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There was an unspoken routine to decorating a tree back in the day, and everyone just knew. You started with the lights—always first, because they were bulky and hard to maneuver once anything else was on. Then came the garland, looped around carefully so it wouldn’t catch the bulbs. Next were the ornaments, each one unwrapped from its tissue paper like a tiny treasure. And last—always last—came the tinsel, one strand at a time.
The order mattered. It wasn’t just about looks; it was about ritual. Pretty sure the sequence itself was the tradition.
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Start With The Glow
If you ask me, the real magic of the Christmas tree starts the very second the lights go on. Not the ornaments, not the tree topper—it’s the lights. Back in the 1940s, that meant big, colorful bulbs that glowed like gumdrops. You could actually hear them buzz a little when they warmed up, and the whole room felt instantly cozier.
We’re so used to tiny white twinkle lights nowadays, but those old C9 bulbs had real charm. Each one was bright and colorful, and they made the whole tree come alive. You can find my favorite LED C9 lights here. They also make mini colored LED lights, so you can layer sizes (like I did, since my tree doesn’t have any colored lights).
Back in the 1940’s, people didn’t elaboratly weave the lights deep into the branches using the fancy techniques we do today. They worked much more simply—starting near the top and looping the string of bulbs around the tree in wide, even circles. The cords were thick, the sockets heavy, and every strand had to be just right before you plugged it in (because, one bad bulb and the whole string went dark and it was a HUGE bummer).
The end result wasn’t polished or perfect, but it was warm. The glow sat on the surface of the tree, bright and cheerful, and really made the tinsel sparkle later on.
A Flicker of History
Before electric lights became common, some families decorated their trees with candles—yes, actual candles—clipped carefully onto the branches with small metal holders. It was as beautiful as it was dangerous, which is probably why they were only lit for short periods, usually on Christmas Eve, while someone kept a very close eye (and a bucket of water) nearby. Still, that gentle flicker against the ornaments and tinsel must have been breathtaking.
Today, we can capture that same glow safely with battery-operated clip-on candles that look surprisingly authentic. They give off that soft, golden flickering light without the risk, bringing just a hint of old-world magic to a modern tree. I added some to my tree for the first time this year and they’ll be a regular addition from now on.
Flickering Candles
Just like the real candles people used to clip onto trees—minus the open flame. A little vintage magic, safely updated.
Stringing the Garland
Once the lights are up, it’s time for garland—the handmade kind if you’re feeling nostalgic. Popcorn and cranberry garlands were the unofficial crafts of December back then, and there’s something beautifully slow about threading them yourself. It’s repetitive, a little messy, but oddly calming.
If you’re going faux, there are some wonderfully realistic versions out there now (mine fooled everyone this year). Hang the strands loosely, letting them swoop naturally between branches. The beauty of a 1940s-style tree is that it’s not perfect. The garland should look like people made it—because they did.
Faux Popcorn Garland
Looks just like the real thing—classic, nostalgic, and mess-free. The perfect vintage touch for your tree that lasts.
The Ornaments Go On
This is when the personality starts to show. The ornaments in those days were mostly glass—round, shiny, and bold in color. Red, green, gold, and silver were the stars of the show, sometimes with a painted stripe or a little mica sparkle. Families reused them year after year, and it showed in the best way, tiny chips, faded paint, a bit of history hanging on every branch.
Many families also tucked in natural touches, like dried orange slices that added a soft amber glow when the lights hit them. It’s a simple, traditional detail that feels right at home on a vintage-style tree—and guess what? Today you can find beautifully preserved real dried oranges online (I found some great ones on Amazon that I’ll link below). They add the perfect bit of old-world warmth and color quickly and easily.
The secret? Don’t overthink the ornaments. Spread the colors around, mix small and large sizes, and hang a few deeper inside the tree to give it depth. Remember, this style isn’t about precision—it’s about warmth. Every ornament has a story, even if it’s just, “We’ve had that one forever.”
Dried Oranges
These vintage-inspired real dried orange slices bring a soft, golden touch to any traditional Christmas tree.
Pro Tip: The Best Places To Find Ornaments
- Hobby Lobby. Probably my first recommendation because they have the biggest selection, start the earliest with Christmas, and Christmas is almost always 50% off.
- Walmart. My second choice because they have large packs of solid colors that work with almost any theme or color scheme. I’ve also found some great vintage styles here.
- Target. I mean, it’s Target. There are always some great base options and some more unique vintage styles. They tend to be a little more trendy than Walmart, which is fun.
- Amazon. I’m putting sweet little Amazon last because, while they do have tons of options, it’s so hard to know what you’re buying and I end up retuning often (which is a huge hassle). I did put together a list of Amazon ornaments that I didn’t return for you, in case you need or want to shop online (you can thank me later 😉).
Step Back and Enjoy
Once the lights are glowing and the ornaments are up, it’s time to take a step back. This is the moment in every 1940s living room photo where someone’s leaning on the couch, admiring their work. The tree looks full but not fussy. The colors are bright but soft. It feels like Christmas in the truest sense—homey, handmade, and as always, full of heart.
Next time, we’ll finish the tree the traditional way—with tinsel, the shimmer that brings the whole thing to life. One strand at a time, of course. See you then!