I know, I know… it’s September. But if there’s one thing I’ve learned about Christmas decorating, it’s that the good stuff starts disappearing way before you’re actually ready to decorate. So, naturally, I’ve already been looking. I started saving adorable Christmas finds, browsing new collections, and thinking about what I want our tree to look like this year. Plus, I’m making some predictions on a few things that I think are going to be everywhere this holiday season. So here’s my Christmas decor forecast for 2026:
What I’m loving
I’ve always loved Christmas trees that feel like they’ve been collected over the years rather than decorated all at once. Some of my favorite ways to achieve this include:
- Mixing old and new ornaments
- Vintage-inspired pieces
- Sentimental decorations
- Different textures and shapes
- Lots of ribbon
- A few ornaments that don’t necessarily “match”
- Pieces that actually have a story behind them
I think there’s something so much more special about a tree that feels personal to you. It doesn’t have to be perfectly coordinated – in fact, I think that’s the key to putting together the perfect tree.
What i’m predicting
I think we’re going to see less of the perfectly coordinated and “aesthetic” Christmas tree this year and more trees that feel collected, nostalgic, and completely personal. Maybe there’s a beautiful vintage ornament next to something completely random that the kids picked out. Or there’s a bow that’s a little oversized. Maybe there’s an ornament that has absolutely nothing to do with the color scheme but somehow makes the whole tree better. Christmas decorating is one of those things where I think you should have some fun. In my opinion, that’s what makes a Christmas tree beautiful and honestly makes the holiday as a whole that much more fun.
Nostalgic ornaments
I’m predicting (and hoping for) a big year for nostalgia. Think vintage-inspired glass ornaments, traditional Christmas motifs, old-fashioned shapes, and retro decorations that feel like they could have come straight from your grandmother’s collection. I also love to throw in some silvery tinsel and bright but classic colors to give that really time-honored feeling. There’s something about these pieces that instantly makes a tree feel warmer and more special. And you don’t need an entire tree of them. A handful mixed in with the decorations you already have can completely change the feel.
lots of ribbon
If you’ve ever wondered whether you can put too much ribbon on a Christmas tree, you might be asking the wrong person… I’ve always loved using ribbon in a way that feels like the main character on your tree rather than simply blending into the background. If your Christmas decor is feeling a little tired this year, adding ribbon can be one of the easiest ways to give your tree a completely different look without replacing everything you already have or breaking the bank.
- Velvet ribbon
- Plaid
- Gingham
- Satin
- Oversized bows
- Layers of different textures
a little more whimsy
Christmas is one of the few times of year when you can get away with way more playful things that might break the rules of decor. While there’s definitely beauty in all neutral and aesthetic Christmas decor, I know I’d much rather spend the holidays in a home that feels fun, unique, and whimsical. This is the season to reminisce on your best memories and enjoy that childlike wonder. In that spirit, I’m loving ornaments that don’t take themselves too seriously:
- Food
- Fruit and vegetables
- Animals
- Bows
- Colorful glass ornaments
- Tiny houses
- Anything unexpected
Say it with me: not everything on my tree needs to match! Sometimes the ornament that has absolutely nothing to do with your color palette is the one you end up loving the most. The key while shopping is to look for the ornaments that make you stop scrolling and think, “Okay, that is adorable.”
traditional christmas, with a twist
I’ll always love a classic red, white, and green Christmas, but I’m also really excited about some of the color combinations and fun pieces coming out this year, that are a great “twist on a classic”. A little more color, richer tones, vintage-inspired shades, and unexpected ornaments can make a traditional Christmas tree feel completely fresh. You don’t have to reinvent your Christmas color scheme either – because I know the idea of overhauling all of your decor sounds overwhelming and expensive. Sometimes adding a few unexpected ornaments or switching out your ribbon is enough to make the decorations you already own feel new again.
my decorating plan
Living in a small home means I only have so much room to store Christmas decor, so every year I try to get really creative with how I’m using my space, and using what I’ve got to create something that both carries our traditions, and also feels unique. However, I also treat myself to one new Christmas decor item each year (because we need to live a little!). I’ve been keeping a running list of Christmas pieces I’m loving from some of my favorite places to shop. Amazon is always a good place for those fun, affordable finds, while places like Anthropologie and Terrain are where I go when I want something a little more unique.
A few things catching my eye right now:
- Decorating the space I already have: decor can take up a lot of room so rather than adding bulky Santas that eat up floor space, I focus on the tree and then switching out my regular decor for fun Christmas pieces that already have a place to live.
- A new ornament (or two): rather than shopping for something that matches ornaments I already own, I seek out something that really catches my eye, makes me smile, and contributes to the whimsy.
- Ribbons galore: choosing a new texture, color, or style of ribbon is one of the easiest ways to make me feel like I have a whole new style to my Christmas tree without spending a ton of money or requiring more storage.
- Keeping the star: there’s something about your Christmas tree topper that transcends time and feels incredibly nostalgic to each home. I like to use the same star every year for that special touch.
- Stockings: my favorites are always simple and timeless with a touch of personality.
- Garlands: for adding greenery beyond the tree, I love adding a garland above our kitchen window and changing up the decor on that every year as a fun and unexpected tradition.
my christmas decor forecast
I love the idea of our tree looking like it’s been collected over time – some old favorites, some new finds, and a few pieces that I know will make me smile every time I pull them out of the box. And honestly, isn’t that what Christmas decorating is supposed to be about? So, if I had to sum up the Christmas forecast for 2026:
- Collected over coordinated
- Nostalgic over trendy
- Whimsical over serious
- Lots of ribbon
- A little more color
- And plenty of personality
Basically, I’m predicting a Christmas season that feels a little more personal, a little more playful, and hopefully a lot of fun to decorate for. And if you’re thinking about Christmas already, I’m right there with you… adding just one more ornament to my cart! Shop all of my Christmas decor favorites below.
