 | While traditionally decorated holiday trees are grand in their time-honored ways, there are alternative holiday themes to consider for décor beyond Santa Claus, reindeer, and elves—especially when it comes to the tree. Classical fairytales offer a surprising abundance of thematic items that can transform a Christmas tree with the added appeal of story, lore, and myth. The following article discusses various ways to create a fairytale-inspired Christmas tree that will combine the love of Christmas with the love of enchanted stories.
There are many ways to incorporate our favorite fairytales into Christmas tree decoration. From a unified tree depicting elements of one particular fairytale to a tree that reflects all the fairytales bursting with classic exuberance, fairytale trees are wonderful for both collectors and crafters. Ornaments can be concocted from vintage items and new ones can be purchased that already depict characters from fairytales.
The “Cinderella” fairytale offers a wealth of ideas for tree decorations. From the classical Brothers Grimm telling to the more modern Disney rendition, there are many items that can be found to reflect this timeless heroine. The crowning glory, of course, could be a happily-ever-after princess as she appears at the end of the tale. As for the rest of the tree, add lots of ornaments of glass slippers, mice, pumpkins, ornate coaches, crowns, and broomsticks.
Decorators might easily scan small illustrations to make their own ornaments. Simply copy the images onto heavy-duty cardstock, cut out, and apply several coats of lacquer. Attach a ribbon to the dried cards and attach to the tree. Be sure to include images of fairy godmothers, poor Cinderella, the wicked stepsisters, and Prince Charming. This method could also be used to depict the other fairytales as well.
The “Cinderella” theme might be modified to convey a princess theme that depicts the other fairytale princesses like Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, Rapunzel, and so forth. Little girls familiar with the Disney princesses would certainly welcome a Christmas tree filled with their favorite princesses from the films and there are lots of ornaments available of these. Plenty of pink ribbon and gold baubles could make for a resplendent showcase of fairytale princesses.
When it comes to a Christmas tree a young boy could love, consider focusing the decorations on a tale like Peter Pan. Although the tale dates to only about one hundred years ago, it is certainly a classic today. Throughout the year, collect an assortment of alligators by visiting toy stores and thrift stores alike. The idea is to create a tree right out of Neverland which means lots of youthful green. Using various sizes of green glass balls and plenty of green ribbon, decorate the Christmas tree with as many green trinkets as can be found. Intersperse these with alligators, miniature clocks, pirates, and images of Peter Pan, Captain Hook and the Darling children for a one-of-a-kind tree that will inspire imaginations.
The “Hansel and Gretel” fairytale can easily inspire an edible Christmas tree. Using strands of hardened bread formed into garland, decorate the tree along with small vintage bird ornaments. Then, add as many popcorn balls, licorice loops, gumdrop garlands, candy canes and bubblegum ornaments as can be made. A small gingerbread house might be attached in a prominent spot along with images of the children. This theme will be a memorable treat for the entire candy-loving family.
Another fine tale to consider for inspiration is Han’s Christian Anderson’s “Little Mermaid.” The sea offers a bounty of items that can be transformed into Christmas ornaments like sea shells, coral, fish, treasure chests, and more. Glass balls in shades of blue and green will add to the beautiful mix. A collection of mermaids is essential to make this tree an unsurpassed depiction of a classic story.
Allowing various fairytales to inspire your holiday décor will add magic and mystery to young children, but it can also allow adults to fall into their own magical past to relive the joy of these timeless tales. Consider images from other tales such as “The Princess and the Pea,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “Peter Pan,” “The Snow Queen,” “Rumplestiltskin,” and “Little Red Riding Hood.” Or, add some cute touches of Mother Goose characters like the dish and spoon, old woman and her shoe, or the mouse in the clock for added flair.
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