In 2020, Christmas was less than we wanted it to be. We’re going to make up for it in 2021! We just can’t wait to fill our homes with Christmas decorations, the aroma of holiday cookies, and the love and laughter of family and friends.

In fact, there are so many fabulous ideas for making this the most joyous holiday ever that it’s hard to know where to start! Still, every new season has its own Christmas decor trends. Here are some of the Christmas decorating themes that will brighten our homes for this year’s Yuletide celebrations.

Nostalgic Christmas

Last year some long-time family traditions fell by the wayside, and this is the year to bring them back! Folks are yearning to celebrate the glory of Christmases past. They’re rummaging through closets and discovering the lost treasures that gave those old gatherings their special warmth. Think vintage ornaments, yesteryear’s dinner plates and tablecloths that were lovingly unfolded year after year.

For those who don’t have a “grandma’s attic” with heritage decorations, another option is new decor that evokes the old-time seasons. For example, small ceramic Christmas trees will enjoy a surge in popularity. Also, many people will be setting a classic Christmas table with themed clear or frosted glassware.

A famous folksinger once extolled the Christmas virtues of silver and gold, and holiday metallics are the decor items that look both backward and forward. They’re at home with their traditional accompaniments of red and green, and they also can set the tone for a more contemporary holiday room.

Rustic Christmas

The farmhouse style is always a hit for a holiday theme, and that’s never been truer than this year. Christmas reds and golds are present, of course, but they’re balanced by neutral colors and plaids. While a stripped-down look is a common rustic style, a farmhouse-themed holiday space can be as busy or as sparse as you’d like to make it. After all, we’ve all seen both these kinds of farmhouses!

There’s an emphasis on decor made of natural materials such as wood, pine cones and dried fruit. In one example, wood ornaments are trending again in a variety of natural and painted finishes used not only in trees but other Christmas displays. Wreathes can have classic silver bells and red bows, or they can include the more subdued colors of fall and winter. You’ll also see a lot of accents with black and white plaid: ribbon, décor, stems, trim and more. Look for rattan stars topping Christmas trees.

Sustainable Christmas

For many families, Christmas decorating has always been sustainable: the same vintage ornaments get put away and brought back out season after season. Sustainable decor has several flavors: using something you already have, making your own from natural materials or purchasing items that are crafted with environmental friendliness in mind.

One of the season’s big sustainability wins comes in gift wrapping. There’s no need to employ one-use wrapping paper that get tossed into a pile on Christmas morning then stuffed into garbage bags. People are moving to fabric wrapping and gift bags. The Japanese have been doing this for centuries with furoshiki wraps, colorful fabric pieces that are tied around a gift and are as useful and appreciated as the presents they enclose. You can even proffer your present in a wicker basket, giving your lucky friend two gifts for one!

Nature’s Christmas

It may be cold outside, but a little bit of the outdoors adds warmth to a room. Even if you’ve opted for the practicality and convenience of an artificial tree, you can still strategically use conifer greenery in your decorating scheme. Wood, pine cones, branches, berries: they all add the touch of nature that lifts our hearts and connects us to the world around us. A natural-looking flocked artificial Christmas tree can also capture some of nature’s Christmas magic and bring it inside your home.

Colorful Christmas

Everybody loves red and green at Christmas, but there’s no reason to stop there. There are several color schemes we’ll see this season, and some are quite different from each other. Pick a look you like in one or more of these 2021 Christmas color options.

• Metallics, especially silver and gold, are part of the theme every Christmas, but how about matching them with some unexpected partners. For example, blue and gold, such as dark blue and purple candles in gold holders. For example, silver blended with “berry tones” such as raspberry and plum.
• Earth tones will be popular, particularly with those who opt for the farmhouse theme. These hues also speak of nature and of sustainability. In this scheme, the reds serve as accents.
• Playful colors offer a choice quite different from the nature-themed shades. But, then, why not have a little unexpected fun this season! Colors could be pastels or even jewel tones. For those who want to step beyond the expected, use a little of each!
• Layers of white in differing textures create a winter imitation of snow. A combination of crisp whites, soft whites and textured whites show off the versatility of this seasonal neutral.

Often, a tree skirt or tree collar is just the touch needed to bring a color scheme together. It works both by hiding the tree trunk and stand and by adding its own color to the arrangement.

Christmas 2021 is a time to set your Christmas imagination free! Many people will choose to be extravagant in their choice of Christmas decor, and who can blame them. Whether you want a room full of every ornament imaginable or a more restrained appearance, there’s a Christmas decoration trend this year to suit your fancy!