9 Popular Christmas Symbols to Brighten Your Home
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Many of us decorate our homes for the holidays year after year without really knowing the deeper meanings behind some of the most popular Christmas symbols and traditions. Yet the common images we’re used to seeing during winter festivities, from stars to Santas and stockings, are rife with symbolism and meaning, whether they’re rooted in ancient lore, legends, or spiritual beliefs.
In this article, we delve into the origins of some of these familiar symbols and list many beautiful decorations you can use to enrich your home this holiday season.
Christmas Tree
Festive Enamel and Ceramic Christmas Tree
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Set on a gold base, this ceramic Christmas tree sculpture from Albero di Natalie rivals the beauty of a real tree. It’s handcrafted and hand-painted with colorful enamel, and finished with miniature red and gold ornaments on the snow-dusted branch tips.
Sparkling Crystal Tree Duo
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The crystalline, icy beauty of a winter landscape is captured in a minimalist Christmas tree duo from Swarovski. The design features 108 crystal facets with brushed champagne metal detail for unparalleled sparkle.
Colorful Fiber Brush Trees
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Bring in color and rustic charm with these simple yet fun trees by Sisal. Made from hand-painted abaca fiber brush, place them on a mantle or sideboard for a dash of holiday spirit.
Ornate Jewel Tree
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A uniquely refined take on the Christmas tree, this bejeweled, exquisitely crafted sculpture from Norwegian-Estonian brand Shishi has a vintage deco vibe. Set with colorful gems, it will shimmer beautifully in candlelight.
Multi-Textured Glass Tree Display
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Bring a fresh note of verdant greenery to your mantel or tablescape—no pine needles required! This pretty set from Cody Foster and Co. groups five glass teal green trees in varying patterns and heights, all set on golden bases.
Vibrant Foldable Paper Trees
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These fun snow-tipped trees are eco-friendly and easy to store. Made from 100% sustainably sourced paper, display them for a dash of color this holiday season!
Decadent Chocolate Stack Tree
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A sweet treat awaits chocolate lovers with this hexagonal Christmas tree made of stacked layers of milk and dark chocolate from Le Chocolat by Alain Ducasse.
Cozy Christmas Tree Candle
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An all-new spin on lighting the tree, this stately 13” tall candle in the shape of an evergreen pine bring a cozy glow when lit. Place it on its own or cluster several for a layered forest look.
Fantasy Glass Forest Set
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An emerald forest sprouts up in Terry Gomien’s glass tree arrangement. A set of five Christmas trees made of fused glass shows fanciful motifs and patterns in all shades of green. Each tree is set on a base cut from real branches.
Christmas Balls
Textured Hand-Blown Sphere Ornaments
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Add jewel-like sparkle to your tree with these beautiful hand-blown ornaments that come ready to hang on a luxe velvet ribbon. The glass artisans at CURIO take the art to a new level, layering color with glass for a textured effect.
Vibrant Murano Glass Ornament
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The art of Italian Murano glass shines in these stunning ornaments from the glassmaking masters at Venini. This crimson ornament topped with gold detail and red ribbon will add brilliant color to the tree or the holiday table as a festive placeholder.
Hand-Painted Porcelain Ornaments
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Less is more when it comes to these sweet minimalist Christmas ornaments by Danish designer Kähler. The white porcelain spheres are painted with watercolors depicting simple yet exquisitely detailed holiday motifs that bring a Nordic touch to your decor.
Hand-Woven Ornaments with Colombian Flair
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For a global spin on holiday decor, fill a bowl with greenery and these colorful woven spheres, hand-woven by Colombian artisans using a technique called momposino, in which recycled PVC strings are wrapped around a fire-galvanised steel frame.
Charming Snowpinion Ornaments
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Bound to elicit smiles all around, these chubby mischievous snowpinions are ready to play on the tree. Handcrafted from creamy bisque porcelain, each has its own playful pose and accessory.
Angel
Dreamy Blue Flying Angel
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Wedgwood’s most popular ornament gets a fresh look for 2022 with this serene angel figurine. Crafted in creamy porcelain with a classic Wedgwood blue cape, it’s finished with a satin hand-tied ribbon, making it ready to hang on a Christmas tree.
Organic Wooden Angel Statuette
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From Danish architect Nikolaj Klitgaard come these standing angel figurines, cut from smooth teak wood. The organic tones and simple shapes will adorn your home with Scandinavian spirit.
Hope Angel Sculpture
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Part of Unesco’s Foundations collection, this artfully designed Hope Angel figurine brings peaceful elegance to your space. The angel is intricately sculpted in linen-textured stone resin and embellished with crystal accents and dimensional flowers.
Simple Alabaster Angels
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A beautiful addition to a monochromatic decor scheme, these guardian angel figurines are carved from pure white alabaster and feature simple and lovely silhouettes for a sense of calm and quiet joy.
Bells
Exquisite Amber Crystal Bell Ornament
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One of Waterford’s most sought-after crystal ornaments, the Lismore Amber Bell is part of a collector’s tradition. The 2022 version showcases the stunning amber glass on clear crystal adorned with the iconic diamond and wedge cut pattern, making it a keepsake to treasure for years.
Golden Holiday Ornament Trio
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Silverware-focused Danish design brand Georg Jensen showcases its silversmithing expertise with this simple yet elegant gift set trio. It includes a polished golden bell etched with the year 2022, a ball, and a heart ornament, all on red ribbons ready to adorn the tree.
Primitive Style Terracotta Bell
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This charming terracotta bell shows a conical shape inspired by trulli, the ancient constructions used by peasants in the Itria Valley. The hand-painted roof spire and cross invoke ancient symbols of protection.
