christmas tree in a vintage living room setting.

In the ensuing decades, artificial trees became increasingly sophisticated, featuring realistic foliage, pre-lit designs, and innovative assembly mechanisms that made them more convenient and user-friendly than ever before. Today, artificial Christmas trees come in a dizzying array of shapes, sizes, and styles, ranging from traditional evergreen replicas to whimsical designs inspired by nature and fantasy.

Three-dimensional cardboard christmas trees with string lights on a white, fluffy surface.
Three-dimensional cardboard christmas trees with string lights on a white, fluffy surface.

The rise of the artificial Christmas tree has sparked debates among purists who argue for the authenticity and charm of real trees, but its popularity continues to soar for several compelling reasons. Unlike natural trees, artificial trees are reusable, eco-friendly, and pose minimal fire hazards, making them a practical choice for environmentally-conscious consumers and those with safety concerns.

Artificial trees also offer unparalleled convenience, allowing busy families to enjoy the magic of the holiday season without the hassle of watering, shedding needles, or disposing of a bulky tree once the festivities are over. With proper care and storage, an artificial tree can last for many years, becoming a cherished heirloom that is passed down from generation to generation.

Family of three generations decorating the christmas tree together.
Family of three generations decorating the christmas tree together.

The artificial Christmas tree is a testament to human ingenuity and creativity, showcasing how a humble household decoration has evolved into an iconic symbol of holiday joy and togetherness. Whether adorned with twinkling lights and beautiful baubles or left unadorned as a simple yet elegant centerpiece, the Christmas tree continues to enchant and inspire people of all ages, bridging the gap between tradition and innovation in the timeless spirit of Christmas.

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The 5 Prettiest Robin Decorations in 2023

A wooden box with robin decorations on a Christmas tree inside.

We know that Christmas Day is on its way when we start to see the tell-tale signs in nature; nights get longer, the ground gets frosty, plants go to sleep in preparation for a new year of blooming… But one thing that we all look forward to is the more frequent appearance of the beautiful European robin, whose numbers in the UK swell as our robins stay local and many others migrate here to avoid the harsher winters of the Baltic states. These birds, with their many legends and symbolic meanings, hold a special place in the hearts of many which makes them very popular in Christmas displays across the country. 

At The Olde Christmas Shoppe, we are never short of robin decorations for the tree and the mantlepiece, and so we have compiled this handy list of our top 5 favourite robin decorations for your Christmas tree this year to give you the best décor and gift inspiration!

1. Postbox with Robin Decoration

“This beautiful British post box with a beautiful robin couldn’t get any more festive –  in traditional festive red with added hints of crisp white snow, this classic Christmas decoration will look fantastic on any tree.”

Pillar Box with Robin

Dimensions: 12cm

Material(s): Painted Ceramic

Colours: Red, Black, White

Price: £8.99

Why We Love This Decoration

This lovely traditional tree decoration is one of the most consistently popular amongst our range, and is often bought as a gift to someone special. The classic pillar postbox topped with snow is in itself an iconic emblem of the British Christmas season which brings to mind the excitement and anticipation of posting your Christmas cards and letter to Santa Claus the good old fashioned way, as well as complimenting most other decorations with its fetching festive red. This is enough to make this one of our favourite all-time decorations, and the tiny brown and red robin sitting atop the postbox is a sweet addition to this nostalgic piece!

2. Mesmerising Matt Gold Bauble with Robin & Holly – 8cm

“Brighten up the branches of your Christmas tree with this lovely and bright glass bauble, brought to us by the talented designer Gisela Graham.”

Mesmerising Matt Gold Bauble with Robin & Holly - 8cm
Matt Gold Bauble with Robin

Dimensions: 8cm

Material(s): Glass

Colours: Gold, Green, Brown, Red

Price: £6.99

Why We Love This Decoration:

We fell in love with this bauble’s soft glowing colours as soon as we saw it, with a warm golden matt base that casts a slight shimmer across the bauble. The realistic robin design in the centre, toadstools and holly leaves all combine to give the bauble a rustic woodland feel that seems oh so Christmas-y! 

3. Perching Robin Decorations

“Get in touch with the natural side of the Christmas season with these adorable assorted robin decorations to hang from your branches… perched in various poses on top of tree nuts for an element of wintery realism.”

Robin tree decorations
Robins on Various Nuts

Dimensions: 9.5cm

Material(s): Painted Resin

Colours: Brown, Red, Green

Variations: Robins Perching On Hazelnut / Acorn / Pinecone / Conker

Price: £6.99

Why We Love This Decoration:

We love this set of robin decorations in all of its different styles for its combination of rustic quality, natural colours and impressive realistic carved detailing. Each bird is expertly painted with soft muted watercolour and hung with a piece of homey twine – any of these lifelike robin decorations would fit perfectly on a nature-inspired Christmas tree, nestled in pinecones and holly, or perhaps as a gift for the avid birdwatcher or casual nature enthusiast!

