How to decorate the Christmas tree in 2024

Christmas is many things. It’s family, food, loved ones gathered around festive tables, dodging nosy questions from aunts. It’s snow and warm coats; for some, it’s Midnight Mass. For nearly everyone, it’s glittering gift wrap torn open under the tree or by the fireplace, movies, the battle between pandoro and panettone, bingo, and toasts. It can also mean independence. If this is the first year you’re in charge of your Christmas tree, or if you’re already a seasoned pro at glittery ornaments, here are some new ideas for 2024.

When to Set Up Your Christmas Tree

Let’s start with the basics. Even though twinkling lights seem to appear earlier each year, traditionally in Italy, Christmas trees are set up on the feast of the Immaculate Conception, December 8. In Milan, it’s done a day earlier, on December 7, to celebrate Saint Ambrose. In general, it’s safe to start decorating at the beginning of December, but don’t overdo it. Say no to trees on November 15. Preserving the magic makes it a special occasion, a ritual to share with family, a partner, neighbors, or housemates. Playfully argue over who gets the honorable role of placing the star on top.

How to Decorate Your Christmas Tree Unconventionally

The traditional Christmas colors are green, white, red, silver, and gold. But did you know that decorations, garlands, ornaments, tinsel, and snowflakes now come in every color of the rainbow? If you want an unconventional and trendy tree in your living room (or wherever you decide to place it), you could opt for shades of pink, lilac, and purple, paired with white, gold, or silver. Alternatively, go for the timeless monochrome look with a green-on-green or baby blue theme. Have you ever considered that?

Unique Christmas Trees and DIY Decorations

If traditional ornaments don’t excite you, why not use different decorations? Anything with a hook can be hung on a tree, whether it’s real or artificial. Get creative with figurines, ornaments shaped like pizza slices, martini glasses, or puppies in Santa hats. Another option is food-themed decor: dry slices of orange, grapefruit, and lemon in the oven at a low temperature. String popcorn with a needle and thread to make long garlands. Brands like Kinder offer their treats in festive wrappers with adhesive hooks for hanging. This is where Christmas becomes a DIY project. Are you good with modeling clays like das or fimo? The world is your oyster, and the possibilities are endless. Are you a fashion victim? Go for coquette-style bows.

What If There’s No Tree?

Honestly, you don’t even need a tree. TikTok and Pinterest are full of ideas for creative "trees" that aren’t trees. Stacks of books arranged artfully and adorned with lights, strings of lights in different sizes, intensities, and colors, or baubles hanging from the ceiling to create the illusion of an invisible, floating tree. Traditions are wonderful, but they’re even better when we make them our own, personalizing them to reflect our tastes, passions, and lifestyles.