Mystical Steel and Brass Bell
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Michael Aram’s distinctive botanical motif shines through this hand-textured stainless steel bell. Placed on a curved stand, it’s detailed in natural brass and green onyx. Keep it on a bookshelf or mantle for a touch of mystique.
Dainty Glass Bell Ornament
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You can almost hear this bell’s crystal tinkle on a frosty winter’s night. The simple mouth-blown glass piece is painted with a delicate holiday motif and topped with red ribbon, making for a pretty addition to your tree.
Stars
Hanging Paper Star Decor
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Both minimalistic and nostalgic, this paper Capella star from House Doctor is a contemporary spin on a homemade favorite. Hang the star in several sizes and colors around the room for a festive atmosphere.
Embroidered Velvet Star Ornament
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Classic holiday motifs get a global feel with Tinker Tailor. These spellbinding stars are sewn from ruby-red velvet and embellished with pearls and intricate gold embroidery.
Bohemian Rattan Advent Star Light
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Light up your holidays with this boho-themed plug-in wall light that’s been handwoven from natural rattan in the shape of a classic advent star. Combine a few stars to create a warm, intimate lighting set-up, perfect for winter evenings.
Star-Shaped Wooden Tree Stand
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Keep your Christmas tree stylish with this Nordic-inspired tree base. The wooden eight-point star creates a visually appealing pattern, while the gilt water vessel in the center adds a golden glimmer as it keeps the trunk stable.
Santa Claus
Vintage-Style Porcelain Santa
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The classic Lladro style comes through in this nostalgic, vintage-style figurine in glossy porcelain displaying Santa Claus holding up a child. This collectible darling will add holiday magic to any china cabinet or curio display.
Whimsical Glass Santa
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An adorably understated yet playful take on the classic Santa, this piece is made from clear and red glass, adding whimsy and color to any holiday decor. The design is the work of Mats Jonasson, one of Sweden’s most respected contemporary glass artists.
Nostalgic Wooden Santa
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Danish designer Kay Bojesen is famous for his imaginative and charming wooden toys that maintain their nostalgic appeal for generations. His original Santa figure with a sack and walking stick has been a familiar favorite since the 1940s, delivering holiday cheer year after year.
Elegant Metal Reindeer
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Santa’s visits wouldn’t be possible without his trusty reindeer, and this one, in textured golden metal, will add festive elegance to any interior with its slim elongated silhouette.
Stockings
Retro Embroidered Stocking
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Schumacher’s original Rolling Hills print from the 1960s preserves its rustic charm in this limited-edition holiday stocking. The cotton-linen fabric is embroidered with a bucolic landscape dotted with flora and fauna in soothing shades of green for a unique addition to your mantle.
Cozy Hand-Stitched Santa Stocking
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Inspired by skiing in the snowy Alps, this Jan Constantine Skiing Santa Christmas Stocking is hand-embroidered with a nostalgic skiing Santa motif. Edged in red blanket stitch and topped with a touchable faux fur cuff, it’s the perfect cozy touch to your fireplace setting.
Glass Bead and Velvet Stocking
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Festive and luxurious, this deep red cotton velvet stocking will shine and sparkle on your mantel. Scattered with tiny hand-embroidered sequin and glass bead bows, it’s sure to reflect the flickering light of the fireplace.
Nutcracker
Dutch Nutcracker Soldier Candles
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Ornately painted and detailed, these Nutcracker candles are almost too pretty to burn. Embodying the quirky Dutch aesthetic of Amsterdam designers &Klevering, one candle has an estimated burning time of 11 hours to keep you company on long winter nights.
Wooden Nutcracker Advent Calendar
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Two beloved holiday traditions come together in this unique wooden advent calendar from Kurt S. Adler. Created in the shape of a Nutcracker soldier, it doubles as decor with 24 drawers that can be filled with treats and presents year after year.
Stately Wooden Nutcracker Duo
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Double the festive fun with this playful pair of traditional wooden nutcrackers in shades of deep maroon, forest green, and gold, finished with faux fur details. Place the duo to flank a fireplace, bookshelf, or sideboard for an eye-catching Christmas display.
Nutcracker Clipboard Holder
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Your favorite holiday card or photograph will be guarded in splendid style on this vivid red clipboard held by a Nutcracker soldier. Crafted from solid resin and painted by hand, this Nutcracker can stand at the entrance to greet guests or display a menu card at the dinner table.
Nativity Scene
Minimalist Metal Nativity Crib
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Alessi’s signature modern aesthetic brings a minimalist interpretation to the classic nativity scene. The object features the characters, crafted in monolithic epoxy-painted steel, under a barn roof whose design is inspired by the patterns of tree bark.
Murano Glass and Gold Nativity Set
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Ten individual pieces make up this exquisite nativity set. Each figurine is made from delicate Murano glass using the lamp working technique with real pure gold leaf detail. Set the pieces up in any arrangement for an ever-changing holiday scene.
Scented Wax Nativity Scene
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The primitive style of this rustic nativity scene from Santa Maria Novella recalls the story’s modest setting. The scene is handcrafted from Natale scented wax for a decoration that infuses your space with a subtle aroma.
Artful Standing Nativity Display
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An intricately sculpted cameo-like scene on a textured backdrop captures the wonder of the first Christmas night in this Starry Night Nativity piece. Hinged doors allow you to keep the scene open or closed for a year-round display.
French Artisanal Nativity Scene
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Discover a Provençal Christmas through this hand-painted terracotta nativity scene. The piece is crafted in southeastern France using the artisanal santon technique passed down through the generations. To achieve it, plaster is molded in two halves, then fused together to create figures.
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