4. Red Robin and Bluetit Bauble

“Fly into Christmas with one of this beautiful selection of bird-inspired baubles by the wonderful Gisela Graham. These baubles each have a fabulously festive matte red base and both a beautiful bluetit and winter robin expertly painted and adorned with poinsettia wreaths…”

Red Bauble with Robin and Bluetit, 2 Sided

Dimensions: 8cm

Material(s): Glass Bauble

Colours: Red, Green, White, Blue

Price: £5.99

Why We Love This Decoration:

This bauble is the perfect blend of festive fun and tradition, making it a perfect bauble to suit almost any Christmas tree style. With both a robin and a bluetit emblazoned on either side of the festive red bauble, it appeals to bird enthusiasts as well as us Christmas lovers, and the added details of pretty poinsettia flowers and glitter give the decoration a touch of welcome Christmas glitz and glam.

5. Gift Bag Figurine with Robin and Gold Tree

“Mix whimsy and tradition with the sweet robin figurine, perched preciously upon a sack of brightly painted red-and-gold Christmas presents – the festive glittering golden Christmas tree poking out from the bag gives this traditional ornament a little  bit of fun and sparkle.”

Robin and Gift Bag Ornament

Dimensions:  17cm x 11cm

Material(s): Resin, Wire, Glitter

Colours: Brown, Red, Gold, Green

Price: £10.99

Why We Love This Decoration:

The vibrant colours of this beautiful ornament are what immediately catches your eye, with its metallic painted gifts and of course the ever-welcome addition of lashings of golden glitter on the tree poking out from the brown gift bag. Most importantly, the ornament features our favourite bird – a small realistic-style robin with mesmerising eyes and an added subtle sprinkle of gold dust on its wings. We think that this sweet figurine would look especially perfect amongst a traditional Christmas display featuring festive reds and greens!

To learn more about these amazing wee winter birds and their connections to Christmas, be sure to check out some more of our Christmas Robin blogs linked below. Merry Christmas, all!

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4 Festive Floral Decorations

Summer is truly in full swing now, and we can’t get enough of our fabulous floral decorations this season! Perfect for making your Christmas tree the prettiest in the street or even as decoration all year round, you’ll be sure to fall in love with our selection as we take a closer look at our very own Christmas Shoppe favourites below. So beautiful we can almost smell the fresh flowers!

1. Colourful Floral Blue Bauble by Gisela Graham

“This colourful  bouquet of red, yellow and blue flowers with glitter detail on their petals pop against the matt blue background of this bauble from Gisela Graham.”

Size: 8cm

Colour: Blue with red and green

Price: £5.99

What we love about this bauble…

This bauble, like all Gisela Graham pieces, is a truly beautiful piece to have hanging on any tree! We love the almost antique-style floral design that sprawls across the blue surface, and of course the addition of glitter makes this bauble all the better as it catches the light in an room and just brightens it up. The perfect blend of old-fashioned and modern home décor!

2. Pretty Purple Poinsettia Clear Glass Bauble

“Add a little bit of colour to your Christmas tree this year with this gorgeous floral bauble by the very talented Gisela Graham.”

Pretty Purple Poinsetta Clear Glass Bauble - 8cm

Size: 8cm

Colour: Clear, purple

Price: £5.99

What we love about this bauble…

This is definitely one of our favourite floral decorations this year, and it’s easy to see why! Because of the crisp clear glass, the stunning purples and greens of this pretty floral pattern appear extra vibrant as the centrepiece of the entire decoration, accentuated even further by tasteful tones of shimmering glitter. We also love the hand-brushed effect of the paint which adds a softness to the decoration.

3. Colourful Peruvian Inspired Embroidered Felt Daisy

“Embrace the flower power and display one of these adorable Peruvian Inspired colourful embroidered felt daisy decorations.”

Colourful Peruvian Inspired Embroidered Felt Daisy - Purple Colour

Size: 16cm

Colour: Multicolour

Price: £5.99

What we love about these floral decorations…

These decorations bring something a little bit different to your tree at Christmas time, and if you’re mad about bright colours like us then they are perfect for display all year round! They are also wonderfully soft, with a distinct handmade look and a selection of brilliant bright colours – we even have a number of colour options for you to choose from.

4. Gold Floral Bee Baubles

“Showcase your appreciation of nature this holiday season with one of our variety of bee-inspired baubles by the wonderful Gisela Graham.”

Size: 8cm

Colour: Clear, gold, black, red

Price: £6.99

What we love about these floral decorations…

These are some of our prettiest baubles, with delicate and opulent golden flowers standing out brilliantly on the clear glass base. The bees are the sweetest addition too – small gold and black striped bees with ruby red diamantes for a little extra colour and sparkle. With these classic festive colours on such an unusual themed decoration, there’s nothing not to love about this Gisela Graham piece.

Feeling inspired? Be sure to check out our blog ‘The 5 Prettiest Christmas Decorations for your 2022 Enchanted Forest Theme’, where you’ll find some woodland-inspired decorations that will pair perfectly with your floral baubles!

The Olde Christmas Shoppe
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The 5 Best Hand Painted Baubles for 2022

The one painted baubles Christmas shopper.

As we look forward to Christmas in 2022, what can you do to make your Christmas tree decorations stand out from the crowd? Look no further than The Olde Christmas Shoppe’s exclusive collection of intricately hand painted baubles! Each of the bauble designs on this list and in our Hand Painted Bauble collection is specially commissioned by our chief elves, before it is carefully hand painted on the inside – yes, the inside! – of the clear glass baubles by our talented friends, making any of these the perfect novelty gift all year around.

We even have a special selection of hand painted baubles that showcase our love of bonnie Scotland, making them a fun Christmas gift to document your travels over the year.

There are bauble designs for everyone in the Hand Painted Bauble section of our website, but in the meantime here is our carefully curated list of our own top 5 favourite hand painted baubles…

1. Hand Painted Nativity Bauble

Hand painted on the interior, this stunning bauble shows a silhouette of the Nativity scene in Bethlehem against a mystical desert backdrop. This Christmas classic comes in its very own padded box, making this the perfect gift for a loved one this Christmas.

Image of our hand painted bauble with Nativity scene
Hand Painted Nativity Scene Bauble

Material: Glass

Dimensions: 7cm x 7cm

Main Colours: Blue, Yellow, Orange, White, Black

Packaging: Green fabric box with white padding, 8cm x 8cm 

Why We Love This Bauble

This is one of our favourite Nativity-themed decorations at The Olde Christmas Shoppe – the vibrant and colourful painting of this famous scene would be eye-catching on any Christmas tree, making this bauble a lovely gift for family members and collectors of all things Nativity. Not to mention the padded box that it comes in – we wish that all Christmas baubles came with such a handy box for packing away and storing in January!

2. Hand Painted Scottish Ben Lomond Bauble

These beautiful hand painted baubles are detailed on the inside, lovingly decorated with images of Scotland’s Loch Lomond and Loch Lomond. A great memento for someone who used to live in bonnie Scotland or who fell in love with our lovely local area after a visit, this bauble comes with its own handy padded box for safe travel and storage.

Image of our hand painted Scottish bauble with Ben Lomond and Loch Lomond
Hand Painted Bauble showing Ben Lomond, Loch Lomond and the Maid of the Loch.

Material: Glass

Dimensions: 7cm x 7cm

Main Colours: Blue, Green, White

Packaging: Green fabric box with white padding, 8cm x 8cm

Why We Love This Bauble

As a small Christmas Shoppe in the west of Scotland, we especially love the way this memorable and unique bauble showcases the natural beauty of our local area and the landmarks around Loch Lomond – for this reason, it is also one of our most popular souvenir baubles amongst customers visiting or ordering from all over the world who want to have their own little piece of Scotland!

Aesthetically, the beautiful blues and greens and the amazing level of detail on these painted baubles really pop on any tree, especially blue or nautical themed Christmas displays.

3. Hand Painted Highland Dancers Bauble

Bring home a slice of Scotland with this stunning hand painted bauble, decorated with images of three Scottish country dancers in different colourful highland tartans.  These images are painted expertly on the inside of the clear glass bauble, presented in a beautiful padded gift box.

Three hand painted Scottish highland dancers on bauble
Hand painted Highland Dancers on Glass Bauble

Material: Glass

Dimensions: 7cm x 7cm

Colours: Clear, Red, Blue, Green, Yellow

Packaging: Green fabric box with white padding, 8cm x 8cm

Why We Love This Bauble

We just love the way that this crystal clear bauble really shows off the amazing brushwork that goes into our hand painted baubles, from the colourful tartans on display to the extremely intricate detailing of the dancers themselves. Of all of our hand painted baubles, this particular design always blows our minds!

4. Hand Painted Snowy Church Scene

Check out this beautiful glass bauble, hand painted on the inside with the most stunning winter church and forest scene. This bauble also comes with its own handy little gift box perfect for gifting and storing!

Hand painted bauble with winter scene and church
Hand painted bauble with winter scene and church

Material: Glass

Dimensions: 7cm x 7cm

Colours: Blue, White, Yellow, Green

Packaging: Green fabric box with white padding, 8cm x 8cm

Why We Love This Bauble:

With its classic cosy and wintery scene, this is definitely one of the prettiest in our hand painted baubles collection – we especially love the ombré-layered night sky and landscape, and the amazing detail that has been put into the textured fir trees. This is also a fairly versatile decoration that would stand out on any Christmas tree for all of the best reasons.

5. Hand Painted ‘Lest We Forget’ Poppy Bauble

Check out this beautiful hand painted glass bauble, decorated with a trio of lovely red poppies on a crisp white background with the powerful message “Lest We Forget”.  Images painted on the inside of the bauble, bauble presented in a beautiful gift box.

Hand painted poppy bauble with ‘Lest We Forget’ message

Material: Glass

Dimensions: 7cm x 7cm

Colours: Red, White, Black

Packaging: Green fabric box with white padding, 8cm x 8cm

Why We Love This Bauble

This bauble is one very close to all of our hearts, not just because of the beautifully detailed poppy flowers and distinctly festive red and crisp white colouring but because of what it represents to us and our customers. The emblazoned words “Lest We Forget” are deeply meaningful, usually associated with Remembrance Sunday and the famous Poppy Appeal which remembers our fallen soldiers and raises funds to improve the lives of serving and ex-forces members in the UK, and so to show our support for this cause we have decided to donate £1 from every purchase of these elegant painted baubles to the Poppy Appeal Scotland!

There are plenty of other fabulous hand painted baubles to see both on our website and in store, as well as at many of our markets out and about. Be sure to check out our other blogs for more Christmas decorating and gifting inspiration – maybe you can start your own Christmas tradition and gift novelty baubles to your loved ones each year?

The Olde Christmas Shoppe
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Personalised Gifts Are The Best Gifts

Personalised Decoration for Mr and Mrs Claus!

The sun is blazing, but it’s never too early to start thinking ahead and even get a head start on your Christmas shopping. This way, you can start to pick up on what your loved ones might appreciate throughout the year – however, we all know that one person who is notoriously hard to buy for! Whether you have a significant other who can never think of what they want, or a best friend who will just buy what they like when they see it, there’s always at least one person on every Christmas list that can leave you puzzled right up until December. Our solution? Get personal…

With a personalised Christmas present, tailored specifically for your loved one! Here are some of the reasons that we think personalised gifts are some of the best presents you can give – we even have our very own Personalised section on our website, live now!

Personalised Gifts Can Be Unique

One benefit of choosing to personalise your gifts is the unique nature of such a gift – it’s unlikely that they will already have the same thing and it shows some out-of-the-box thinking on your part that your loved ones will surely appreciate! In fact, research on festive consumer habits has found a preference for personal and unique gifts, with a whopping 65% of those surveyed preferring gifts with a personal touch over more expensive, widely available presents. Choosing to have your gifts personalised yourself also means that you are in complete control over the message being given, and can give a personalised gift to a friend or family member who may have a difficult or unusual name – this is a common gripe for those with unusual names and spellings, making the effort of personalising their very own unique gift or decoration all the more special.

Sharing The Love

Of course the whole idea of gift-giving is to show our love and appreciation for those closest to us, and any gift will be viewed as a symbol of love whether it be romantic, familial or friendly. However, choosing a personalised item especially can be an opportunity to reflect on your relationship with a person to choose something that you know they will love as opposed to a more generic gift. Personalised gifts are generally well-received for exactly this reason – the recipient not only gets a physical gift, but also the warmth and appreciation of knowing that you thought deeply about them in the gift-buying process.

Capturing and Preserving Memories

Personalised gifts
A selection of our favourite decorations to personalise.

Personalised gifts aren’t just for Christmas – even our own personalised tree decorations can be a fun and personal way to celebrate important events throughout the year such as weddings, special birthdays, births and other memorable milestones. At The Olde Christmas Shoppe, we even recently helped celebrate a very special 100th Christmas in 2021! Whether it be a personalised message or perhaps a fabulous and meaningful photobook, personalised gifts are the perfect way to celebrate these milestones as they can be kept as precious mementos over the years and continue to bring happiness to your loved ones.

For more Christmas inspiration, be sure to check out some of our personalised decorations in the gallery below – now available to order from our site for the very first time!

If you liked this article, you might also like this one we wrote about some of our Prettiest Bird decorations

That’s it for now, until next time!

The Olde Christmas Shoppe